#DoWhatYouCant

I have always been a person who enjoys doing what others say I can't.  Way back in 1996, I applied for the NC Teaching Fellows Scholarship and when awarded this honor I could attend any NC university for free and of course all I heard was I just HAD to go to UNC- Chapel Hill.  I mean how could you let that free money be used for something less superior like NC A&T or ECU??  Of course you know which two universities moved to the top of my "pick list" ...ECU and NC A&T.
I also had UNC-Wilmington on the list because Wilmington is one of the prettiest historic towns in NC and would have beat out ECU and NC A&T except they were missing one thing...football. 😞

That is just one example of me doing me and not listening to what others say I can or can not do.  There are many others...some BIG like my decision to leave all that I had known in my community and come to TCEA and some small like "Angela, you won't get a tattoo or nose ring.  That's not what people like you do." Hahaha...now I have a nose ring and 4 tattoos and can not wait for the 5th.  The idea of doing what others think I should or shouldn't do has driven me to where I am now.

I know that I am not the only person who goes through life with a "chip on their shoulder" and a spirit of "do what you can't" in your heart.  If you are working at TCEA and are from NC, I am sure people asked you repeatedly are you sure you want to work at a charter school.  Charters are the unknown in NC and many fear the unknown.  But you, my brave colleague, decided that the unknown and "uncharted" territory of charter school is what you wanted to do and you did just that.  You did what others said you shouldn't do.  The more amazing things is that each day, you return to TCEA and do what others say you can't do.  Society says that schools are outdated and that within the next 15 years schools will not be needed.  Students will be able to go online and learn more than they ever could in one 7 hour day at school.  Teachers are antiquated and not needed.  Schools can't prepare students for the jobs that haven't even been created yet.

But we know the truth.  We do more for students than educate them and prepare them for future jobs.  We build them both emotionally, socially, and intellectually to make a positive impact on a local and larger more global scale.  We do what others can't or aren't willing to do.  We are changing students for the better and although we might not see our influence now...others will in the future.  Our students will be able to continue our work long after we are no longer here.

Below is a commercial that seriously causes me to tear up (I know I am emotional so maybe it's just me).  I love how he continues to do something others say are impossible because he can "see" it for himself.  That's what we have the opportunity to do for our students.  We can give them a glimpse of what can be instead of being the person that says "you can't".  What an awesome duty...and I know we are up to the task.  If not the people who've been told "you can't" than whom?

Enjoy your Memorial Day and I look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday!

                                                                                                                                   - Angela

Week of May 29-June 2, 2017

Monday, May 29

• Memorial Day: No School
  
• Parent Survey Closes
• Student Placement Survey Opens

Tuesday, May 30

• PLCs are cancelled. Please use this time to complete EOY Checklist
• It's A Wrap! Potluck in relaxation lounge from 11:00-12:30 PM
• EOG Pep Rally at 2 PM (please see email from Mr. Thomas for details)
• Mandatory EOG Mtg in Cafe from 3:30-4:30
• Pay Day!
• Grunden and Adams iReady

Wednesday, May 31

• EOG (Math)
• All EOY Activities for students instead of AWARDS DAY to Hill via email
• No Arts Classes
• MTSS EOY Mtg 3:30-4:30 in Cafe

Thursday, June 1

•  EOG (Reading)
• No Arts Classes

Friday, June 2

• EOG (Science-5th Grade Only)
• No Arts Classes

You Do Not Have To Be Everyone's Anchor

Have you ever heard that doctors make the worst patients?  Or that preacher's kids are the worst behaving kids to be found?  How about people that give advice are the worst at taking that same advice?

The advice I am sharing with you is something I would like all of you to take and I am going to take it as well.  You can't take care of your students if you don't take care of yourself.  You need to put on your oxygen mask first.  Dr. Candy Caine shared mindfulness with you at the beginning of the year and some of us listened and began practicing these skills from that day forward.  I, on the other hand, started strong but stopped around November and the stress has been building.  

Vivian Shih for NPR

So much that the physical affects of stress are beginning to take a toll and if this continues I am no good at school nor at home.  And I see that in some of you.  

Here are some strategies I borrowed from Scholasticthat might come in handy:

• Break down whatever you have to do into smaller tasks. If you have to tackle a beast, carve it into nibble-sized hors d'oeuvres.
   
• Think of things that make teaching fun for you - and do them!
   
• Deal openly with a colleague who has bothered or upset you before the situation festers.
   
• Try not to take things personally because often comments aren't meant to be digs.
   
• Stay in close touch with nature. Talk to classroom pets, take a class outdoors if weather and school policy permit it, open the windows at snack time, find a way to incorporate the change of seasons and nature walks into your curriculum.
   
• Make time during the school year for your hobbies. Don't wait for summer vacation.
   
• Apologize when you're wrong.
   
• Put a cartoon or photo that makes you laugh in you plan book or desk drawer and look at it when you need a boost.
   
• Take a walk during lunch, a planning period, or after school. During your walk, don't think about the things you have to do.
   
• Steer clear of the coffee pot in the faculty room. Too much caffeine can make you nervous and irritable.
   
• Keep in mind that no matter what colleagues, your principal, students, or parents think or say, you're basically a good teacher who can't please all the people all the time.
   
• Don't listen to the rumors that fly around the school.
   
• Give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing for five minutes a day — and not feel guilty about it.
   
• Just say no. Politely refuse to take on more projects than you can handle, even if a colleague, your principal, or a parent asks you to.
   
• Be grateful to have a meaningful job.

Another Strategy is to take a vacation and here is one courtesy of me. Enjoy!

Have an amazing Sunday! Take time for yourself and I'll see you tomorrow!

-Angela

Week of May 21, 2017

Monday, May 22

• iReady Testing: Lee and Griggs
• Food Drive Begins (See flyer that was in your box last week)
• PD Scheduled for Cafe at 3:30 has been cancelled

Tuesday, May 23

• iReady Testing: Russ and Pearsall
• PLC (RtI Focus)
• 8:30-9:30 5th,6th,7th
• 10-11 Kindergarten
• 12-1 1st/2nd
• 1-2 3rd/4th
• Challenge Island EOG Event 3:30-5:15 Grades 3rd-7th

Wednesday, May 24

• TCEA Buy One, Get One Free Bookfair Begins 
• Open 7:30-7:50 and 3:00-4:00
• Admin Meeting 9:00-10:00
• iReady Testing: Magan/ Hagler and DeNoble (Bowermaster)
• School Leaders Meeting at 3:30 in Cafe 

Thursday, May 25

• iReady Catch Up Day
• Dr. Holmes Visit: My former assistant superintendent will be doing walk through in some classrooms to guide leadership planning for the coming year.  Please continue teaching if we visit your space.  Let me know if you have any questions.
• Book IT EOY Reward for 2nd-5th at 2:00 in cafe (List of qualify students will be sent to you via email on 5/21/17 and a letter to their parents tomorrow)

Friday, May 26

• Field Day at Festival Park (K-3= 12:30-2:00 and 4-7= 10:00-12:00)
• Please read all emails from Mr. Thomas to be informed
• No Arts nor Elective Classes
• Boot Camp Ends!

Why We Do What We Do

I was sent a FB message earlier this week inviting me to speak at our of my former teacher's surprise retirement party, after teaching 40 years.  To say that I am honored is an understatement! This lady has been a part of my life since meeting her in a French classroom way back at Triton High School in 1995.  Now, if you know Ms. Peregoy please....PLEASE...do not tell her about this party...her sons will never forgive me. I felt like I had to use her name to make this story real. Ok, so now to the story since I have made my disclaimer.

I have always been a dreamer and a romantic (I am in recovery for the romantic part).  Anyway, where else would you find romance and dreams than in France so that is why I signed up for French in High School.  Now, you all know me.  You all know I have problems pronouncing words in English so you have to imagine the HOT MESS I was in French Class.  I could dissect sentences with the best and could comprehend what was being said but speaking it...Lord, bless!

But this lady...this lady has the patience of Job and as Evangeline (my French Class Name) struggled she smiled, encouraged and supported.  She pushed me to embrace the language and to not give up.  She did what good teachers do...she made me curious about the language and culture and I began to think I could do the impossible.  I always tell her that I was her worst student but she denies it (she also has what good teachers have...a short memory).

Ms. Brenda Peregoy was also my Journalism teacher and THAT is where I bloomed.  I have always been opinionated (can you imagine?!?) but now I could get my opinions out to the entire student body.  She pushed me to investigate and inquire.  She supported me when I went in on a group of popular kids who immaturely interrupted a presentation on diversity at one of our assemblies and the backlash for my commentary was mean.  She also told me I was beautiful when society and the 90's culture portrayed their version of beauty and I was NOT it😊

She did this for me and for thousands of students that have walked the halls of Triton High School.  I can not remember much of my French Classes but I DO remember how she made me feel.  How she still supports me and checks up on me and my family and tells me how proud she is of me on FB.  She also works alongside my husband so she's looking after him as well.

Please don't think that I am saying what we teach isn't important...it definitely is.  But the way we make our students feel can begin the process of students feeling as if they can learn what we are tecahing.  It is also what they walk away with after our time with them is done.

It took a life-threatening condition to jolt chemistry teacher Ramsey Musallam out of ten years of "pseudo-teaching" to understand the true role of the educator: to cultivate curiosity. In a fun and personal talk, Musallam gives 3 rules to spark imagination and learning, and get students excited about how the world works. Please take 6 minutes to hear from this educator about our true role as educators.  Have an amazing day and see everyone tomorrow.

Week of May 15-19, 2017

Monday, May 15

• Hill out at District MTSS Mtg 9:30-2:00
• Committee Mtg. at 3;30 in Cafe
• SIT Mtg at 3:30 (Leadership) in Cafe
• TCEA Board Mtg in Music Room at 5:15 

Tuesday, May 16

• PRESENT TO EOG BUDDIES (End IS Block 7) at 2 PM
• PLC (SST Focus)
• 8:30-9:30: 5th, 6th, 7th
• 10-11: Kindergarten
• 12-1: 1st/2nd
• 1-2: 3rd/4th

Wednesday, May 17

• Hill out at Legislature Day 7:30-3:00PM
• BT Mtg at 3:30 in Cafe' (don't forget your reflection projects)

Thursday, May 18

• Weekly Admin Mtg at 8:45
• UNCP Visit at 2:00 PM
• FEO Mtg at 3:30 PM
• Middle School Elective Night (Dance and Drama- 6:30-8:00)

Friday, May 19

• Field Day at Festival Park

Change Is A Process

A few years ago, I was introduced to W. Edwards Deming.  William Edwards Deming was an American engineer, statistician, professor, author, lecturer, and management consultant.  Our professional development was focused on management and how his work in the auto world can relate to the work principal do in schools.  After hearing some of his thoughts and discovering his work on the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) plan, I became a fan.  One of my favorite quotes by Deming is below.

That is so true.  If you can't describe what you are doing you really don't know what you're doing.  If students can not explain the why behind their answer choices then they TRULY do not know the what.  That is one of the reasons why our EOG Parent event on May 23rd, for students in 3rd-7th grades, will be focused on students teaching their parents what they have learned during Boot Camp.


Now, this quote can also relate to us as educators.  If we can't describe what we are doing in our building, then we are in the dark as well.  One process that we will be undertaking next school year is the transition from RtI to MTSS.  RtI can be described as:

"... the practice of providing effective instruction and intervention across three tiers to all students. Assessment, progress monitoring, and data-driven decision making are all components of successful RtI implementation. The hope is to reduce the number of students being referred to Special Ed and to provide research and evidence-based, high quality instruction in all tiers. "

MTSS is more comprehensive and actually encompasses RtI and more.  Here are a few details on how it differs from RtI.

• MTSS addresses academic as well as the social, emotional, and behavioral development of children from early childhood to graduation. 

• MTSS provides multiple levels of support for all learners (struggling through advanced).

• MTSS aligns resources and support for students receiving instruction AND for teachers and other support staff who are delivering the instruction.

• MTSS framework is an educational systems change paradigm continuously focused on overall school improvement that is sustainable.

• MTSS models strive to ensure that practices, policies, and programs are aligned on classroom, school, and district levels.

• MTSS benefits from continued support for teachers in delivering instruction, utilizing and developing effective curriculum, administering assessment, and using data to guide instruction. 

• MTSS requires a greater focus on collaboration between general education and special education within each school as well as between the school and the district office. 

• MTSS also includes a focus on intervention but has a stronger goal of prevention than perhaps RtI does. 

• MTSS is more likely to produce professional development that is aligned across school and district settings. 

• MTSS requires that teachers, administrators, district personnel, and student support specialists change the way that they have traditionally worked together to include a more collaborative and cohesive culture. 

You can also look at the pictures of the two processes to identify the differences between the two processes.

RtI (Response to Intervention)

MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support)

 MTSS will call on the adults in the building to look at what we do to see how it is impacting our students.  This can be painful and hard...but we can do it together.  MTSS is a process and everything does not need to be crystal clear right now. 

What does need to be clear is that what happens at TCEA needs to be a process understood for all.  By deciding to work at TCEA, you have committed to seeing education differently than most of the other educators in NC.  You believe that all students can learn through the integration of the arts with core curriculum.  This process is much harded than the other educators that plan instruction for their students.  When each of the plan, you have to know the curriculum and then think of the best art form to incorporate to reach your diverse learners and then create a plan to successfully merge the two to create one meaningful lesson.  I know this process is hard but it is what we do at TCEA. Change is a process and I know that the processes we have developed this year has moved us closer to our ultimate goal of being the school that gives all our students the education they deserve while creating an environment where we (students and staff) inquire, innovate, imagine, and inspire.

Thanks to each of you that have been a part of the process of change at TCEA!

- Angela

Week of May 7-12, 2017

Reading 3D EOY Assessments Begin

Monday, May 8

• SIT Mtg in Cafe' at 3:30 (all staff come to discuss HW from last week's blog for first 10 minutes)

Tuesday, May 9

• 3rd and 4th Grade Field Trip to Botantical Gardens
• PLCs (Review Roster Verification and EOY Check Out)
• 5th, 6th, 7th 8:30-9:30
• Kindergarten 10-11
• 1st and 2nd 12-1
• 3rd and 4th 1-2
• Support Staff 2-2:45

Wednesday, May 10

• Admin Mtg 1-2:15

Thursday, May 11

• Hill out at Spring Federal Program Update in Jacksonville 7:00-2 PM

Friday, May 12

• Hill Leaves at 2 PM (please turn in Bootcamp Assessment to my box before then)

Appreciation

This week the Nation recognizes educators for all they do for the students they work with and for the support they give to communities where they share their talents!  I hope each of you realize the LARGE impact you have on students and that your work is truly one that can make or break a society. 

We all love to feel appreciated and to know that our work has value in the eyes of others.  But one thing I have learned during my 38 years on this Earth is that many times to receive appreciation you must show appreciation.  Without our students, none of us would be working at TCEA.  We must appreciate the fact that parents trust us with their children as we "figure out" what works best at our Arts Integrated 3rd year in existence school.  What student makes your job more worthwhile and pushes you to go the extra mile? 

This week, I would like EVERY EMPLOYEE THAT READS THIS BLOG  to complete the challenge below.  We will be sharing our results at the beginning of the SIT Meeting on 5/15 (you will be dismissed at 3:40).  You do not have to video...just make sure you share with the student why you appreciate them and then note their response.

I look forward to hearing all about your experiences.

Have an amazing Sunday and see you tomorrow!- Angela

Week of May 1-5, 2017

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 

Thanks for all you do! Enjoy dress down each day this week...just remember to keep it classy!

FEO has a few surprises this week for you and you will get an email from them soon.

Monday, May 1

• Trojan and Salisbury at NCDPI Training (.5 day)
• Mandatory EOG Staff Training at 3:30- until in Cafe'; please refer to Mr. Thomas's email for more details

Tuesday, May 2

• Joe and Clough out at NCDPI Training
• PLC (focus Roster Verification)
• 5th, 6th and 7th- 8:30-9:30
• Kindergarten- 10-11
• 1st and 2nd- 12-1
• 3rd and 4th- 1-2
• Support Staff- 2-2:45

Wednesday, May 3

• Admin Mtg. 9-10:15 in Office

Thursday, May 4

• Middle School Electives Showcase - Music, Media Arts, Visual Arts at 6-8 PM

Friday, May 5

• Hill Out
• Field Trip to Botanical Gardens for 3rd and 4th Grades

What is original?

Welcome back to the real world! I hope you enjoyed your Spring Break and that you are prepared to finish the year strong.  This blog will be an easy way to threshold into the upcoming week.  Last week, I had the opportunity to visit two charter school in NC to learn more about what they do and how this plays into their success.

The first school I went to was ArtSpace in Asheville.  It is an Arts Integrated School and has been in operation since 2000 (they took one year off before accepting their first students so their official start date with kids is 2001).  The school was definitely worth the 4 hour drive.  I will tell you that after the visit I felt so much hope.  They didn't have it together in year 3 and when I shared where we are now they are amazed at the progress we have achieved over the short period time we have been in existence.  Here is the major idea I walked away with on Tuesday, April 18, 2017...we have to have a period of time, during the school day, that our Arts Team plans and collaborates with our Homeroom Teachers! I had a chance to sit in during their planning and it was AMAZING! The level of communication and collaboration was high and it was powerful!  How did it work? Each Tuesday for two hours total (an hour per grade) the AIT (Arts Integrated Team) meet. The members in the meeting were: All Arts Staff, the two classroom teachers and an EC Staff Member.  My question: Who's watching the kids? They use a plan of utilizing TAs, Volunteers, Support Staff, etc to cover classes.  The Arts Team meets each week and the classroom teachers only meet once a month.

I learned a ton more and will be sharing as we conclude the year and plan for next year!

Friday, April 21st, I went to visit The Cape Fear Center for Inquiry because they are one of the first charter schools in NC and are still showing a high level of success and functionality! I have also had a chance to borrow great ideas and organizational plans from them over the past two years.  Although they are not an Arts Integrated School, they do incorporate the arts into their inquiry based learning programs.  One of major "take aways" from CFCI is that students' emotional state is just as important as the education they receive.  The school starts every morning with class level morning meetings and the teachers model with students how to handle conflict and how to encourage and support each other.  They are a school of inquiry BUT also understand that incorporating a social emotional program into what they do is NOT another thing but the main foundation for what they do at the school.  They spend the first 3 weeks of school building community and expectations...this is not optional but a must for everyone.

So, what does this mean for TCEA? 

It means that we continue to improve and "borrow" the great ideas from others doing great work and make it work for TCEA.  I know many of us have discussed the the quote by Albert Einstein shown here.  We have to improve and move forward not because you have a school leader that enjoys change and wants to do things differently.  No, we actually have to change because our students DESERVE the best and that will involve change.

I also want to reassure you that borrowing from others is nothing new...it is seen in the business world and in the art world.  I am including two pieces that you can listen to that illustrate this fact.  One is What is Original? and last about an hour and the other is a piece of that talk and is about sampling in music by Mark Ronson.

I listened to many podcasts on my travels this week and really felt this piece went right along with my school visits.  I have missed you all and look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Angela

Week of April 24-28, 2017

Monday, April 24

• CCC Spring Break Challenge Form Due (no exceptions); Please reread directions from Ms. Grunden.  The party invites will be printed as soon as we know numbers.

From Ms. Grunden:

On Monday, April 24th, please e-mail me the list of students from your class who returned their Spring Break Reading Challenge.  We will not be taking any late submissions.  If I do not receive an email from homeroom teachers by 4:00pm Monday, April 24th, it is assumed you did not have any students participate from your classroom.

• GRADES DUE 8:00 AM - 2nd Trimester Midterm Progress Reports
• IS Planning at 3:30 in Cafe'
• SIT Mtg in Bar Area of Cafe' at 4:00
• TCEA Board Mtg at 5:15 PM in Music Room

Tuesday, April 25

• PLC (SST Focus)
• 8:30-9:30~ 5th, 6th and 7th
• 10-11~ Kindergarten
• 12-1~ 1st and 2nd
• 1-2~ 3rd and 4th
• Potluck (prepared by Arts Staff and Dr. Caine-Czerepak) in New Lounge 11-12

Wednesday, April 26

• IS Plans Due
• Admin Mtg 9-10:15
• CCC Reward Party at 2 PM: Grades 4th-7th
• School Leaders Mtg. 3:30-4:30 in Cafe

Thursday, April 27

• Trojan out at state meeting
• Hill out at Regional Charter School Leaders Mtg
• CCC Reward at 2 PM: K-3rd

Friday, April 28

• Midterm Progress Reports Go Home - 3rd Trimester
• Career Day for 4th-7th Grades 12:30-3:00 PM

Don't forget EVERYONE is required to sign up for an one hour time at our table for Dogwood unless you have talked with me about not being able to participate.  Please sign up here by Wednesday, April 26th!

Every Opportunity

I had the opportunity to attend the Character Matters Professional Development offered by NCDPI two days last week.  This professional development was focused on creating schools of character and the group attending heard from a multiple number of award winning schools of character in NC. 

 Each school shared that the starting point for positive change begins with the adults in the building.

 I took a ton of notes and began building a character plan that adopts all that we are doing at TCEA but just adding accountability and intentionality to our current initiatives.

Below are two "take aways" that I feel the need to share with you:

The second is a thought:

So, what part do you play in building the character in a school? A huge part. 

We, the adults, create the culture and climate in a building.  

Every day and every minute matters and there must be a sense of urgency in creating an environment that our students can thrive both academically and socially.  We are the constants in their ever changing world.  Take time to watch this video and see a visual example of how every opportunity we have to "pour" into a student's life is important in their development.

Also, if you have not completed the form shared in last week's blog (only 10 have) please do so today. Here is the link.

Hope you have enjoyed this fabulous weekend and I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.

Angela

Week of April 10-14, 2017

Monday, April 10

• Professional Development in the cafe at 3:30 focused on social emotional state of students at TCEA.
• Last day to turn in auction items to office

Tuesday, April 11

• Progress Monitor Red TRC/DIBELS Students 
• PLC (focus on Finishing Strong (K-2nd) and Preparations for Boot Camp (3rd-7th))
• 5th, 6th, 7th at 8:30-9:30
• Kindergarten at 10-11
• 1st & 2nd at 12-1
• 3rd & 4th at 1-2
• Support Team at 2-2:45
• IS Night K-2 at 6 PM and IS Night 3rd-7th at 7:15 (please see email from Brownlee for details and Hill's email for addendum of locations of staff members)

Wednesday, April 12

• Progress Monitor Red TRC/DIBELS Students 
• Admin Mtg at 9:30-10:15
• Beginning Teacher Mtg at 3:30 in Cafe

Thursday, April 13

• PJ Dress Down Day (staff can participate but please dress appropriately)
• FEO Meeting at 3:30
• Lesson Plans for Boot Camp and Pre Test for first week due before you leave (3rd-7th grades)

Friday, April 14

• First day of Spring Break