Stakeholder Input

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

Stakeholder Input—

Stakeholder input is always interesting to gather. Everyone wants a say and they all deserve to be given a chance to say what they feel. Sometime we don’t know how someone is feeling unless we ask and give them a chance to share, especially when it is anonymous. I remember having students reflect on their school year and having some of the most interesting comments about what they thought was the best and what was the worst. Most of the worst comment had to do with being disciplined or having to accept consequences for their actions. Being in trouble does not feel good. But the comments that they felt they were not listened to, or that they felt picked on were heartbreaking for me. I heard about a team that surveyed their students often asking how things were going throughout the year to make sure they were not missing something. They also asked parents the same questions about their students. The team always had the students complete their surveys anonymously and as a whole grade level so they got group information. This did not single out one teacher, but made it a team effort. The hardest thing for me was hearing that I was terrible and they hated the class. That only happened once in a while, but it was hard to hear. But if we dismissed the comments we do not like we are not being fair to that student. Each student has a right to their opinion. The only way we get better is to understand from those we work with what we need to change and how we can make it better. Not everyone will get what they want. We need to keep to the plan we have and be true to our personal goals,  ideals, programs, and what we know is right. But if we truly reflect on what we are doing and look at the input from those around us, we can be the best we can truly be. I appreciate your comments on my survey. It helps me see what I need to refine to do a better job.

Quote I’m pondering —

“I can’t tell you the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.” ― Ed Sheeran

What I’m watching —

Believe in Your Maths Potential – Set Yourself Free

This is my favorite Maths teacher. Jo Boaler is a leader in the math revolution going on. Not much of a revolution of math, but a revolution of learning and teaching math. Believe in your math potential.

Favorite Article This Week —

Science Says Kids Learn Better When Their Teachers Do This

What is something we can do in our classrooms that only takes five minutes each hour? Oh, and many of you do it already. That's right, read the short article.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you Dave. You seem to be in the middle of everything helping out and making sure students and parents and whoever is in the right places and getting the best experience possible. You are also the one that is first to either volunteer or be nominated, without complaining, to wear a costume, ride a bike, or do whatever is needed. Thank you for sharing your talents with the students and all of us. Thank you for all you do for our school. Thank you for your personality. Thank you for all you do for students. You make life at Dixie Sun a fun life. Thank you. 

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Especially all you did for the dance festival. All the work you put into the dances for your students. It is these activities students will be talking about for years. It has been an amazing year. The Dancing was so much fun. Thank you all for your hard work. Thank you. Have a wonderful weekend.