Director of Schools
Mrs. Sherry Terry
February/March 2008
The importance of being confident…….
“If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right!” --- Mary Kay Ash
We all know the story of “The Little Train That Could.” I’m sure each of you can remember a time when you thought a task was impossible to complete; however, through practice and perseverance, the task was completed with less effort than was originally expected. Like the victorious little train, you experienced a great feeling of elation and subsequent boost of confidence. I can do it, I know I can!!!
As educators we are continually faced with burning questions, “What can we do to bring student thinking to a higher level and increase achievement? How can we prepare our students of today for the world of tomorrow? “ Our forward thinking at RCS is exemplified with the implementation of technology initiatives begun last school year. I’m sure there are moments when your confidence with technology is at a low ebb or completely lacking. “Will I be able to operate the technology tools? How will I incorporate the use of technology into my daily instruction? Where will I draw upon the support I need to feel confident about using technology? How will improving students’ technical skills and experiences translate to higher achievement test scores?”
We know that the TN Dept. of Education is presently working to increase the rigor in our grade level curriculum objectives. One way to accomplish that is by elevating the level of thinking required to answer a test item. Another way is to move the objective to a lower grade level. More rigorous test items will likely require a student to use more logical reasoning to answer the question. Our integration of technology into instruction at RCS is non-negotiable and will become more and more “natural” as we get additional training and practice.
We all know that practice builds confidence and improves comfort level – both for teachers and students! We must and will offer teachers ongoing training in the use of technology tools and systematic support in the incorporation of those tools into lesson planning. It is critical that we have technical support available to provide immediate assistance to the teacher as needed.
We must “think outside the box” as to how a student may use technology as a tool to master blueprint objectives. Our students must and will learn how to grasp the technology tools available and use them to enhance their achievement levels and complete assigned tasks. All learning modalities are addressed and enhanced through the technology at our disposal at RCS.
To view a demonstration of how gaining and increasing confidence can make a huge difference in one’s journey through life, please checkout the websites listed below. You will need to “google” the suggested topics and then make the appropriate selection.
1. Phone Salesman Amazes Crowd (select the Phone Salesman Amazes Crowd-Paul Potts video)
After watching the video, select the video “Phone Salesman Amazes Crowd – Part 2” at the same website
2. Marc & Erin Britain’s Got Talent Finals
Open Marc & Erin – Home (may take a few moments to open)
On right side of screen, select Britain’s Got Talent Finals (2 videos are listed)
From a “lump of coal” to a “diamond,” Welshman, Paul Potts was able to achieve at such a high level only after developing enough confidence to make that first appearance. Bullied as a student, Paul withdrew for many years into the sanctuary of music and singing. We owe our students the chance to be the best they can possibly be and develop their talents to make it in the world of tomorrow. Building our students’ technical skills and experiences will help us move and guide them along that path. Let’s all join together and build the confidence of our staff that we can incorporate technology into lessons plans which will then instill in our students confidence that they can be successful in the 21st century world and workplace.
Sherry 1/22/08
December 2007/January 2008
I’ve looked up at the sign beside my office door and pondered, many times in just this one day, how much I need to remember to do just what the sign says, “Find the Wonderful in Today.” I came into the office today in a rather dejected, sad, and negative mood. I moped around for a while accomplishing very little indeed. Later as I opened emails I saw the “Elf” video sent by Kari Fields. I laughed until I cried. What a wonderful lift to my spirit! After watching the video again and inviting Karen and Tina in to laugh along with me, I suddenly had lots of energy and felt like a totally different person. That certainly demonstrates the therapeutic effect of laughter and it made me think of another quote,
“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”
--- Sir James M. Barrie, British writer
Kari was definitely my “sunshine” for today. She helped me “find the wonderful in today” and my attitude has been much improved since. Thanks, Kari. We all experience those who bring sunshine into our lives. Let us remember to take a moment to appreciate that gift and let them know.
Focus on today
As Sir William Osler said, “Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.” I think it is extremely critical in the business of educating children to know where we want to get to, our Vision, and what we are all about, our Mission; sometimes I fear though that we look ahead and forget to make the most of today. The TSIP, TCSPP, Consolidated Plan, Joint Monitoring Instrument, and the scads of other plans and reports required by federal and state governments help us focus on the big picture; however, the day-to-day positive interaction between student and teacher, the use of explicit and systematic instruction with instructional strategies and materials that are proven effective, the active engagement of students, and the focus on ”what I can do today to make a difference in the life of my students and prepare them for the future” are the things that help us to actually realize that mission and vision. I cannot overestimate your value as the teacher of your students.
…another thing Sir William Osler said, “…that the best possible way to prepare for tomorrow is to concentrate with all your intelligence, all your enthusiasm, on doing today’s work superbly today.”
I know you are working diligently to accomplish as much as possible with your students before Christmas break. It’s so important then to relax, rest, spend time with loved ones, and laugh a lot during your holiday break. That will help refresh and prepare you to return to the task at hand in January.
I wish for each of you to have the best Christmas and holiday season ever!
Sherry
October/November 2007
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success! --- Henry Ford
Kudos to ALL of You!
You have certainly demonstrated team spirit and a willingness to go above and beyond in your efforts to get this school year off and running. It amazes me to think that we are at the end of the first nine weeks grading period already. You haven’t missed a step as you have been bombarded with the usual “non-instructional interferences” to your days: new desks and chairs for seventh and eighth; computer carts and laptop deployment to sixth, seventh, and eighth; fire drills and a few extra alarms; a day-long lockdown; to name a few. I want to thank you for those efforts and tell you what a pleasure it is to work with you each day.
Let’s Celebrate Success!!
It has indeed been thrilling to watch the progress of our football team this fall. They have certainly excelled against some very tough opponents and are now in the finals of the playoffs. Congratulations coaches, players, and team supporters!
TCSPP
The Tennessee Comprehensive Systemwide Planning Process is now the only improvement plan we must submit to the State Dept. of Education. It is due in May 2008. The Leadership and Component Teams have been formed and are already working on their assigned tasks. Annually updating the TCSPP is our opportunity to bring together staff, parents, and community members as we analyze many types of data and identify strengths and challenges for RCS. It also provides a focus for our staff as we develop and implement an action plan to maintain strengths and address challenges.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
I cannot say “thank you” enough to show our appreciation for all the assistance provided to RCS by Mayor Jim Sells, the City Council, Bill Lyons, and all the city employees. Our improved sidewalks behind the gym, the additional parking on Rogers St., and haul-away of the brush and storage building junk, are just a few of the ways the City of Rogersville has helped us this school year. Our Appreciation Luncheon on Monday, October 29, is just a small way to once again say a big “Thank You”!
Welcome
I am most pleased to welcome our newest member of the Rogersville City School Board. William Phillips II, attorney with Phillips and Hale Law Firm, will participate in his first board meeting on November 5. Mr. Phillips, a former RCS student, has already expressed his enthusiasm and interest in being on our team.
I’m Not In Kansas Anymore
I wish to apologize if I have burdened you with “This is how I used to do it” or other similar remarks since I arrived in June. I have been busy trying to learn the RCS way of teaching, learning, and doing business and I must say that I’m quite impressed with seeing teachers and staff members constantly and consistently on task. I have visited most classrooms by now and I’ve enjoyed getting better acquainted with staff members and students. My main goal is to assist you in whatever your instructional needs are and to give you the support you and your students must have to achieve success.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!” --- Helen Keller
Sherry