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195 Sutton Place New Milford, NJ 07646 201-261-0939 x5000 |
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| Principal's Blog |
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October 16, 2008
It's a Thursday afternoon and I am finally almost caught up with a ton of paperwork AND at 1:15 in the afternoon, there are no discipline referrals from lunch recess (yet...knock on wood). So I've got a few minutes to add to the blog. I hope that these entries give you some insight into what we do and why we do it here at school. My topic for today came to me after I sat in on several I&RS meetings this morning. (The Intervention and Referral Services team is a regular education team that gathers to address academic, behavioral, or health concerns with interventions and a specific action plan for teachers and parents working together).
After "exiting" a number of students from our I&RS process this morning thanks to successful interventions, I want to share the good feeling that I hold right now that the professionals who work here are really, really good at what they do!!
OK, here are the honest thoughts of a school principal: I wish more people would trust that we know what we're doing! Those of us who work with your children in this field do take our jobs seriously, and we always work to do what is most appropriate for your child's education. I recognize that it is difficult to hear certain things from school. I don't look forward to returning calls from my children's principal any more than you might avoid hearing from me. (PS...I do not make calls solely for negative reasons...sometimes I am excited to pass along good news!)
I shouldn't ramble on in this blog, so here's my point: I wish every parent would give serious consideration to what our staff has to say (an in return, we promise to listen to you, too). When teachers, the guidance counselor, nurse, psychologist, learning consultant, teacher or I make a suggestion or recommendation, it is only done after careful thought and asking ourselves: "What do we need to do to appropriately help this child." We welcome your questions - that's fine - but sometimes our motives are questioned, as if we are looking to do something to actually harm a child. By no means does this happen with everyone, every time, but it does happen often enough! Anyway, it gives us a genuinely good feeling when we put forward a plan to work together with parents and we see the child make significant progress and be successful! It was one of those mornings :)
Progress reports came home this week. The most important thing that I can convey is that if you have a question, talk to your child's teacher. The staff is friendly, accessible, and committed to serving the needs of your child. An open line of communication between home and school is a key ingredient for success in school.
Looking forward to sharing my next stream on consciousness with you sometime after Halloween.
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September 26, 2008
It's FRIDAY! ...and the day after Back to School Night, too! (and our once-a-month "dress down" day for staff :) What a turn-out we had. Most teachers reported at least a 90% attendance rate and of course you know there was standing room only in the gym. Overall, I think the night went very well. I know that some people had difficulty seeing the Smartboard that displayed the PowerPoint presentation (note for next year...we'll put the board on a riser to elevate it a bit), but at least Mother Nature cooperated and the room was a comfortable 70 degrees (unlike the sauna is past years). I'd appreciate your perspective if you have any suggestions about making your Back to School Night experience better in any way.
Most of my conversations with parents were very positive. I fielded a few questions about Everyday Math, the transition from 5th grade to middle school, the traffic circle (a favorite topic) and quite a few about lunch! And a couple of people were curious about how the SmartBoard works.
One wish: More people would take the information presented by the New Milford Police Department and volunteer for their community. As Officer Herrero said, we're all busy with chauffeuring our kids to soccer, football, tae kwon do, religious school, and everywhere in between. However, I share his sentiment that it is so important to give back to the community. Your kids love to see you in this role, you're a great role model for your kids (and other parents!) and it feels good!
We got through our first rainy day start today. Very special thanks to Mr. Dsouza, Mrs. Terry and Mrs. Corrado for helping to keep the car line moving in the heavy rain. Most people get it. For those that don't read the newsletters, fliers or e-mails, hopefully they'll get it soon. Otherwise, I know a couple of moms that will be leaning on their horns in the morning! :)
One month is just about behind us and I couldn't be more pleased with the start of this school year. Special thanks to all of the teachers. Can't say this enough: We have a PHENOMENAL teaching staff at Gibbs. Autumn is here and in school that means... the book fair, Fire Prevention Week, Anti Bullying Week, Red Ribbon (Drug Abuse Awareness) Week, and Halloween, the Teacher's Convention (yes, I go) and Thanksgiving.
All the best for a great October. Look for my next newsletter coming home the week of September 29.
SD
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September 4, 2008
It is the afternoon of Day Two as I write this, and it seems most are comfortably back in their routine. Look for the first of my monthly print newsletters coming home today. I open the newsletter with my reflections on one of the greatest things about working in public education - that we get a second "New Year's Day!" Each September, a new set of faces enters each room, and as professionals, we get the chance to reflect on the past year and work to be even more effective at what we do as we work with your children.
And the greatest thing about being a principal is that I get to walk into each class and see the energy and excitement that your children have over and over again. What strikes me the most as I walk through classrooms each day is how genuinely nice the children are. I am a firm believer that while developing good work habits and getting good grades in school is important, equally important is the respect that children show to others. All of you in the Gibbs community should know that your kids show a great amount of respect toward all of the adults that work here. It makes it a pleasure to come to work each day, and it certainly helps the staff as they work so hard to address the challenges of providing a well-rounded educational experience to the 500 youngsters under our roof.
Being an elementary school principal is the greatest job in the world, but one of the toughest things about being a principal at the start of the school year is assisting those parents whose kindergartners have some separation anxiety (or visa versa!) If you are a kindergarten parent reading this, and your child is having difficulty coming into the building in the morning, please TRUST US: The BEST thing you can do to help your child is to give a quick hug and kiss, turn, and walk away without looking back. I have a kindergartner myself who did not want to come to school today. Believe me - I know how difficult it is! Before you know it, your child will be comfortable with the routine and pretty soon, they'll be moving up to middle school and the last thing in the world they want is a hug or kiss (again, trust me, I know!)
Enough ramblings for now. I hope you enjoy reading my blog. If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact my office at extension 5000.
Best wishes to the entire Gibbs School Community for a happy and successful school year.
Regards, Scott Davies |