Thanks to all who have introduced themselves on #MEMSPAchat - STARTING NOW!
Join us all with @MrDomagalski leading that way in tonight's chat.
Questions starting soon!!!
How am I impacting others with my life and my energy? How do I raise my potential by making others better? These are 2 great questions to reflect on from #BigPotential by @shawnachor ! #leadupchat#MEMSPAchat
A1: Rank 8... strength: developing relationships and restoring the reputation of our middle school after a rough year last year. Weakness.. 2 teachers have quit. #MEMSPAchat
A1: Rank - 8. The strength is my staff and families who send me their amazing students. The only hiccup was we have construction going on and on and on and on...... #MEMSPAchat
A1: I'd give it an 8! Planned to meet with every teacher 1:1 to kick off the year by the end of the 2nd week and succeeded. Weak - feeling like I'm still missing a couple of our people. Can't make everyone happy.
#MEMSPAchat
A1: 10! I felt like we were a united team. We just started a few people down which made it a little difficult, but everyone pitched in to make it a great start for students. I value my team at #PowerUpMMS. I am so lucky to serve, learn, and lead with them. #MEMSPAchat
A1: šÆ This was the best start in my career because I work for a group of teachers who shifted the focus of our culture to connecting through SEL! Our CREW has been inspiring! #MEMSPAchat
A1: Iād give mine a solid 7. Made the switch from Elementary to Middle School this year, and itās definitely been a process (but also a lot of fun) Strength: Building relationships. Weakness: Getting to know new curriculum/building/137 students as opposed to 26. #MEMSPAchat
A1: 8.76
Amazing start! Filled some need parapro positions w/ some top-notch educators, our Ts are pushing themselves for their Ss, we've found balance w/ 943 students, and hired a quality leader in @MrNumms
Growing...trust/team/consistency w/ new leader on team.
#MEMSPAchat
A1: gotta be a 9. Teachers have space to collaborate and innovate. Not a 10 though because as Roy McAvoy would say, āPerection is Unattainable!ā #MEMSPAchathttps://t.co/jnkPbNnJRa
I think that embedding SEL experiences in a class seems to help Ss appreciate the content more as well. I am excited to see that in my math classes. #Memspachat
A1: 8 out of 10 Strengths: Building relationships and having fun with the staff from the start with Goosechase, a woot woot cart, coffee to order, positive notes and laughter. Having fun with the S's and loving the STAR Family Groups. #MEMSPAchat
A1: Rank-8; We have had a great start as a staff implementing some new strategies to increase productive collaboration, student engagement strategies, and many new building initiatives Weakness is just never enough time to fit it all in!#MEMSPAchat
A1: Weakness - not having new testing tools up and running until after school started. Trying to learn multiple new things and feeling like we are a bit behind the eight ball with getting our interventions up and running. #wegotthis#MEMSPAchat
A1: 8.5
Great start. Hired some great staff members, excited to see new building leaders step up, watching my amazing new AP @tcklcollins rock out her new position... still working on letting work stay at work
#MEMSPAchat
A1: I'm thrilled to be back for year 2 so I feel GREAT about that :) Starting in implement new ideas and I learn something everyday. I'm continue to grow WITH my staff and Ss. I'll rank a 6-7 as I'm still uncertain at times and that can be challenging... #MEMSPAchat
A1: A great start to the school year at an 8 w/ great relationship building with students and co-workers. Would like to continue helping our other buildings become more comfortable with Schoology, have had some hiccups #MEMSPAchat
A1: sorry a little late to the party. 8 my favorite part was an online read aloud the night before school and weakness was getting to know a brand new building and district. Iām getting there now. #memspachat
A2: I was hired into my position a little later than when I wanted. Wish I wouldāve had the chance to have a meet and greet night where families and Ss couldāve came in and met me so I could connect with each. Now playing catch up as the year is already rolling. #MEMSPAchat
A2: I usually get into the 6th grade health classes to reintroduce myself to students and let them know they can see me as a trusted adult. With the busy start, that didn't happen. #MEMSPAchat
A2: I wish I would have been a bit more proactive connecting gen ed staff w/ our most impacted learners so they would have had a head start with them in September. #MEMSPAchat
A2: I wish I could have hosted a leadership summit in Grand Rapids with @dougammeraal, @MrDomagalski, and other influential leaders. Going to pull it off next year! #WeLeadMI#memspachat
A2: I made the jump from El teacher to MS teacher with 3 weeks left before school started. Would have been great to have a little more time to familiarize, but sometimes you jump first and learn how to build your wings on the way down š #MEMSPAchat
I would have loved to have spent most of the summer laying the groundwork with a content team so that we could just focus on the Ss when school started, but that's not likely to happen. Most ppl like breaks. #memspachat
A2: I'm not sure...we had a wonderful start! We have navigated some challenges early but have sailed to more steady seas. I wish I was able to get into more classrooms in the first 4-6 weeks. I wish I would have pushed for another FTE; we are at our MAX.
#MEMSPAchat
A2: Wish we would have continued with the opening day grades 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 Town Halls led by @APJHill and me. Missed that due to the new half day first day. Have one set for next week though. #MEMSPAchat
Q2: As the Summer Admin I always tweeted the great things teachers/students were doing in their summer enrichment classes. Now that I'm back in the classroom during the school year I need to remember to do the same for my own classes! #MEMSPAchat
A2) Hi, Lalena from Downriver jumping in late (teacher leader)- I wish I would have complied a list of systems we have established, bulleted by themes, so I could have presented them to our new Ed Leader, day 1. Nearly half our instructional staff is a new hire. #MEMSPAchat
Carmen, principal at GLMS checking in late from the road. A1: 10. Strength - building culture/climate. Weakness - still having a support staff role unfilled #memspachat
A1: I would say an 8. Getting some much requested SEL/Trauma resources to schools and so excited to see schools embracing SEL. Weak: Need to find more time to support my Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds staff. #MEMSPAchat
A2: I wish I could have been in classrooms more. I caught myself being task oriented at times. I want to be a visible leader, accessible and approachable. I want to stay out of the office and in classrooms!! #MEMSPAchat
A3: First and foremost is focus on social domain, creating a safe environment to learn and take risks. Second set clear and high expectations collaboratively. Next baseline data and goals for the year. #MEMSPAchat
Love it @SSpickard - What kind of baseline data do you discuss with your staff? NWEA, STAR 360, iReady, Reading, AMth goals, etc...??? #MEMSPAchat
Anyone?
A3: Meet w/ me, student baseline assessments, SLO's, plan for community meetings, next up observations, and foundational skills progress meetings. :) #MEMSPAchat
A3) While Iām not an Admin yet, I have been keeping tabs on how our admins have been operating, and they have been incredibly proactive already this year. Not only with evals, but with drills, assemblies, problem solving teams, and other types of meetings. #MEMSPAchat
A3: We have been in session for going on two months. I utilize Google Drive to share my calendar of upcoming events, weekly one on one times, grade level meetings, etc. my Ts have a clear understanding of what the month/trimester look like. #MEMSPAchat
A3: No offense @MrDomagalski but all the examples given didnāt mention kids and relationships. I didnāt create timelines for things that did not involve connections with kids and teachers. If I am judged as a leader, building relationships is a deadline I wonāt miss #memspachat
I've been working at developing methods of assessing progress in ways that are useful for math teachers and meet the needs of admin in time-efficient ways. #memspachat
A3: F&P by Oct. 19, MAP by Oct 5, 1st formal observation before Dec. 1. At least 1 learning walk for each staff, meet with each grade level team monthly, setting grade level reading goals, Ss setting individual reading and math goals in Sept/Oct, rockin Fridays #MEMSPAchat
A3: Too many...FOCUS on connecting w/ kids and staff the best I can...all observation dates set and entered in calendar, Admin in classrooms 5-7x so far for each T, FOCUS team meeting in, first CTT, QPDs set for year, and working on Makers Day 4.0!
#MEMSPAchat
A3: Yearly assessment schedule was sent at the start of the year. BOY data is in and we are rolling with our intervention. Establishing a positive classroom culture was most important at the beginning of the year. #MEMSPAchat
A3 Time table in a Google Spreadsheet with SI process and our TLIM and Culture Pieces is our go to for keeping us on pace and organized with initiatives. We have found this helpful. #MEMSPAchat
A2: I wish I would have anticipated districts' needs better so I could have spent the summer planning and getting resources ready. Finding balance is a challenge. #MEMSPAchat
It is so important to have required assessments planned before the students arrive so we aren't throwing things together at the last minute in order to check a box. #memspachat
A3) BC this Q doesnāt apply to me I will answer it differently. Would love a nice conversation about my professional goals and a plan of how I might receive support. Also, feedback on instruction would be great, my strengths and areas to raise me too. #MEMSPAchat
A4: We started with Social Thinking Curriculum for small pop of identified Ss last year. This year trying to introduce common lang. to all Ss (green/red choices, group plan, body in the group, & more). Grade levels are "teaching" all @ Community Meetings. #MEMSPAchat
A4: Iām focused on this with my weekly grade level meetings. It is so important that our Ts know how to connect with Ss needs. I plan on doing this through article reading and group discussions. #MEMSPAchat
A4: This is something we talk about at each staff meeting and in our daily conversations. Every day we check in with students to make sure they are emotionally ready to learn, especially those we know need that extra bit. #MEMSPAchat
A4: I am so lucky that I have a great staff who leads and supports PBIS and works in SEL with our students. We also meeting every other week to discuss all needs of students, including SEL. This year our 6th grade team is adding a piece of this to enrichment. #MEMSPAchat
Learning about CREW from students (Connect, Respect, Empathize, Work) to positively impact social-emotional learning; the presentation at the BOE mtg. #NorthernHillsMiddleSchool#HuskyPride
A4: We began discussing Mindfulness last year. This year we have PD for each grade level around Trauma, learning & growing together. In Jan/Feb, we'll have a speaker coming in to share/challenge, & then continue learning w/ connection w/ trauma & Mindfulness.
#MEMSPAchat#need
A4: Our school has adopted an SEL program, and weāve had many opportunities to discuss things that are working/not working. Weāve set aside time during staff meetings, MTSS meetings, Problem Solving Team meetings, etc. Been trying to fit it in as much as possible #MEMSPAchat
A4: Discussed needs and how to support our S's. Starting small and will grow. Family grps w/ all hands on deck to learn SEL and 7 Habits. A new specials class devoted to T'ing SEL. All S's attend once per week. Excited to see the difference those two changes make. #MEMSPAchat
Q4: SEL is embedded in virtually all conversations whether talking with adults or students. I also try to use my blog as a conversation starter https://t.co/KwWGRP4toE#MEMSPAchat
We all know those assessments will be coming, but there never seems to be enough time at the front of the school year to think them through as a team. #MEMSPAchat
I think it's all in the way you look at that one @davidsimpson512 . Relationships is everything we do and in how we act each day. I guess, I don't think of scheduling that because it is ALWAYS present. š#MEMSPAchat
In reply to
@davidsimpson512, @MrDomagalski, @davidsimpson512
A4: We will begin teaching the 7 Habits @GardensSchool in Nov. I am over the moon to bring these skills to our Ss. Staff are great at building relationships already, I'm excited to watch it only get better!!! #MEMSPAchat
A4: I forgot to add that we have Anchor Rooms. Times when we mix our students up into varied grade level groups of 16-17 students to work on our PBIS goals and common language. These are every 3 weeks. #MEMSPAchat
Q5: How do you plan on addressing your School Improvement Plan before the end of the October? Have you? In what ways do you address this with staff moving forward? #MEMSPAchat
a4 We piloted an inquiry-based math program and have discovered the SEL potential within assigned roles. Maximizing those opportunities has become a topic in our PLC. #memspachat
A4: As an aspiring admin I think a key to this is greeting students at the door. Besides articles and training, being attentive and aware of students well being is easily seen by how they respond to you at the door..a quick assessment! #MEMSPAchat
A5: We have engaged our staff in implantation processes. We have sought feedback, made action plans, asked for modification recommendations, and then we share key components weekly in our weekly newsletters. #MEMSPAchat
Q5: How do you plan on addressing your School Improvement Plan before the end of the October? Have you? In what ways do you address this with staff moving forward? #MEMSPAchat
A4) we have had eye opening PD around poverty & the brain. We are learning more about our population and building resources to help our kids. The awareness is there and thatās a great starting point. #MEMSPAchat
A5: I manage most of the SI plan (compliance piece) free teachers to do the work that really focuses on student learning. My Nov. check-in with grade level around foundational skills is a part of this planning & process. #MEMSPAchat
Q5: How do you plan on addressing your School Improvement Plan before the end of the October? Have you? In what ways do you address this with staff moving forward? #MEMSPAchat
A4 We started our year talking about our own work-life balance and our newly formed LEAD Behavior team is taking on sharing out ways to reach the needs of these Ss. Psych and Specialist shared presentation on Ss dealing with trauma at staff meeting #MEMSPAchat
Q5: How do you plan on addressing your School Improvement Plan before the end of the October? Have you? In what ways do you address this with staff moving forward? #MEMSPAchat
A5: Looked at data w/ staff yesterday to look for strengths and weaknesses. Creating goals and looking into strategies to help achieve our reading SI goals. Staff embracing the ESA Lit Consultant's support. #MEMSPAchat
Q5: How do you plan on addressing your School Improvement Plan before the end of the October? Have you? In what ways do you address this with staff moving forward? #MEMSPAchat
A5: I would approach it systematically and with a team. Gathering and analyzing data to identify and prioritize specific needs. Shared decision making fosters buy-in, which is truly the key to change and improvement. #MEMSPAchat
A5: The teaching and learning experiences we provide daily should be a direct result of the school improvement plan. If what weāre doing is different than the plan, then we either change our plan or change what weāre doing, whateverās best for students. #MEMSPAchat
A5: Our SIP is much more authentic this year and we focused on an affective piece. Allows us to lead with SEL. Involved all staff in feedback and again shared our this fall #memspachat
Oh yes, we spend some time planning in the summer and trying to enjoy our down time. Then fall hits and we ask ourselves --why didn't I do more of ______(fill in blank) in the summer?!š #MEMSPAchat
We are fortunate to have monthly PLC Pd where our focus is always on SIP goals and strategies but we do it in a way where staff is motivated and not functioning under compliance.#memspachat
Q5: How do you plan on addressing your School Improvement Plan before the end of the October? Have you? In what ways do you address this with staff moving forward? #MEMSPAchat
A5: Our SIP is much more authentic this year and we focused on an affective piece. Allows us to lead with SEL. Involved all staff in feedback and again shared our this fall #memspachat
Q5: just met with State and Federal Program folks today, headed to Lansing tomorrow for the SI pre-conference and finalized plans for this year's DISTRICT continuous improvement process. #MEMSPAchat
A5: We hold ourselves accountable with progress and highlighted strategies in weekly updates and monthly PLC meetings addressing individual grades connected to the plan #memspachat
A5: The team has met & prepared a presentation for the BOE already. We met regularly to plan for our internal review & work toward goals, review all data, including stakeholder perception surveys. #MEMSPAchat You can learn about internal reviews at our #MEMSPA18 pres. #MEMSPAchat
Q5: How do you plan on addressing your School Improvement Plan before the end of the October? Have you? In what ways do you address this with staff moving forward? #MEMSPAchat
A6: We have NGSS science with StemScopes curriculum. Science is not my stronghold, so I am focused on this and learning the various aspects of it to help grow my Ts and Ss. #MEMSPAchat
Just got home from conferences...story time for the boy and back to preparing for tomorrowās PD to set our mission, vision, and collective commitments for the future. #MEMSPAchat
A5: Shared buy in from school improvement chairs and goal chairs. Each goal chair shares out with staff at each staff meeting and they share out information parent newsletters. School Chairs are checking out PLC notes and have been training staff during PD.
#MEMSPAchat
A6: I am most hands on with reading this year. We have fully implemented the Lucy Calkins Units and all our coaching and PD is centered around reading. #MEMSPAchat
A5) we are looking at our timeline for Aug & Sept and making adjustments for pieces of the plan that were not updated (ops) & we are going to build out our SI calendar. The staff received a copy of the plan this week and our team has been put in place by Ed Leader #MEMSPAchat
A4: We circle back to Maslow & how everything is put on hold until basic needs are met. Building Ss skills around problem solving, stress management, how to be a good friend, communication, ID'ing feelings etc helps them be better learners. #MEMSPAchat#MichiganModel#MISHCA
a6 I am studying the effects of inquiry-based learning with quantitative & qualitative data. Hopefully this will empower more Ts to embrace it #memspachat
A6: Reading because it is one of the main focuses for our school. Trying Lexia Reading. State Assessments will also consume me because I am the new District Assessment Coordinator. I have lots to learn!! #MEMSPAchat
A5: I'd like to make it real for teachers. Allow time to understand the goals and ask Q's, have a true understanding of our goals and vision. #MEMSPAchat
Love being an instructional leader with PBL and Cultures of Thinking! Did something brand new and developed a four part 1/2 day PD series! So pumped! #memspachat
A6: @megancoonan is rocking out MiStar and Eureka math and math recovery, @sisdphelps is the Literacy Queen, @AmyWassmann is just a tad bit busy with Michigan Model, and I am working on 6-12 Disciplinary Essentials!!! #MEMSPAchat
#memspachat A6 We are piloting "Illustrative Math in grades 6-8, and the district has adopted a new science curriculum. I am hoping to spend lots of time with both.
Q7: What is one upcoming event or initiative that makes you a bit nervous, and what could be one way you could plan to overcome this so it will be a success for your staff and students? #MEMSPAchat
A6: As a chem teacher and the Science PLC leader at my school we need to continue to integrate NGSS practices into the curriculum at all levels and help our MS Science align with the HS needs is my focus. #MEMSPAchat
A6: Been pretty hands on in the past. Im moving to a more supportive role. Excited to give teacher leaders the opportunity to step up and #MiLead#MEMSPAchat
We've all got something upcoming that we're nervous or wondering about... Be honest and help each other. Gotta have HIGH HOPES: https://t.co/I2liYerDTY#MEMSPAchat
Q7: What is one upcoming event or initiative that makes you a bit nervous, and what could be one way you could plan to overcome this so it will be a success for your staff and students? #MEMSPAchat
A7: chairing the 6-12 Disciplinary Literacy Essentials work for the state....a little nerve wrecking...but the key will be collaboration and communication. #MEMSPAchat
I have been working to embed STEM in algebra & got a Boeing grant to do that, but it doesn't seem like the ed community is ready for that yet. #memspachat
A7: We currently are on fall break but we have interim common assessments beginning next week. It is nerve wracking, but I am setting incentives with Ss and communicating data to Ss and Ts. #MEMSPAchat
We've all got something upcoming that we're nervous or wondering about... Be honest and help each other. Gotta have HIGH HOPES: https://t.co/I2liYerDTY#MEMSPAchat
Q7: What is one upcoming event or initiative that makes you a bit nervous, and what could be one way you could plan to overcome this so it will be a success for your staff and students? #MEMSPAchat
A7: improve discipline/behavior system so referrals decrease. Plan to get more staff input across building, embed the work in focus group structure, and encourage incorporation of positive discipline #memspachat
Q7: What is one upcoming event or initiative that makes you a bit nervous, and what could be one way you could plan to overcome this so it will be a success for your staff and students? #MEMSPAchat
A7: There is a big push in our district right now for problem-based learning and competency-based learning. I wouldnāt say Iām nervous, but I would say Iām intrigued to see how it all plays out. #MEMSPAchat
A7: New reading support--excited to have it, but nervous about adding it to a new program we just got. Hoping PD and proven success with it will motivate and affirm the use. #MEMSPAchat
All 8/8 pilot teachers saw the benefits in Algebra I. Engagement soars in HS. I do get complaints sometimes from Ss who think so hard their heads hurt. #memspachat
A7: The new elementary we are building is connected to my building. In essence we will be one larger community of two schools. We have a team of committed teacher leaders helping with the transition and planning Couldn't do it without my partner @ryanbruderk2#MEMSPAchat
It's why we need to push the envelope! Congrats of the Boeing grant. Business and community involvement might be helpful in pushing the ed community forward. Kids need to see how their learning is relevant. #MEMSPAchat
A7: We are piloting a new process for PTCs. Trying to find a balance with tradition, current communication, impact, and relevance. #seehowitgoes
Communicate. Plan. Prepare. Repeat (often).
#MEMSPAchat
Q7: What is one upcoming event or initiative that makes you a bit nervous, and what could be one way you could plan to overcome this so it will be a success for your staff and students? #MEMSPAchat
Q8: CHALLENGE QUESTION: Tomorrow morning, write out at least 5 HANDWRITTEN notes to staff members thanking them for something specific they did to contribute thus far this school year! Who is game? #MEMSPAchat
A7: I always get a little nervous with @MEMSPA Lobby Day. But this year, @AllysonApsey and I will be creating a Legislative Update video to help Principals want to come to share how #WeLeadMI Stayed tuned! Our voices need to be heard in Lansing!
We spent all last year focusing on CERs (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) across all subjects. Impact and consistency has been amazing. @msms_sailors We hope to move to "next level" this year with Ss.
#MEMSPAchat
Q8: CHALLENGE QUESTION: Tomorrow morning, write out at least 5 HANDWRITTEN notes to staff members thanking them for something specific they did to contribute thus far this school year! Who is game? #MEMSPAchat
#MEMSPAchat CHALLENGE IS BELOW (Question 8)... Who's in?
Go out there and continue to make a difference in the loves of our teachers, students, staff, and communities! #WeLeadMI
Q8: CHALLENGE QUESTION: Tomorrow morning, write out at least 5 HANDWRITTEN notes to staff members thanking them for something specific they did to contribute thus far this school year! Who is game? #MEMSPAchat
A7:We are trying to implement a D.O.G.S. ( Dudes of great students) soon. Itās exciting but working on some of the logistics can create some anxious feelings but I have a great team working on this!#mortonchat#MEMSPAchat
A8: Before we left for break, we had PTC. I went through and wrote my team notes and posted them to their doors before anyone got in. I love this challenge! #MEMSPAchat
A6) my ed lead is having us begin S.L.O.T. (Sustained learning over time) focusing on learning targets on a subject area the Ss need more development with based on NWEA class breakdown. My primary focus is utilizing FA daily. #MEMSPAchat
Lol Do I get credit for the 3 that I wrote out at the start of the week?
I have a teacher leader Jesse Szatkowski who asked staff to do write out a Cardinal Card and give it to each other this week #MEMSPAchat
Q8: CHALLENGE QUESTION: Tomorrow morning, write out at least 5 HANDWRITTEN notes to staff members thanking them for something specific they did to contribute thus far this school year! Who is game? #MEMSPAchat
A7: weāve revamped the way our third through eighth graders connect with each other with teachers across grade levels with the purpose of making it more authentic and curriculums aligned-let teachers collaborate and lead #MEMSPAchat
A7: Piloting a new teacher mentoring program. Trying to make it meaningful and supportive and not overwhelmingoverwhelming or extra work. I'm asking for their continuous feedback and ideas for upcoming meetings. #MEMSPAchat
A5 Every year we take our SI Plan and create a "one page plan" -- that simplifies the goals and big rock strategies. It is referenced all year. This year I am excited we cut it to 3Goals and 3 Teams. #MEMSPAchat
Thanks @MrDomagalski and #MEMSPAChat for an amazing chat! Great to make some new connections. If we havenāt connected, letās! Have a great Friday everyone! #MEMSPAchat
Quote me... Connecting and Collaborating TOGETHER is essential! Stay Balanced, Stay Focused, Stay Together!
What Now...?? Nothing else except to continue to LEAD #WeLeadMI through each other and #MEMSPAchat
Thank you @MrDomagalski and the rest of our educational leaders for a wonderful night! #MEMSPAchat#WeLeadMI
Michigan Principals, and staff leading the way!
A7: An initiative I want to start working on is incorporating SEL in all subjects and not just have it be a stand alone program. It will stretch this social worker's learning so I'm anxious AND excited. #MEMSPAchat
Q8: CHALLENGE QUESTION: Tomorrow morning, write out at least 5 HANDWRITTEN notes to staff members thanking them for something specific they did to contribute thus far this school year! Who is game? #MEMSPAchat
Q8: CHALLENGE QUESTION: Tomorrow morning, write out at least 5 HANDWRITTEN notes to staff members thanking them for something specific they did to contribute thus far this school year! Who is game? #MEMSPAchat
