Technology's guiding Principals

PLTW survey

2011-11-10T11:26:00.001-08:00

2011-11-03T12:38:00.001-07:00

Rolling out the Blueprint for Iowa

2011-10-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Jason Glass, State Director of Education in Iowa, did not disappoint in creating "One Unshakable Vision - World-class Schools for Iowa" released yesterday, Oct. 3rd 2011. The much-anticipated document, outlined in a concise 16 page PDF file, is destined to face scrutiny and debate from all sides. At least I HOPE we can debate, discuss, contemplate and rebut the ideas presented.

Education is a big political issue, and if you are into the politics and the strategies of today, you know they are divisive and becoming more polarizing. Sound bites and advertisements are now black and white, either you're for us or against us. So when you push things to be black and white and eliminate the gray, there is no room for discussion or thought.

The blueprint will be categorized and characterized by the majority of Iowans without even reading or considering what is on it's pages. Newspaper headlines are reading "Branstad Education plan could be costly, some warn." - Omaha World-Herald. The article talks on the surface about how many teachers they would have to hire to provide time for Mentor and Master Teachers that will work with the rest of the staff. They quote one administrator as saying they'll have to add 10 staff.

Freeing up time for teachers to collaborate and work with other teachers will necessitate additional personal. But it's not as simple as taking all those quarters and halves and adding them together to make up their time. (Mentor teachers will spend 25% of their time and Master 50%) But we want to equate it in simple terms, we want to dismiss or accept without much thought.

In terms of adding staff I was able to look at our staff of 20 teachers and discovered I could get by with adding one full time teacher in English to accomplish the blueprint's goals. That's not considering we were contemplating adding a 1/2 time English teacher next year.

I challenge all Iowans to resist the temptation to put things in simple, politically charged, packets and sound bites but to instead work through to a solution. Whether in the end it's 90% of what's in the blueprint or 10%, let's find answers and not sound bites. Let's talk to each other, not at each other or down to each other. Arguing is good if you have a viable alternative or direction to fight for, not an interest-pushed agenda.

I would suggest having county-wide implementation teams of Superintendents, Principals, Board Members and Legislators working on feasibility, not in terms of is it possible? But more like MAKE it possible. Maybe even reach out to nearby districts to share resources in and out of the county.

My fear is that we never get the chance to work on this at the building level. There are "town-hall" meetings scheduled, which were held last spring and did a lot to craft the blueprint. I believe we're past that format and need to move to groups that directly are affected by the legislation to demonstrate what could work and find alternatives to what needs re-worked.

I challenge everyone to read, think and above all act. Whether it's attending a meeting, writing a legislator, working in your building to see what could work and taking the ideas and applying them in ways you can right now.

In that way the spirit of the document could gain traction even before hitting the state house floor.

Iowa "Did You Know?" - a must see

2011-08-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

Courageous Leadership

2011-08-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

"Courageous Leadership" was the theme to this year's School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) conference held August 3 & 4. The thoughts swirling in my head on the ride home Thursday had me scrap two days of writing about teaching digital natives how to navigate their own continent. It is clear the theme, also echoed at the Iowa Education Summit just over a week ago, is exactly the call to arms EVERY administrator and educator in this state needs to heed.

Dr. Jason Glass, the Director of the Iowa Department of Education (IDE), stated two things we all could agree on - We could do a better job of educating our students; and we wanted to have the best possible educational system (one that ranks ahead of other states and countries). His third point of agreement was we needed to develop better assessments to measure our educational success. Talk about courageous leadership especially saying that after Governor Terry Branstad had just referenced low-order tests that countries in the world have been out performing us on over the past years.

We have to take the lead in agreeing on Dr. Glass's first two points and formulating everything we do RIGHT NOW with them in mind. Then we address the third as we have to find, work, scratch, claw, beg, borrow and steal (well, maybe not steal) the resources, time and energy to develop those assessments. Assessments that don't exist, nor are being developed. We have to act now, and not send trainers to be trained, forming committees or visiting schools. We need to make "Type II" errors that could result it a messy result, but one that is made due to action, not inaction.

September the IDE will be releasing a list of priorities that will most certainly push districts to lead courageously in finding ways to accomplish these priorities. It will take both working with the IDE and constructively questioning ourselves and not become defensive, only seeing the hot-button broad categorizations (like 'merit pay') and comprehend exactly what is being asked of us. Dr. Glass admitted the the IDE has been an impediment to real change and has been working to get out of school's way, constructive self-reflection.

We will also have to push back where push back is due. My courageous act will be stop short of cooperating if funding trends continue the way they have the last few years. Don't give me an example of a state that is doing things a particular way (Massachusetts) and not address the issue that their funding level per student is significantly higher than Iowa's.

As Dr. Douglas Reeves pointed out, we (public education) are a revenue source for the State of Iowa, not an expenditure. Every student we graduate adds revenue to the state and those who drop out cost 2.1 billion for EACH class (per year). Thankfully CAM High School rarely has a drop out, but we can work harder to prepare our students for the high paying job demand that exists in our state, and not lower expectations. It takes courageous leadership from the parents and faculty to set high expectations and then work hard to help students achieve and meet those expectations.

Changing how we teach in the classroom, and utilizing the technology to bring higher order activities in an engaging format, is the direction any instructional initiative needs to be moving towards. The Iowa Core five characteristics of effective instruction should be a springboard for all schools should use to measure their classroom practices. They WILL be a primary discussion point this year at CAM High School, and not just one of those things that will go away as soon as "Implementation" of the core moves forward.

Matt Carver, the SAI Legal Analyst put the call out to all administrators to keep their legislators informed about the programs that are vital to schools. Recent cuts to the Area Education Agencies (AEA) and the administrator mentor program illustrate how the desire to trim budgets often cut vital programs that are just a few drops in the bucket in state spending. For the second straight year millions cut from AEAs mean their services, that are very vital to all schools to meet state mandates, are reduced and students are the ones that suffer. Mentoring is a universally agreed best practice model to improving administrative effectiveness (something the Governor said is a must that we have better Principals in schools), yet it's funding was cut and sent like trimmings to the state house scrap floor. Oh, and it's still a mandate that we take the time to participate in the program AND we will continue it as we know it's value. It's time as courageous leaders to stand up and to counter the venomous and ill-informed political viewpoints held by to many of our elected officials.

We need to stand up and fight for students by championing innovation, higher order instructional practices, fair and meaningful assessments, and most importantly each other. If we do that, then we will see achievement levels rise, and not because of any piece of legislative action or political rhetoric.

It will happen through the courageous leadership of our educators.

Which way? Reflections on #i11i and choosing a path to follow

2011-04-22T05:50:00.000-07:00

The 2nd annual Iowa 1to1 Institute was held last Wednesday, and while those of us who roam the world of twitter know it by it's "hashtag" #i11i we are the minority of who understand this concept. I challenge that we are the minority in education who share the true passion and true belief that we can change education by fearlessly choosing a path to venture forward upon.

It's not that the vast majority of educators are void of passion, or passionless. They are searching, questioning, doubting or taking baby steps forward. They want answers and promises, guarantees and a safety net. They want a formula, concrete reason or a flow chart to show the path to educational prosperity for their students and to show their patrons.

Guess what? Those things do not exist, not at this time and not in this disruptive place. So at #illi many educators went from session to session with the look of bewilderment, the look of astonishment from the enormity of trying to organize all of this vast ocean of possibilities. They are looking for a clear path, but what they encountered was a sign post much like the one located in the middle of the compound on TVs hit series M*A*S*H.

Erase the cities on each board and replace them with things such as 24/7 access, Collaboration, Skype, Digital Footprint, Google, Interest driven Learning, PLNs, eCurriculum, Twitter, MOODLE, Web2.0, iPads, APS, mobile device tools and on and on.

It is easy to become stuck, staring at the signs wondering which path to take. I've seen this in the eyes of my Web2.0 students, when given the freedom to take any path, they often choose taking no path at all. I've seen it in the eyes of my staff as I've proclaimed, "Try anything! Be bold! Don't be afraid to fail!" Too, too often they're left standing in disbelief at the options presented before them, the enormity of the possibilities. The opposite occurs as the freedom can have a paralyzing effect. We are safe where we are standing.

My students sat on a panel representing a class of seniors that have had computers since they were sophomores. (Video) (PanelHighlights) In preparation we talked about our audience - my estimates put the new, first year or considering 1 to 1 at 60-70%. Conversations and observations about #i11i tell me I vastly underestimated that figure and it was more like 80-90%. Coming to #i11i is safe, it's getting information, reporting back, gathering data. They are paralyzed studying the options, trying to chart the guaranteed path.

CAM High School is lucky that we have chosen paths, are traveling on some and tried others. Administrators and teachers from districts still riding the fence, still searching for the exact, right path have an edge to their comments. A frustration stemming from a gut feeling they're missing out, the train has pulled out of the station without them and they're watching it fade into the distance.

The good news for those still waiting is the technology is evolving and changing. There will be new starting points, new paths, new ways to make new paths. Paths are being wore down, being traveled by more and more educators as they support systemic change or have found a way to capture the best of new technology. Concepts such as Personal Learning Networks (PLNs); eCurriculum through a free, state-wide repository; Connecting classrooms and authentic project based curriculum are some of the emerging paths district's like ours are exploring.

More good news is that there is a growing group of passionate educators that are a click, email or phone call away. All eager to share, collaborate, create or advise on which path to start down.

Whether traveling a long ways towards "Boston" or a short trip to "Seoul" it's important educators use their passion as fuel to move from the #i11i signpost and continue on their journey of educational transformation.

New thought on Math - TED

2011-03-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

My thoughts on Math by someone who knows more about the topic.

Listen to Iowa's educators

2011-03-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

CAM High School has a hard working staff of professionals teaching a fantastic student body and I am proud to be their Principal. It’s not uncommon for the climate in education to take a negative turn, but the ripples of negativism that are spreading across the nation from Wisconsin is, in one word - disgusting.

Before listening to the talking heads, to Bill Gates, to the U.S. Department of Education head himself, Arne Duncan. Listen to the educators of Iowa who have stepped into classrooms. They are the ones who have worked with struggling students and are working hard to change education in Iowa. Listen to the people in the profession before you turn to the media and the politician.

Listen to the words of Iowa’s educators and administrators as collected by Jason Glass, the Iowa Department of Education head appointed by Governor Terry Branstad. Go to New Director Offers Roadmap. He had a tremendous outpouring of responses to three questions he asked in his blog - “What should we keep doing? What should we start doing? What should we stop doing?” Simple, reasonable and collected from those who will take their own time to answer, not positioned on a political stage.

The problem in education is should not be put on the shoulders of teachers financially or philosophically. There are many states that have budget gaps to fill due to the recession and other factors. It would be nice to have an honest, open, all-inclusive discussion on the causes and the solutions. Cutting down a profession that works harder, under higher expectations, than any other profession.

It is a rare and wonderful day when you find a “natural” teacher, someone who commands the classroom, relates to the students, can deal with parents, and juggles a social life (or plain just doesn’t have one). The rest of our staff we must develop and assist in their journey. These are not jobs where they clock in, sit at a desk and collect a salary. They have prom committees, concession duties, meetings, student-assistance meetings, school board appearances, conferences and the like. All while trying to raise a family, coach little league, serve on church boards and live a spotless lifestyle.

We are fortunate to have developed many tools and have made innovative steps in improving education. We have a very well received and developed evaluation system that allows us to work with new and career teachers to improve. It’s allows for collaborative and constructive talk around instruction. The Iowa Core is moving us towards a system where instruction in the focus of professional development, and peers hold peers accountable. Technology allows us to even the playing field, help those who need help and accelerate those who are able.

I’d like to tell the Governor, or anyone interested in stopping the progress of the Iowa Core, to tune in Sunday night at 7 p.m. on Twitter for the Iowa Core chat. We break down the outcomes and how they are being implemented in each of our districts. We talk about the training and guidance we get from the meetings they are about to cut out of the budget. Join us because the discussion will not stop even if we shift to something new.

There are thousands of hardworking educators in the state of Iowa and I challenge any profession to match our work ethic, integrity and determination. The teachers in our district and state are owed gratitude and respect. Not cheap shots and cost cutting measures.

Amazing Days tweeting around the world

2011-02-23T17:11:00.001-08:00

I have encouraged our staff to address the revolutions happening in the Middle East right now. I remember the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, Libya's role and their dictator Moamma Kadafi's maniacal face on the TV. Now his country is gripped in a civil war, right on the heals of the fall of Egypt's dictator and several other uprisings in the Arab world. Twitter played a big role in Egypt to the point that the government shut the Internet down for a spell, but in the end all was restored and their leader stepped down.

Last year Iran was able to stop an uprising by holding firm and making small concessions, but Twitter and the Internet fueled days of revolutionary behavior that nearly led the American adversary into civil war. Twitter reported and helped tell the story of the protests on the streets that ended up in some violence.

It is unfortunate that many of us here in the United States hold certain stereotypes and biases to the people of the Arab world, when the truth is they are like any of us. They want freedoms, they are intelligent and they are now using the means available to organize and fight back against their oppressors.

It is also unfortunate that we are insulated by the media to the sound bites, and quick reports that usually end with "And today on Wall Street, investors were nervous with rising oil prices and stocks fell."

If television brought the weekly highlights of war to the living room of America during the Vietnam War, the allows you access to a play by play. You can be a participant in the discussion, the debate, the dialog. Active rather than passive interaction is your option.

Amazing times being shaped by a Global community.

"Hey! My phone really is smart!"

2010-11-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

I'm officially convinced my phone is smart enough to make me change some of my work patterns. For starters, I'm writing this blog traveling back from Chicago. I recently upgraded my Blackberry and have had three breakthrough moments inside of a week's time.

First off the syncing software working seamlessly with my Macbook. This means my calendar is synced, my contacts are synced and my to do lists are available. Now I can go to meetings armed with just my blackberry, not necessarily my laptop. Someone out there could comment there was software out there for my older Curve, but I'll counter with I had lost faith after three failed installs and I gave up a year ago.

Secondly, I have been installing APs and going to websites on my browser and things are working flawlessly. When I got my other Curve almost two years ago I found it hit or miss for success in websites loading or APs doing what they promised. They mashup pretty well together right now and in a weeks time I've found many things for work and leisure.

Lastly, the documents, Google APs and general application software and websites are very functional. They are not watered down barely functioning versions of the computer versions. I was able to check my student's blogs while riding to Chicago Friday and register their grades Friday night (from my laptop at the hotel).

All of that doesn't include the photo posts from the Iowa game, getting state playoff results for people, my reading everyone's tweets while watching my kids in the hotel pool and getting caught up with my Goggle Reader reading.

The big thing is my confidence in my previous phone was low, due to problems I had early. This one has worked flawlessly and my confidence is soaring now that my smartphone is really smart!

My newest wordle

2010-11-05T11:19:00.001-07:00

Our Web 2.0 class is finally getting to Wordle. I was going to do it sooner, but we hadn't started blogging. Hopefully they've done enough writing to gain some insight. Mine is totally different from what it was 10 months ago.

Web 2.0/PLN class evolves, redefines "wait-time"

2010-09-01T04:21:00.001-07:00

Two weeks into Web2.0/PLN class and the students and I have experienced some highs and some lulls. We haven't experienced a "low" but in the evolution of the class we've had moments were we've redefined the term "wait-time" and it is in that time where the "lulls" occur.

Traditionally the term "wait-time" has referred to those seconds separating a teacher's question and a student's response. I was molded traditional. Each second ticks like a minute when holding back the knowledge you want to bestow on students in a Q & A. If one of the smart kids didn't know, and I waited 30 seconds, I answered and performed a fantastic review of the concepts on the board. "There, they have it" I can think to myself and move on to the next question to engage the next concept.

Our new "wait-time" is the pause between defining the task and student-teacher interaction and/or student action. This "wait-time" cannot be defined and monitored, just tracked and it can be surprisingly minimal or lengthy. It's an open-ended proposition followed by a pause then action, discussion or both.

My first three classes were traditional, even though my intention was to have it be a blend of online resources, instruction with my guidance and facilitation. Day one was a flurry of group watched videos, Q & A, read and write, with registration into web 2.0 tools. Every step was coordinated and well placed, timed and tracked. I was a bevy of knowledge and had the 2-3 students who were engaged with me answering and feeding my passion.

At the end of the first day I had a moment of satisfaction, and old feeling from the days standing in front leading my Chemistry class through complex concepts. I sat down to write a reflection on my Google Doc and realized a couple things. First, I hadn't let go of the reigns at all during the day. I steamrolled through silence ignoring the majority by providing them the answers. Secondly, the performance high wore off and I crashed with a guilty dread pooling into my stomach. I had fallen into the same trap all traditional teachers - I grabbed control and were stimulated by the euphoria of executing a locked-in lesson. A lesson that was two weeks in the making and now I had to prepare for one in just a handful of days.

Over the last five days of class I've weaned myself of the majority of control. I dumped the first assignment and due date; I've introduced and re-introduced topics; I've given an open-ended assignment that will be ongoing and I've mixed in quick hitting videos with quick response activities. And we've talked, laughed and through all of it gained insight as to their skills and needs for the class. We've hit a scattered selection of objectives from the original course outline but I'm readying a cross-referenced curriculum guide to track what we'll hit cover and master. It's going to be like taking a connect the dots and erasing the numbers.

I've also been able to collaborate, watch and learn from Shannon Miller, who spent this past summer developing her course and helped get me started with mine. We brainstormed some ideas on a Google Doc and I have developed my own to help prepare and chronicle the development of my course at CAM High School. There are many differences that I can see right now, but the commonality is we are submerging students into web 2.0 tools and moving them towards the development of a personal learning network (PLN) of peers and adults. Her class is moving right along, and despite some changes in the original idea each class is experiencing the buffet of Web 2.0 tools and laying the ground work for PLNs. I have been able to follow Van Meter's progress through Shannon's Twitter and feel comfortable deviating from her course and letting our students progress in another direction.

Most likely our students, intentionally or unintentionally, will cross paths while establishing their PLNs. We could have forced the issue, staged the encounters and had a well coordinated meet and greet with traditional classroom control.

Instead we're going to take our time, and wait for it to occur naturally. And in that wait time my class and I will learn something and I will discover how to effectively start feeding my student's passion.

Coffee with a shot of PLN in the morning

2010-08-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

I've often said this about myself - "It's only the completely obvious I miss."

For the past two nights, Shannon Miller, Shawn Holloway, Deron Durflinger Laura Horan and Bill Brannick have been collaborating on a class Shannon's piloting in Van Meter

It's been two nights of chatting and work that at the end of the day, it's better than a shot of 5 hour energy as the hours melt away. At the end of this time there is a product AND a fired up feeling about what you accomplished.

But why hadn't I thought to do this in the morning to get things started? To completely obvious.

This morning, instead sitting down with a cup of coffee watching to the same stories I saw on KCCI last night (horrible flooding in Ames, Colfax and Des Moines - prayers for everyone effected), I got back on my PLN.

I jumped on Facebook to see what my social network was doing and then opened tweetdeck to see what my PLN was up to. An article someone referenced sparked a reflection on last nights work, which prompted me back to the Google Doc about the class we were working on and added some thoughts.

Reading through what we have created so far, I saw it's evolving in a group and personal way feeling better and better about our direction. I updated my Diigo toolbar and located some reading and watching for later. This took minutes and I felt like the Army used to say - "done more before 6 a.m. than most do during the day!"

I'm now charged, focused, found a blog topic (actually two...will write the second one soon), wrote the blog, am ready for our Skype at 10 a.m., all the while finding time to get ready for the day.

Why didn't I think about it this way before? Instead of just getting all fired up at night I can help boost my day and send me out with the right focus.

PLN - a part of a balanced breakfast.

Aretha said it best - "R E S P E C T"

2010-07-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

Respecting teachers as professionals goes a long way in the journey to transform the classrooms that we are charged to bring into the “21st Century”.

CAM High School in Anita Iowa has the advantage and the disadvantage of being a small school, where $150,000 can outfit the whole building with Macbooks and I easily work with teachers individually.

However, in terms of early adopters in a faculty of 21, we have only a handful to lean on for internal capacity.

After two years with one-to-one computers we’ve seen an increasing energy from staff for the evolving technologies and Web 2.0 applications. What started with the iLife Suite has broadened into many different possibilities.

We all know change is not easy and change does not always come about quickly. What I have found and believe is that mandates, deadlines and requirements placed on teachers can yield results, but also require another round of them once an administrative imposed time frame expires. There are negative feelings and a feeling of top-down pressure that pushes teachers to find the reasons why NOT to change. They don’t own the process, the administration does.

To get teacher buy in they must champion the cause themselves and time must be given to them to collaborate and develop strategies that work for their classrooms. I have rarely been disappointed in the work our teachers do when brought together to share their learning. It immediately sparks conversation and exploration into new areas for each individual teacher.

Our teachers have asked for things, and for opportunities to develop their skills. When we deliver on their wishes you see a step forward in the use and infusion of that strategy or technology into their classrooms. When we don’t, we stagnate or take steps backwards.

Now in year three of our initiative we will give them more opportunities to get together in person AND online. I will show them how to develop a PLN or PLC that may or may not include teachers and staff from within the building.

I predict that this move will motivate teachers as it has motivated my learning by the flood of current, useful and timely materials by them everyday. The respect I get online, in my network is incredible and that same respect will fuel my teachers as it has fueled and inspired my growth.

Will it happen for each teacher and the same time? Absolutely not. So imposing a requirement about how, where and when they should develop their PLN is defeating the purpose of the individual network.

Working WITH them, giving them opportunities to build our internal capacity through external contacts will move small groups at first and identify the few that may be reluctant. Then implementing strategies for those few will not patronize or insult the larger group that have made the change and keep them energized.

Respect your staff as professionals and let the early doubtful comments bounce off. If you keep working with them most will join you in the journey of discovery that happens when diving into a PLN.

That is the support that will assist them the most in moving their classroom into the “21st Century”.

Online learning - Week one in the books

2010-06-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

Three teachers of mine and I are participating in OLLIE, a summer online learning opportunity through Heartland AEA 11 - facilitated by Evan Abbey, blogger extraordinaire (and blog baller), instructional technologist and area technology expert. I have just completed the first module and here are my initial reactions.

First off I have taken a couple grad courses online 6-7 years ago and have helped administer our Moodle site at CAM High School. I have experience, but my knowledge has many gaps that need filled.

The Facilitator is Key: Evan has been great getting daily announcements out, being flexible with some initial problems and communicating those as well as providing screencast instruction as needed. Each Evan "buzz" on my blackberry reminds me to touch base with the class at least once a week and has me done with the first week's activities on Thursday.

Don't underestimate the power of the forum Reading other's responses and my own, commenting and browsing has really helped me start constructing a vision of online learning from the fuzzy/cloudy one I had coming into the course. It gives you time to thing and construct your thoughts from information provided and created within the course and in the forum.

Learning takes place when you're ready: I sat down twice to work on OLLIE and just plain had to shut the laptop and do something else. While this morning I got on just to check the news update and ended up finishing the weeks assignments I still had to complete. Also sipping a beverage on your patio and reading an article as the sun sets is pretty cool too.

Personal connections online: Without talking, chatting, messaging or emailing I am feeling a personal connection to members of the group and the facilitator. Just listening to the screencast is amazingly calming and good to see and have available at your disposal. There are two people who follow me and I follow on Twitter taking the course and the connection started there has already started to grow.

Little things matter: Just knowing that the drop downs are for in Moodle and watching on the screencast has elevated my knowledge on "groups" ten-fold. I now have a new perspective on utilizing Moodle and it came from something I felt I didn't need to look at.

Modular learning is better: Being able to see things divided up, knowing that you need to complete a set amount of material to move forward basically is like defining objectives without listing them and droning on about "here are the objectives you need to meet...." It's nice to take a little time to jump around and look, have the organization right in front of you at all times, not just tucked away in a syllabus is huge. I see this as an important step in transforming education at the high school level as you can begin to individualize instruction for students better if the essential skills are taught in ways that are compartmentalized. If one module or skill is deficient, OR already mastered, you can move to another (not necessarily in order). This could be the missing link to breaking down Carnegie Units within the current systems between secondary and post-secondary institutions.

The experience looks to be the one I've been searching for and am excited to start Week two soon....or maybe Monday.

I get to choose.

End of the Year melancholy - Pulling in the laptops and damage

2010-05-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

Never mind missing the Seniors or lamenting about where the year went...the hardest emotion for myself and our technology director is taking the computers from the students and lining them up for summer storage.

I say that only kidding somewhat. Truth be told we had an amazingly successful pull in for the computers. We structured it a day before school got out so kids would have time to find "missing" items, we did it between the last two classes so we could get them put away and double checked. The procedure for 2nd year was 10 times more efficient and we didn't have to chase down four or so computers like we did last year.

Statistics for the day - 137 computers accounted for; all cases accounted for; two missing chargers. Zero noted damage. That was it!

Statistics for the year - Four busted screens; eight dead batteries; three failed hard drives. Approximate total for uncovered damage and replacements - $3600. We had double that in year two.

I credit our technology director and our staff for communicating with students constantly about care for the computers. Our "Homeroom" set up allows us quarterly bag and charger checks with rewards for perfect accountability. Constant reminders were broadcast in announcements and classes that if you have something missing you will pay for it, this instead of fee based systems that promote a disposable atmosphere. We had only one case of late in the year swapping (we found several during the year) and the swapper fessed up when confronted and we found his case anyway.

Our staff's conclusion is the students do value the computers and will take care of them as they know they will lose them to the repair room and do not want a loaner.

So we congratulated the students and staff on their efforts, and shut the door on a perfectly accounted for set of Apple Mac Books.

Oh where has the year gone.

Public urgency for change

2010-05-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Education's sphere of protection, it's operating autonomy is eroding fast. The safety and certainty of local control and geographical boundaries are being challenged by the "disruptive technologies" of today. And these challenges are coming sooner than later.

I spent some time with my brother recently and out of no where he asked, "Why can't we just change how we're doing things (in education)?" Sitting with us was his father-in-law who was, and still is, very active in school business back in our hometown of Monticello, Iowa. I was expecting certain affirmation of the way we've done and always done education and a more traditional outlook.

But instead I heard a retired implement dealer, who has sat in on more school board meetings than I have, champion technology. He echoed my brother's frustration and the need for changing the way we educate our students, especially at the high school level. A friend of his had given him a copy of "Disrupting Class" by Clayton Christensen and he was very much behind many of the ideas that the book, one-to-one and online learning advocates have been calling for recently.

Anita has long been a leader in technology use in education. So there can be a "been there-done that" attitude about it's integration in our district and within the walls of our school building. "We've always had technology," has been heard and I can understand the perspective of - "so what's different now?"

Nearly everything is different now. Our students need different skills, they need different learning stimulus, they can get their education anytime, anywhere from a multitude of credible sources. These are some of the realities and the fact two people, from different generations and randomly can see this confirmed my sense of urgency for change in education.

The system had better grow some legs that can move it faster than the snails pace it's moving now. Furthermore, those of us fortunate to have laptops in our kids hands need to pick up the pace as well. A one week seminar in the summer or a few hours before school starts in the fall will not suffice in terms of getting ready to assist students in their navigation their connected world.

The problem with the way we've done PD in the past is at the heart of the change issue. Instead of sitting and getting, teachers, administrators and non-certified staff all need to take control of our learning and get immersed using the very technologies our students need to gain jobs, maintain them and thrive in a new and ever-changing economy.

An economy and world that may not need as many of us, and ultimately demanding we have the very same skills to survive. Might as well learn them now.

Are you getting your ticket for the unfinished plane?

2010-04-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

We need a new analogy or medaphor or whatever it is when we say, "We're building the plane as we're flying it."

I'm an old science teacher, so I'm pretty sure it's physically impossible to build a plane and fly it at the same time. If that's the case whatever it is you are associating with this is doomed to crash and burn. I'll gladly sell back my ticket for another trip thank you.

Yesterday in our Principal's Role-Alike at the end of the i11i 2010 conference in Des Moines, IA, that sentence was thrown out as a representation for learning and teaching using one-to-one computers and other disruptive technologies. In the "unconference" room we trashed the same sentence because the Iowa Department of Education was using it to describe the Iowa Core Curriculum during it's trainings this past year.

We do not have the time nor the vision to plan out these two new, and rather ambitious, initiatives (build the plane on the ground). The two will require a lot of risk-taking behaviors and some trial and error. But let's not visualize ourselves 20,000 feet in the air attaching a set of wings. Not even Chesley Sullenberger III can land that plane in the Hudson. How about a more grounded thought like...

"We're setting out on a great expedition into the vast Jungles of Learning..." or something like that.

Like we can over-plan, we can over do. Those of us who are doing one-to-one and other progressive learning with Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 technologies have many of the right ingredients. Let's develop a recipe for learning that everyone can enjoy.

Finally....

2010-04-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well, January 24th was my last blog post. That's a long time ago in "Blog Years." Enough to become even less relevant than I was before. A blend of writer's block, busyness, but more than those, a lack of clear message.

My last post talked about "getting into the classroom" and how important I felt that was and the forms it takes. I've started and deleted four posts since then because of the twists and turns each experience took my emotions and thoughts. And now, just days away from presenting at Iowa's "1 to 1 Institute" on April 7th, I've found clarity.

A blend of experiences in my school, online, in professional development and in the world in general as brought me to place, has given me a message for this Wednesday.

"If change is going to occur, it is going to have to take place at the Principal/instructionalist-teacher level, one teacher at a time."

This thought came from the "one block at a time" commercial about inner city transformation from that American Express commercial. Basically start with one, make it better and move on. They used a block and changed buildings, we start with a staff member and change philosophies through learning and empowerment.

Once you empower one, you use that teacher to work with others. Or you can work with more than one, but I'm thinking small groups (1-3). There is so much with technology that turns teachers off on the mere mention of things such as Twitter, Diigo, that a few would be the most. My hope is maybe we can get the exponential change needed to keep up with technology and system changes coming in the not-so-distant future. It will be a flat line with little visible change, but if we're all doing it and progressing forward, we'll hit that slope and take off!

We need to combine that with an "ask for forgiveness" attitude when it comes to things like the DE, Chapter 12 and all the regulations we see standing in our way. A little school in East Marshall county did that with virtual reality technology. A high, high official in the Iowa DE gave the principal serious push-back when he called them as he was implementing the initiative. The same official lauded their achievements just a short couple years later in Washington, D.C. introducing him and a student as educational pioneers. If we do great things, there will be a line of people ready to support us, who will not give us the green light - formally anyway.

The Iowa Core Curriculum and it's 21st Century Skills is enough of a green light for me. I can frame many of my ideas under their "modules" and the skills they've defined that our kids need. I can shape and find ways to validate activities requiring "seat time" until we flush that term and move on to something more meaningful and relevant.

Scott McCleod, Director of CASTLE facilitated a mind-bending session, for transitioning high schools for the 21st century. Public education has been viewed as the behemoth system that will not survive the rise of all of these disruptive technologies. Many of the best practice situations right now are from private schools. Scott was pressed by others about why he then spent so much time trying to be a resource for public schools. Looking off into some unknown distance he told us - "...maybe there is a faint, glimmer of hope in small pockets around the country in public education..."

I plan to be one of those glimmers that turns into a light.

I will present my experiences and ideas that shaped this conclusion at my session, and am toying with trying to get it broadcast somehow on the net (or at least video taping and youtubing later). Also at my session we will discussion and hash through some next steps for me and anyone else at different levels of technology infusion. The great thing is most in the audience will be at schools that are one-to-one or going there.

Getting one-to-one is a huge first step, but the bigger one I see is to move a staff forward. As for outsourcing a lot of this to providers from anywhere but the state of Iowa. I have a hard time believing my staff will not step to the plate and those who don't will not survive leaving us with a trainable, eager group of learners who will blend on-site coaching with all forms of online resources. We are currently trying to set up sharing of our Spanish teacher with three other districts.

Phew, finally and a lot to get out. Hopefully I will have more soon and I plan to do nothing else but progress forward with my journey to help shape instruction.

I will be posting resources to follow April 7th, or after, about our 1 to 1 Institute

Get into the classroom

2010-01-24T12:46:00.000-08:00

I have a note I hung above my desk in my first year as a principal that reads - "Get into the classroom". I wrote the note while taking administrative classes at Drake University and found it when preparing to move things to CAM High School.

Something so easy to say and think becomes hard when dealing with the management side of a Principal's day. Well intended walk-through schedules get put aside as students need disciplined state reports come due and money issues need discussed.

Then getting into the classroom can take several different forms. There's the formal observations that need to be done periodically; walk through observations that take different forms; and other inventories that need data collection. Now, I'm adding something new to my list - Teaching.

This Tuesday I am going into a Physical Science classroom to deliver a technology ENHANCED lesson that will serve as a different form of review for an upcoming "test". I am still a certified science teacher who taught physical science nine years.

We're also going to contrast my lesson against my classroom teacher's traditional style as he has two sections that day and he will be teaching one, and I the next. We will video both, test both and compare results. We've analyzed the two classrooms and they are comprised of a similar cross-section of students in all areas (ability, SES, SPED, ITED scores). I may even go as far as suggesting I develop an assessment for my class and he his and have them take both.

After the science classroom I am going to look to do similar things in my other core classrooms. It will be more about infusing technology and more of a co-teaching style, but never-the-less I plan to be doing some instruction.

I have even toyed with teaching a section of a class next year so that I have practical experience to share with my staff. I feel this will boost my credibility and give me a place to try somethings I know my staff will not attempt.

Getting into the classroom - an important component of change

Administrative Report to the Board January

2010-01-13T07:05:00.000-08:00

I am sharing this with everyone, because there is a current of information being exchanged everyday and is grossly misunderstood. Awareness, I believe, is the first step.

Technology in Education - more questions than answers: Categorically I have a few questions and comments for the School Board this month. The questions are meant for personal analysis to contrast against my comments. I have posted this report on my blog where you can give me feedback if you'd like, or ask more questions for me to answer at the next board meeting.

Question #1: How (and where) do you get information on your profession?

Comment #1a: Basically how much time do you spend looking at the latest information on your career or your interests? Personally I used to gobble up trusted magazines from my professional organizations or elsewhere. I pride myself as to being able to decipher the "Slant" or "Bias" the publication, judging from the publisher or writer. "Tech Magazines" of course promoted the best technology, especially that of vendors who contribute ads to the publication. I would pile the magazines up and get to them on a day I had time (okay, so many were recycled before I read them). One summer, a few years ago, I cut the pile up, sorted out by article subject, and used several during PD or teacher meetings the next year. It took me a couple days of organizing and planning and I used maybe 1/16th of the articles I cut apart.

Comment #1b: For the past couple months I have waded into the world of Professional Learning Networks (PLNs). I've blogged about it before, but I have jumped waist deep into Twitter. The word "Twitter", when spoken, invokes images of star athletes making comments during games, about coaches; celebrities promoting their narcissistic activities; Politicians raising money, talking policy, ripping each other. General disgust for those who have not unlocked it's usefulness. For me Twitter is a constant stream of information and ideas from some of the brightest, most dedicated individuals in the education/administration profession. Articles, videos, transcripts, studies and anything imaginable on a variety of topics, flows across my screen all day and night at home. A day doesn't go by where 2-5 articles about something I'm directly working on pops up on my "Tweetdeck" alert. I can click on the resource (always linked to a website), minimize my browser, go back to work and digest the resource later. You see I can still pile up great resources, send the links to my teachers, link them to our PD site and use them almost instantly. Comparing it to the cut and pile method I described in Comment #1a, it take minutes compared to days. I am still piling, but I'm not going to have to recycle the articles later, and if they're really good I can "TAG" them and save for later use.

Question #2: How reliable are your sources of information and how timely?

Comment #2: Now I'm not believing, applying or deeming every article, comment or feedback I get online as Gospel. But I get a variety of opinions, viewpoints and perspectives from all over the country/world from very credible resources. I am impressed at the amount of quality articles and videos I am exposed to and it's rare that I get unreliable information. Blogs generally give opinion and like reading editorials it's more thought provoking and reflective than informative (unless it's a blog of online resources). Reliability is definitely an issue, but it is in traditional media as well. The beauty of the timeliness of internet information is that if there's something out there that's fraudulent, word gets around fast. If you need to find out how to check into a website, what people think or have found out, it's just a keyword or search away. Also, you can have any credible site or source "RSSed" to you without searching and on Twitter you can "Follow" people you know are credible. The information is current, and usually refers back to older information for background and perspective.

Question #3: How much do you use Google, know about "Open Source" applications?

Comment #3: If the district wanted, we would never have to spend another penny on most types of software including Microsoft Office. "Wait, Office is what is being used today in most businesses!" While that is a correct statement, it's mainly because it's been purchased already and we have all grown comfortable with MS Office. Google Docs, Open Office and other online programs can provide a free alternative that reportedly is very compatible when using or exchanging information with MS Office users. I personally am going to upload my documents from my hard drive to Google Docs, take a couple of their tutorials and get some practical experience as I really don't want to pay Microsoft a sizable chuck of change anymore if and when we have to upgrade or buy the newest version. Google Docs would also provide the storage as would Gmail if we were to go to using their email. I have used Open Office (an open source application) on my PC at home and have found it a good alternative, it loads a little slower but is very compatible with my Apple MS Office program. Moodle, or Curriculum Management System (CMS) is open source and didn't cost us a penny (just the server space) where alternatives cost two to 10 thousand dollars to purchase and maintain. If you can buy a program, it's features are probably available for free online. Photo editing sites are incredible. It's a discussion that needs to take place as it could be an option for cost savings in the future.

Question #4: Have you seen, or used a "Kindle", and/or something similar? (A Kindle is an electronic book reader that Amazon sells publications at 1/3rd the cost of the book version).

Comment #4: We have a student at school who swears by hers and is bringing it in for me to see. This electronic device is book sized and has a "page" background, so it's easier on the eyes to read. I have read some free Google books on my Ipod Touch, which also has a Kindle "Ap" (Which I haven't used yet). The touch is much smaller and doesn't have the screen size for a lot words, but does display them large enough to read. I have read a lot of websites on my laptop and now on the Ipod and it is a totally different situation from reading a book. I still pick up a book and read and I still buy books to read. But that's me, that's someone who graduated in the 80s. We're looking to purchase a Kindle or two for the library and possibly the SPED department (ideas not action at this point). Bottom line is we need student feedback on all devices as we move forward with technology in education.

Observation: Yes, there are many, many questions without answers but that's mainly because so many more people (thousands apon millions) asking them. And there are people who can, almost immediately, answer them credibly. If not an answer, a comment to spur your thinking further.

A first step to changing education - "Share"

2010-01-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

Deron Durflinger, Principal at the progressive minded Van Meter Community School District, went out on a limb with - "Pay Teachers $100,000 or More." I commented that he has moved to the end point, a goal, a vision and that is great. But we need to focus on the now. He's a forest guy, I'm a tree guy.

The tree I'm staring at has the word - "Share" engraved into it's bark.

He suggests a system where all students have access to the best teacher through blended classrooms where teachers have 50, 100, 150 or more students and get paid $1,000 per student. A discussion naturally ensued and Deron admitted he has more answers than what he could reveal in Pay Teachers $1,000 or more. The post was long...it could have been five times as long based on his answers to the 8 and counting comments that given.

I would like to suggest we look at every opportunity to "Share". Share teachers; Share ideas with each other; Share ideas with the building; Share ideas with the community; and Share the Vision the 21st Century Skills portion of the Iowa Core Curriculum provides for us.

Share Teachers: Traditionally this means sharing with districts close, where the teacher leaves the building and travels to another. While this can still be done, we need to move to sharing via the internet and/or ICN. The use of Course Management Systems (CMS), like Moodle and or simply a Wiki, website or Google docs (for delivering basic instruction) would allow the teacher to be based anywhere and travel to any school involved - even if it were to be a ways away. All the students could be connected and the teacher could schedule reasonable school visits.

Share Ideas: I have a river of ideas and inspiration passing by my desktop every day through "Tweet Deck" and "Twitter". This is great and has changed my professional life for the better forever. However, I still feel we're operating as individual districts with a common interest, not a cohesive group that has both a vision and a working relationship towards that vision. Our one-to-one districts sat down once in Iowa, we need to sit down at least once a month. Maybe that's happening with other districts and they feel that's good for now. What can we do by next year?

Share ideas in the building: Don't operate alone and share your ideas with your leadership team and teachers. Provide ongoing professional development, including special meetings, virtual training and daily reminders. Get teachers to set up their own PLNs, including teachers in the building and out. Show them yours and show them how. Work to strengthen those who get it right away and target those who are close as you can devote time to them.

Share what you're doing with the community: Have a constant stream of information through your website, newspaper, blog and twitter to what you're doing. Give them the whys and be sure your staff and district are all on the same page. Educate.

Share the 21st Century Skills: Read them over again. It's a pass from the DE to do the very things we're tweeting about every night. When a parent questions, point to the skills; when a teacher questions, point to the skills; when a board member questions, point to the skills. "How can we post that video on Youtube," a parent asked me. My answer, "How can we not?" A simple review of the DE documentation shows that peer review and that kind of exposure is vital.

I think we have the opportunity to move forward yet this year, but time will quickly disappear if we don't start on the specifics.

Let's Share!

2010 Challenge - accomplish a goal a day

2010-01-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

Today's new technologies require a shorter attention span when it comes to goals. With traditional goal setting we tend to aim for a distant target, one we can...ummm...put off and do at the last minute close to the deadline.

A blogger in my Professional Learning Network (PLN) has challenged us to accomplish 30 goals in 30 days.

"What?!" you may say. "That's ridiculous."

Actually it's something I've been thinking about recently, the quick pace that learning in a PLN occurs is so radically different from anything I've every experienced. It requires releasing the notion of set plans, 3-5 year goal setting. Things change so fast...seemingly day by day, hour by hour and in some cases it seems minute-to-minute.

It's because someone can quickly send you a link that can challenge and/or change your thinking on a specific topic.

30 goals in 30 days. I bet I'll be blogging about it soon.

Link - http://teacherbootcamp.edublogs.org/2010/01/02/the-30-goals-2010-challenge/

Relationship...the most important "R".

2009-12-27T07:39:00.000-08:00

My nephews are huggers. At Christmas and other family gatherings they want a hug, they expect a hug, maybe they need a hug. They are about relationships, much like most of the students in our classrooms today.

I'm either a late Baby Boomer or an early "Gen Xer". I have a lot of "whatever" in me and I expended a lot of energy avoiding my teachers, parents, any adult who wanted to get closer to me. YET, it were those adults that engaged me and prodded, poked and insisted they try to break through my shell that I remember and who influenced my life the most.

Today's students are more open to involvement and engagement for the most part, but are in a lot of cases being taught by teachers who are not. Out of the old three "Rs" - Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic (Kinda says something that two of the three do not begin with R) and the new "Rs" - Rigor, Relevance and Relationship, I feel the last (Relationship) is the most important. And maybe we have data to support that statement.

A year ago we were both happy and concerned after breaking down our ITED scores. We had jumped above state-set trajectory levels in all three of our subject areas, Math, Reading and Science.

So initiatives in Reading and Math were either tweaked or created. Although I was pleased with the ideas (Not relevant to my post today) they were only going to have 2-3 months under their belts with them before the next round of high stakes testing.

I had requested our counselor develop and administer a survey to students on ITEDs and organize the homeroom teachers to review past scores, set goals, and talk to students on how to effectively take the ITED test and why it was important - "to them".

We showed them we could project ACT & SAT performance, but only if they relaxed and tried their best. Our counselor effectively developed and worked with our teachers to administer this right before testing time.

Our Juniors came through. Our reading landed 20 points above the projected mark, at 82; Science was a gaudy 86; and Math was eight above the projected, coming in at 73.

Research would back that our initiatives hadn't had the time to effect the scores that much. With a school our size I feel I can infer that our increase was due to the fact more kids took the tests seriously and gave their best effort.

It's my contention we can draw a line between students trying harder and the relationships and engagement they were receiving from our teaching staff in homeroom and in the classrooms.

We didn't look at it from a "school" perspective, rather a "student" perspective...which is was these dang tests are supposed to be used for in the first place.

We took the time to engage the students and tried to help them frame it from their perspective.

Relationship...the most important "R".

Stepping towards better classrooms

2009-12-19T05:19:00.000-08:00

In the span of the last two weeks I have rapidly increased the development, and more importantly cultivation, of my "Professional Learning Network" PLN.

Next is getting my staff going with PLNs. You see we took technology, and provided staff with quality staff development. They received the computers months ahead of the students, they were giving over a year of staff training, guided by a very skilled AEA13 Technology consultant, Judy Griffin. We did it right by the "old model of Professional Development".

Guess what? Our results are not where I would like them to be despite doing it right, despite educating teachers first, despite old model quality support.

"When's Judy coming?" a teacher would say. Another, "Is Judy coming on the 14th?"

The "obvious" thought that came on last week during the Will Richardson day at Ames is - "Judy's available EVERY DAY!

Via email, Skype, Twitter, Yahoo and Blogger, Judy's out there and probably available. That's the theme or point I will repeatedly make, along with "I'm available", when moving my staff towards their own development of a PLN.

At the beginning of next semester, I am going to roll out some PLN information and show them what I am doing. They will be exposed to many of the things you all are exposed to and given a re-energizing plea from me to re-tool their blogs and work to keep them, and their websites, updated. But central, and first, develop a PLN.

And most importantly ... why am I asking them to do this. Why?

Because they need to understand the power of the PLN so they can look at how to expose our students to the power of the PLN.

My day of transformation - "Networking the New Literacy"

2009-12-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

I was feeling pretty good about our technology integration during year two of our one-to-one initiative. Then yesterday's session with Will Richardson went down. I now have a clearer vision of where we're heading.

While I'm more inspired today, by his words and the work going on in several district's in the state, I'm reassessing where CAM High School is as a building. You see we may be falling short in the area of teaching students how to access the learning communities in "the cloud".

Personally, I'm just starting to establish a learning network and my eyes are opening wide to the possibilities. I now see how several colleagues can wax on so eloquently about their vision and where their districts are heading.

My biggest take aways from yesterday.

The Shift - Education will change. How and when is uncertain, but the facts are the abundance of learning tools online, and the networks you can join and become a part of, means it will either change willingly, or kicking and screaming. My bet is on the later. Allowing students to network with "anyone" is inconceivable to many people. Even though outside of the school day they will be doing that anyway.

We need to unblock everything and teach everything - If not us, then who? 'Nuff said. Get it done, address patron's fears, teacher's fears, everyone's fears head on. Teach Digital citizenship, how to use social networks for learning and that's for everyone.

Bring everyone together - Sure we got everyone on board for one-to-one computers. That wasn't that hard of a sell. The problem is until 24 hours ago, I didn't exactly know what I was selling. This conversation will be different..vastly different.

We/students need to be Googleable - Student's need to be found in the cloud and their work needs to reflect positively on their new literacy skills. This goes against many people's ingrained mis-conceptions.

We need to dive into the CLOUD head first - Get your PLN set up, get your teachers involved in setting up a PLN and get your student's work out there for everyone to see and then promote it!

We need to get moving now, get teachers involved and get everyone to the table. These are exciting times, but we have to be ready to empower patrons and faculty to overcome their fears.

The students don't have them.

Snow days - just another school day?

2009-12-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

If we take our essential skills, create a student-centered classroom, create and embed authentic assessments, create and maintain online learning environments - then snow days would be more like a typical day - not a complete and total stoppage of school.

We are mired in a "blizzard" in Iowa and most schools have canceled, some for the second day in a row. Teachers who have till Christmas to wrap up their semester just had their plans condensed, fine arts programs preparing for holiday concerts are scrambling and looking for times during the day to practice.

Students are connected via internet (75% of our students have access at home) or most have cellphones that have apps if not browser access on their phone. If we made these tools part of our curriculum delivery then physically having the student's logging seat time would be unnecessary.

Regular days and snow days could be administered to anyone and everyone, whether they were at school or not.

The questions are limitless and are often stumbling blocks for reform in education by using technology. A total shift to online curriculum looks impossible.

But is it? We have two classes that have 60-90% or their curriculum online and if they had too, they could have instructed students to refer to their sites these past two days. Definitely something I'm going to bring up at the next leadership team meeting.

"You Tweet???"

2009-12-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

I'll admit. Twitter was a just another one of those Web 2.0 applications that I just didn't want to deal with. After all it was getting athletes and celebrities in instant trouble. Sarah Palin Tweeted...It just wasn't for me.

Folks, we live in a world where you need to embrace and at least try EVERYTHING that comes out new and gets buzz. Yes, everything has their trivial and meaningless side. But EVERYTHING has it's beneficial and productive side.

And the beauty is ... you can do both ... alternatively at the same time. As I check email, facebook or edit personal pictures, Tweetdeck (a twitter application) buzzes me with education posts that my professional network is tweeting.

Most of the Twittering I do as to do with Technology in education. There is a nightly discussion on education issues at "educhat". The information that I read and see is relevant, interesting and mostly backed with real data.

What if we did that with students in our district with students across the country?

Twitter is amazing. Twitter is trivial. That can be said for a lot of Web 2.0 applications.

I was just invited to check out Google Wave...the next new thing from Google.

It just keeps coming

Helping with homework

2009-10-21T08:25:00.001-07:00

Many parents ask how they can best help their students with homework. I understand how helpless a parent may feel trying to explain a math concept, science concept or even how to assist in an accounting assignment.

First off, you must help the student organize their time AND have an idea of what they are actually doing during that time. They can tell you they were working, but if you haven't dropped in on them or engaged them during the process, you will never really know.

But after that it's HOW you ENGAGE them that matters, not your content knowledge.

I, personally, didn't know some of the math terminology my son was working on last year and had to take a pause.

So instead of having the answer, which really isn't an ideal thing to provide, I had to evaluate the problem and work with him to figure out what was needed. After some frustration, he worked through the issue, with my help (mainly cheerleading and encouraging) and then was able to answer the questions.

This is why, at all levels, we need to de-emphasize getting the right answer. It's the process.

So, at home when you're asked how to help define a themes for a student in English, or which verb tense is needed in Spanish, ASK your students questions about what they're doing in class, what the teacher said, what is available online. Help them think through the process and come up with answers AND questions for the teacher.

Teacher's can answer specific questions about material and problems generated from student's attempting to solve problems. "I don't understand it," means the student hasn't tried to solve it themselves.

High School Parent-Teacher Conferences this week

2009-09-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

We will hold one night of parent-teacher conferences this Thursday from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. only at CAM High School. CAM Middle School and the elementary schools will be holding conferences during the last week of October.

It is important to the success of your student that you attend if possible.

High School staff and the leadership team agreed that it would be beneficial to hold conferences soon after mid-term to allow teachers and parents to get together and formulate strategies to help improve their student's performance BEFORE the end of the quarter on October 16.

Please stop in the office to see your student's lunch balance. You have received a copy of the report card so we will not have them in the office. Teachers will have a progress report ready for you in each of your student's classes.

Please keep your conferences to 10-20 minutes and if their is a line behind you, respect that and maybe schedule an individual conference for early the following week if you feel you need more time.

The key is for both to look ahead and see what needs to be done in the future. Too often we focus on what didn't get handed in, why a particular test or project was graded in the fashion it was graded.

I stand firmly behind our staff and their efforts to be FAIR while having high expectations for turning assignments in, being responsible and accountable for their work. I have looked into dozens of situations and all but ONE was an issue of the students trying to manipulate me, the teacher and yes, their parents.

The one case the student was responsible, went to the teacher and together they resolved the problem with the student's grade. In another instance I pulled a group of students in and told them what they needed to do. Defiantly they did not follow one of my instructions and will be disappointed in the grade they earned.

Our entire staff wants your student to succeed and prepares hard. I can say I've worked personally will all of the teachers and especially our first year teachers or teachers in new areas. They have all worked hard to make their classrooms dynamic and engaging and have made significant adjustments.

We hope the new format will yield improved performance in the classroom as we end the quarter.

See you there!

Homecoming wraps up with students dancing

2009-09-27T12:12:00.001-07:00

What a great week. Homecoming week 2009 was an undeniable success.

The Dance was well attended and most students danced the full two hours allotted.

A victory in district helped with the mood as well as every player seeing the field that was able against the Hawks. It was a good release before starting preparations for district rival CRB.

A big thanks goes to the student council and sponsor Larry Hunt. They organize the theme, dress-up days, the auction, coronation, bonfire, parade, game presentation of homecoming court and dance. That means a lot of phone calls, time writing coronation script, making sure each class knows what to do and when among many things.

Another big thanks goes the staff for organizing and supervising float building, supervising events and decorating the field, the coronation and the dance. Also for keeping a focus on academics as well as allowing for the students to enjoy the week.

You see, at the beginning of the year there was a wild rumor that the administration had canceled all homecoming festivities. Now two years ago we did make a decision to limit the elementary's involvement to the parade, but we have never talked about eliminating homecoming activities.

What we DID do was reduce the amount of interruptions during the school day during homecoming week. We had all of our float building and decorating during Wednesday, when anyone taking IWCC classes could be free to participate. We did our "anything goes" competitions on Monday night (In the gym because of the rain) instead of during the school day. So in the end, other than Wednesday, we missed no class time (other than reduced day on Friday for the parade).

We have made a few notes for next year, but I would look for homecoming week to have a similar feel.

Mid-term approaching and JMC

2009-09-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

The first date in grade analysis for the district is Friday, September 18th when the mid-term of the first quarter for 09-10 hits. Teachers will be balancing units grading and points which are supposed to run up to and on that date. But after the grade cut off, there is grading and entering so grades will be printed on Wednesday, September 23rd and sent out that day or the next morning.

Grades are available to all parents on our JMC online parent access page connected to our website. There are buttons for High School, Middle School and Elementary. You have an username and a password which can be provided to you by request from any of the school offices.

We ask that you focus on grades year round, instead of just at these flash points, because we have seen many students involved in activities find themselves ineligible and parents are frustrated.

Because we have grade checks weekly, teachers are required to update at least once and week and most update more than that, often posting assignments ahead of when their due.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

2009-08-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) enters it's second year at CAM High School and will beging the year with a flurry of activity.

We added a second class, Principles of Engineering. We have increased numbers in Intro to Engineering and Design and the Kern Family Foundation is coming out September 14th to evaluate and hopefully certify the district.

Mr. Miller is teaching Intro to Engineering and Design and Mr. Arp is teaching Principles. Both are excited and anxious to get things rolling and working towards getting students online and working with the software.

We've experienced a problem as we didn't get supplies and computers ordered and will start a couple weeks behind with the software. Both classes have activities to do in the mean time to get things going.

We're excited to offer the opportunity to young people who can engage seemingly difficult concepts in a hands-on, real-life manner.

Bumps on the road of technology integration

2009-08-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

I would be lying if I said our one-to-one has gotten off to a smooth start this year. We were pushing to get the computers to the kids on Thursday, then Friday and then had to settle on Monday.

Well, there's something in the air with Apple Computers and their wireless "airports" (play on words intended) and updating their firmware. So long story short is we're hoping for Wednesday, at the latest Friday to get the computers out to students.

The positive in all this is our teachers get to use the critical thinking skills to substitute any lessons that were relying on the Macbooks with either different lessons or find another source of technology to replace them. The good thing is the teachers have their computers and the airports are functioning for them at the moment.

For me it will be a "teachable moment" in faculty meetings, individual conferences and professional learning team gatherings.

For teachers and students they will have to go a little longer without the computers.

Extending the day and CAM Reads

2009-08-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

A direct relationship has been established between the school day being extended and the high school implementing a free reading period CAM Reads. A negative vibe from the kids indicating they blame the extra time in school CAM Reads.

Though I can see where that thinking has come from, it's inaccurate. As a Principal I'll admit that the change in the school time should have been brought up in the newsletter and at registration. Along with simply putting the schedule in, and explanation of where and why we are implementing CAM Reads and what we were also considering.

There has been considerable discussion about the school day since it was shortened from 3:30 to 3:00 when our whole-grade sharing situation first began. This past spring we decided to give it a look and with the blessing of both transportation departments we decided to put the instructional time back into the school day.

After that decision was made we looked at just adding the time back into the block, pull-out and homeroom options, several initiatives in reading and math among other things. We received very good information about "Reading Volume" and the amount students can and should read each year. We decided on establishing a free reading period between blocks 3&4 and 7&8 (and after lunch on Wednesday) and titled it "CAM Reads".

I will post more about CAM Reads in the future, but I will say it is the first step for this district to improve our student's ability to read and comprehend but giving them a no-pressure, low impact reading period where they will simply have to discuss their book with a partner or the class. If they simply participate and fill out their log sheets they will get an elective credit.

As I told one student, we could have simply divided the time up to the four classes each day or put them through some repetitious test-prep drill work.

CAM Reads is a great option.

A portal to media literacy

2009-08-19T05:39:00.001-07:00

This Kansas State professor is on the cutting edge of digital learning:

Staring down the barrel of professional development days

2009-08-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

As a principal and instructional leader, building manager, certified staff manager and curriculum director I always get to the point where I feel I'm staring down the barrel of professional development days.

I habitually start beating myself up starting about July 4th. Sitting watching fireworks with the kids, spawns a knot in my stomach. A voice starts talking, "you need to inspire them out of the shoot, you need to dazzle them." On vacation I tote my laptop and do little things, searching for videos and website, nuggets to lay out for them to pick up and take into the year. Never really leaving my work behind for my free 12th month the anxiety level rises as you try to balance family, friends, work while off contract.

Then there's August. The whirlwind of meetings, professional and building, the smattering of teachers that arrive and the issues that need solved now and not in a week or two like you would like them to be solved. What gets pushed aside to solve these problems and help teachers get ready? Preparation for professional development. Never mind that your partners in education (the local AEA reps) are off contract and you each have a folder of things you discussed in June that continue to gather dust.

But we get there, we prepare and we do our very best (I might add we do better and better each year as we further implement effective professional development models like IDM or DDL or and effective PLT program). And it comes. Day one with teachers.

Thinking of title to this post I realize as I feel I'm looking down the barrel in July and August, the teachers show up and it's being pointed at them with no regard to the short time they have to get ready. We have rolled out very good sessions over the past three years, but you can't hide the fact the teachers are looking down the barrel of another gun - THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.

Teachers do come in some during the year, but many count on those three days to prepare.

So as administrators and educational partners we fire the gun on the first day with teachers yet they see another gun pointed, cocked and aimed at them.

Truthfully, it's not that dramatic and we do an effective job at balancing our professional development time with preparing for students. But the compressed time, and the problems that pop up that need teachers and administrators attention make it a pressure filled three days.

The key is to have "bullets" of learning that are not for the teachers to absorb in those few days. They should be starting points for initiatives that are ongoing and are addressing district needs.

Professional development is not a gun or a bullet, but we can make it feel like we're firing out knowledge and putting teachers in the cross fire of PD and getting ready for school.

Oh, and I'm writing this with a pile of things I need to have ready for Monday.

Better get updated

2009-08-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

Saw my blog on Scott Mcleod's wiki...Thought I'd better at least update the blog.

Will do a better job as we've had great dialog today.

End of the year approaching

2009-04-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

The end of the year is fast approaching. Prom next weekend, Senior's last day May 12, Graduation May 17 and everyone's last day May 21st.

Computers have been in the hands of students all year and will have to be taken in an serviced for the summer. All personal files, music and the like need to be saved elsewhere as the computers will be re-imaged and we do not back up those files. The students will most likely get the same computer back (some will get a different computer) next year cleaned up and updated.

Please find your chargers and bags as students have been reminded by staff for the past few weeks they need to find those items. A charge for the charger and bag will be assessed if they are not returned.

Please call in students who are not going to be at school as attendance monitoring will be stressed as the year concludes.

It's amazing how fast things have gone.

Happy New Year! - Plus five weeks

2009-02-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

Been too long between posts. There are so many things to blog about and so little time to get to blog about them.

Freshman "Ning" pages: Freshman english with Mr. Rapier are in the midst of a grand project where the students and teacher are putting assignments on a writer's social network page called "Ning". Students are encouraged to get parents and friends to check their pages out and what they have commented on and what their thoughts were.

D.C. Trip: March 22-27th is coming up and I hope those of you who have students going are excited. If you don't, please don't give in to the "we're not doing anything" excuse because so many students are gone. Teachers know to keep those here doing relevant things and to try out new technology ideas and units.

PLTW - Project Lead the Way is moving forward into the new year with the addition of 1-3 new class offerings. Principals of Engineering and Civil Engineering look like courses to investigate as well as offerring Digital Electronics one way or the other. These are exciting additions to Intro to Engineering and Design, a class that we currently offer.

Those are just a few things, I'd blog more except my duty taking money at the basketball game is almost over.

Economics and school

2008-11-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

We've hit mid-term of the 2nd quarter and are cruising straight to the end of the sememster.

A long and successful football season, a great musical, a firery volleyball team, concessions and all that surrounds a young high schooler has many students waiting to exhale as they begin winter sports season, speech and the rest.

Not to mention a long harvest season and work committments. Now is the time many are looking at the 2nd semester, looking at their schedule and wanting to make their lives easier.

Seemingly one way to ease the pressure is to drop challenging courses like spanish, chemistry and others in favor of less rigorous classes.

While there are students who need to prioritize work and extra-currirular activities higher on their lists than other, most should keep academics at the top.

Our country is lossing jobs by the second. My kids and yours need to be ready for jobs we can't even imagine yet AND more importantly become more creative and innovative and possibly create their own careers.

We have to prepare students for 4-year, 2-year institutions as well as for working immediately out of high school. The old models of high school, college and work are starting to change and change at a rapid pace.

Instead of dropping rigorous classes students need to take more. Instead of making excuses like "I have to work" they need to worry less about buying, or maintaining their car and more on academics.

Period. No argument.

Anything less is failing to prepare them for..... I truthfully can't answer that question.

Wow, it's been that long

2008-10-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Blogs that don't get updated, don't get read.

I'm guessing no one is going to read this post as it's been 10 weeks since my last entry. But I'm going to finally post again.

Subject...too many to even start. There's the end of the quarter, the sports season's playoff runs, the good statistics on many fronts.

There's issues in education, the world and the election.

I certainly could be writing about something, but alas, it seems I've let it go too long.

I will stop back soon and post about something.

Night before the first day of school

2008-08-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

Summer is over. Well, it's been over for teachers for three days and more for most as they were in last week making preparations.
We will be handing laptops out Tuesday night, August 26th. Students and parent(s) will have to sit through three 20 minute sessions focusing on acceptable use, Internet safety/cellphones and a bootcamp on the basics about the computer.
It is very important that you understand the value and importance of having the computers and caring for them. At the high school level the expectation is clear - they will be responsible for carrying, having the computers and bringing them to school each and every day.
Teachers will be expecting students to have them in their possession and will be doing lessons and daily activities out of them more and more as the year progresses.
There will be times of difficulty and students we will have some bumps in this process, but we will move forward and the staff is committed to learning and applying new instructional processes. Ones that focus on 21st century skills and learning.
Please call with any questions and see you at the parent-student meeting August 26th. Freshmen parents do not have to attend.

Registration is set, freshmen orientation

2008-08-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

Registration for school has been set for August 12th from 1 - 7 p.m. at all buildings both in the Anita CSD and C & M.

Forms will be provided online and will be sent out in the monthly newsletter.

Freshman orientation will be held Monday night, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a 30 minute presentation on CAM's one to one computer initiative that every parent and student must attend before your student will be issued a laptop.

Meetings for sophomores through senior classes will be held later and dates announced soon.

Summer's moving right along

2008-07-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Baseball and softball have officially ended and state tournaments have started or are upcoming soon. Summer is starting to move towards Fall.

School registration is tentatively set for August 12 and there will be some different things about this year's version of registration.

Remember, this year your student will be lugging around a MACbook with the latest operating system and programs on it including a school-only email address. This will come WITHOUT the $20 fee we charged last year.

With that said, we will have to meet and talk about the student and parent's responsiblities and what would happen if something DID happen to your student's computer.

Also, we'll have a drastically different cell phone policy. No we will not be banning cell phones, but we'll come to an understanding. The board has to approve the policy, but I can say now we will exercise ALL options given to us by law for those students who do not comply with the new policy.

In today's economy and climate high schools have been asked to step it up and it starts with the learning environment. To say cell phones distract and disrupt that environment is a stark understatement.

We will respect the student's right to have them if they respect our right and need to provide ALL students with an environment suitable to prepare them for life after high school.

School's out for the Summer

2008-05-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

The school year, formerly known as 2007-2008, is officially over.

Everyone is a year older and hopefully wiser. I know we learned a lot about each other, especially this year with the triumphs and tragedy we endured together.

We introduced new computers, policies and met a new administrator in Mr. Brazell. And now we say goodbye to Mr. Kuempel and Mrs. Bucey, two important cogs in our special education program.

Conference championships in volleyball and golf as well as a winning streak in football highlighted athletic accomplishments.

All-state musicians and speech performers as well as state and national FFA convention participants were a few activity highlights as well.

Look ahead we have added Project Lead the Way, a new program for students who want an active learning experience.

And for all of CAM schools we will be one-to-one computers to students at the start of of the 2008-2009 school year.

Have a great summer everyone! Remember - "A goodbye is not forever!"

Schedule for your future

2008-05-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

Schedule for your future. Public education works...for those who choose to challenge themselves, take advantage of the opportunities offered and who attended regularly.

But it all starts with the schedule, one that follows the student's chosen pathway and one that pushes the student each year.

We have our materials on our website this year and are offering online registration. Students and parents can sit together at home and register for classes. Then they can review them and make changes themselves or call the school.

We have new programs, dual credit opportunities, IWCC classes all to consider.

Schedule for you and not to have an easy senior year or to be with your friends.

Today's economy will demand a lot from you when you leave high school

Get all of the free education that you can now.

Cody gave us hope

2008-04-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

After the horrifying events of Friday, April 4th and Cody Olsen's accident on hwy 148, the school was left reeling with prospect of losing Cody. For the next, almost two weeks, we as a community clung to hope.

Even though our prayers weren't answered (in our terms) and the outcome wasn't what we wanted, Cody's fight gave us hope and allowed us to come together.

Clinging to the hope brought us together in a way no lesson plan or activity ever could. And as we prepare to say our final goodbyes to Cody, and gather to share our memories, we can be comforted in the fact his memory will live on in those stories and remembrances.

Cody's funeral is Tuesday, April 22 at 10:30 at the CAM Middle School.

I'm very proud of our students and staff

2008-04-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

In the midst of two trying situations involving Erin Steele and Cody Olsen, I have to tip my hat to both the students and staff of CAM High School for keeping a positive outlook and supporting each other.

Erin has hopefully turned the corner on what was certainly a dire situation and is working her way back.

Cody is fighting to get back to us after a horrifying accident, one which a bus load of high school students witnessed immediately afterwards.

There have been many tears but I've felt we've comforted and strengthened each other and have bonded together to believe nothing but the most positive outcomes will occur for both Cody and Erin.

We were able to dispel a despicable and distasteful rumor about Cody Friday night and continue to hope for the best.

Please continue to hold these two in your positive thoughts or prayers as they fight to get back to their families and friends.

Websites:
Cody Olsen
Erin Steele

Please! Don't quit your day job!

2008-03-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night's Conference Honor band featured three numbers performed by the directors of the conference schools. This included CAM's own Neil Berry.

Together they jazzed it up, getting several solos each that got, and deserved, applause.

Standing there I thought, "this group could go out and perform professionally."

Then I thought, "What am I thinking!??!! Please, don't quit your day jobs! We need you."

Just about every teaching area in the state of Iowa is termed "a need area", but music teachers are hard to find.

I don't think the conference Principals would appreciate my suggesting they form a band and go on tour.

Great job students and directors, it was an entertaining evening.

Hollywood ending

2008-03-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

The disgruntled coach kicks the team out of practice right before the big tournament.

Team loses the first game of the tournament.

In the 2nd game a key player gets an intentional elbow that isn't called, plays on, goes to get medical attention and comes back motivated and leads the team to a win over their fiercest rival in an exciting back and forth contest.

In the third game things come together for a complete victory.

Everyone playing clears a big hurdle, players who hadn't scored pour points in and find confidence in their contribution to the two victories.

All in all a 2nd place finish in a tournament they were slated to go 0-3 and finish fourth.

The Hollywood ending happened for the 3rd grade CAM basketball team who had one just one game going into the weekend, losing 4 times collectively to the two teams they defeated Saturday.

The crowd was great, the games were fast paced, it was just a great day. Had we lost both games we'd been just as proud of the effort.

Things just plain fell together. Everyone contributed, bruised knees, bloody lips, a lot of sweat and a lot of smiles as they hustled their way to two considerable upset victories.

Playing Saturday were: Felicity Jackson, Kayle Meyer, Emma Dorsey, Anthony Erhman, Shianne Adams, Chelsea Adams, Cane Cooley, Kyler Jacobs, Brock Watson and Collin Giegerich. Christian Kinze couldn't make it Saturday, but was there all year.

Two plus months of practice and non-basketball lessons later and I haven't been prouder of a group of young people.

A good "Hollywood" way to end the season.

Unexcused absences and tardies

2008-02-21T18:09:00.000-08:00

Unexcused absences or unexcused tardies are down this year.

However, we have policies to motivate students to get to class, stay in class and be responsible about owning up to being unexcused tardy or absent.

Those policies dictate that if you get three unexcused absences in one class you can be dropped from that class. Policy also dictates that if you have three unexcused tardies they turn into an unexcused absence.

Any form or truancy is a classic example of an unexcused absence. You skip out of the last block class or decide to go to another classroom for the whole period. Both of those instances will get a student an unexcused absence AND extra detention/Saturday school time for truancy.

Another way students can earn an unexcused absence is if their parent does not call them in absent the day they miss and we can't get a hold of the parent that day AND they do not send a note in with the student the next day. We will not call the day the student returns. We have informed students and parents as we talk to them and it's been effective.

An unexcused tardy is simply a student not being in the room at the bell without good reason.

Students who receive an unexcused tardy or absence were given a slip of paper taped on their locker to talk to Mrs. Meyer and to set up a detention.

Serving time for either one made the absence or tardy "non-permanent" or soft. Meaning it wouldn't move the student towards being dropped from the class.

Now some students may say the system is flawed because some slips were taken from lockers before the students got to see them. Now it's unfortunate that some students find enjoyment in messing with the slips, but the student who missed should know what their responsibilities are when they miss. We go over these procedures early in the year and communicate them every opportunity that we can. Not getting the slip of paper doesn't absolve the student from the absence and being accountable for where they were.

So letters have now gone home to parents of students who have moved towards 3 unexcused absences in a class or several classes and are giving students multiple opportunities to serve their detention time.

Because if students don't serve their time by March 14th (one week after the end of the 3rd quarter) their 3rd quarter unexcused tardies and absences will go permanent. Any student with more than 3 in a particular class will be called in with their parents and dropping that student from those classes will be discussed.

Students who had time to serve for other teachers or for receiving blue slips were also sent letters. These students must serve the time or they will receive Good Conduct Policy violations fore insubordination. Students with absence or tardy detentions may also be cited for Good Policy violations if detentions are not served.

This means no Prom, no activity or athletic participation for the violation.

Any student with 2 unexcused absences in a particular class the student's parents will be called and if they have one unexcused absence a letter will go home.

This policy is located in the board policy book on the school website if you are curious and a list of all unexcused absences are located in the student-parent handbook. If you would like a copy of it have your student stop in the office or email me and I'll send you an electronic version.

Mid-term, eligibility, attendance and prom

2008-02-10T15:53:00.000-08:00

Half-way through quarter number three. Grades and progress reports have been mailed and eligibility, more specifically ineligibility lists have been compiled.

Normally eligibility affects only those students involved in activities. Those not involved really face only the wrath of home pressures and consequences there.

However, CAM High School does use eligibility as a criteria for being able to attend prom. The past years we have used the end of the third quarter to determine if students are eligible to attend prom. We will do this again this year.

Prom is Saturday, May 3rd and the end of the third quarter is March 7th. Juniors and seniors who are eligible are invited to prom. However, many sophomores and freshmen are asked as dates and each of the past two years we've seen students who are ineligible asked unexpectedly only to be disappointed that they couldn't go because of grades.

There isn't much a student can do once March 7th passes and a student is ineligible.

There also are issues with unexcused absences or habitual attendance violators. Unserved detentions will keep a student from being eligible to attend prom.

I would encourage everyone to be aware of their situation and that things get taken care of sooner rather than later. Pass your classes and get to school and class on time.

Where did Quasemoto go?

2008-02-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

We missed the bells.

For two weeks the halls of CAM High School were quiet. Well, quiet from the interruption of the hall bells telling students, teachers and everyone it's time to move.

Our "Quasemoto" blew an amp, a system as old as the original "Hutchback of Notre Dame". Brought from the former high school, it was gutted of it's wires, dust, transistors and all that remains is a brand new amp. Combined with the new phone system we have more power, features and capabilities in 1/4th the area.

The bells will sound different, weird, almost wrong. But they will sound.

It was interesting watching everyone, drifting from class to class. Personally I think everyone did a good job considering our clocks have their differences. Our five minute passing period was more like 10 and I'm sure the number of "tardies" decreased as our kind hearted staff couldn't hold students who were a minute or two tardy...they may have been released late.

It's funny. The kids that would be tardy in 6 minutes were tardy after 11. What's the saying about giving an inch?

Service Learning Projects

2008-01-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

At the high school we have a homeroom period scheduled for 4 of the 5 days of the week. A lot of time is spent tracking student's missing assignments and communicating things to the students as well as building relationships between the teachers and students. Recently we've added a service learning project to the homerooms.

The students were given a list of example projects and some homerooms choose from that list and some came up with ideas of their own. The projects were aimed at getting them involved with the community by doing these "service learning" projects.

Right now we are collecting coats and cloths for the Salvation Army. We have a couple homerooms putting together care packages for service men and women over seas. A couple have created podcasts with public service announcements and one is collecting toys for the emergency room.

Great ideas one and all, and we've had some radio publicity with the Iraqie care packages.

Please help support our student's efforts and if you have any questions please call the school.

Giving Thanks

2007-11-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

On this Thanksgiving Holiday CAM High School has a lot to be thankful about:

1) A great student body with supportive, active parents.
2) A wonderful staff who will work with anyone.
3) Opportunities in all subject areas for students to excel.
4) A progressive minded community with energetic leaders.

As we move forward in a number of areas we all are thankful for the communication and support we receive as a staff.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Homeroom Tuesday

2007-11-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Please let students pair up and watch the two videos.

Afterwards, lead a discussion on these videos.

First Video

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=msnbc&vid=e0ba39c3-8794-444e-b25c-bff0068a3387

Your kid’s cyber secret

Technology update

2007-11-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

Before conferences I sent out a letter encouraging everyone to come to conferences and that there would be documentation about the laptops available to sign. Well, as many of you asked and a lot of you figured out on your own that the documentation was not available, or ready for you to sign.

Right now the laptops are in classrooms and are being used by teachers there, but they are not available for students to check out. Teachers are sharing them to ensure that they have enough to use when needed while we try to finalize how and when the students get to check them out, or for the juniors, have them with them at all times.

We will have a meeting of all junior parents about their 1 to 1 laptops and information will be sent home to be signed about those that are being checked out by the other students. Students have been and will be trained on proper use and procedures involving the laptops as well during Homeroom time.

I appreciate everyone's patience, especially the students, in this matter as we have several network and paperwork issues to clear up before we can get parents together and roll them out to students.

At the very, very latest they will get them to start 2nd semester, but we're hopeful its after Thanksgiving.

2007-11-03T17:28:00.001-07:00

CAM's definately got talent!

Anyone who made it to this year's variety show, "CAM's Got Talent", held Nov. 2 and 3 found this out.

This every two-year event was an enormous hit and everyone involved did their part to make it very entertaining.

I could start naming off each act, but I'm sure I'd leave someone deserving out.

What I don't think everyone knows is most of the acts in the show are developed almost exclusively by the students. With guidance from Mrs. Nichols watchful eye of course.

With that said I just want to congratulate the students, sponsors, teachers, parents and volunteers for pulling off another amazing event.

New Website up and running

2007-10-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

This year we are utilizing a new service called SOCS (Simplified Online Communication System) for our website information.

This is a shift from having a single teacher and a handful of students responsible for ALL of the material on the website to having all teachers, administrators, some staff and students responsible.

Teachers and administrators have the ability to put information out to the public instantly through the site and students and parents have the opportunity to subscribe, via email, to news updates.

Students can still work on the site and be edited by teachers. Right now our journalism class will be submitting a lot of work.

JMC parent access and Announcements have prominent buttons in handy places and the use of pictures should increase with the ease of the program.

Taking my medicine

2007-09-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hats off the Iowa State players, their coaching staff, fans and athletic director for their victory Saturday 15-13. Total Domination. I deserve the following.

School Starts Monday

2007-08-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

Wow! Monday we start school all over the CAM area. Students at the high school will begin with an assembly in the gym and then go to homerooms to get locker assignments and talk about scheduling.

We had two staff members leave late in the year. Lynn Johnson is now Principal at Villisca High School and Connie Turner is moving to Williamsburg to teach English in that district.

We have regained the Woods teaching of Dean Downer from the C & M CSD to help in the shop. Larry Hunt and Rex Mehrhoff will be dividing up the AD duties (AD Being "activities director"). We currently are working on options to provide CAD and Intro to Engineering classes.

Kate Kelly will join us from Florida to teach English 10 and upper level English full time for Mrs. Turner as well as taking on Oral Communication.

Kim Peterson joins us from Guthrie Center and will be teaching physical science, chemistry and physics.

Matt Kuempel joins us as a special education teacher and assistant boys basketball coach.

Chris Jahnke is our new Head Volleyball coach and Franklin Dea is the Head Boys Basketball coach.

See you Monday!

Registration is August 6th

2007-07-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for school registration. August 6th we'll start registering your students for classes at the high school and elementary in Anita. I'll have specific times and activities, but for right now plan on late afternoon and plan on updating all of your personal information.

With the expanded use of technology we're hopefully going to utilize you email and cell phone numbers more often.

See you in August and it's hard to believe the summer is melting away.

The summer moves forward

2007-07-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

July 4th approaches and amidst the celebration of our nation's Declaration of Independence, teachers, students and yes, administrators sense a loss of their independence.

For me, with a new superintendent, new state guidelines, new technology, a new approach and hopefully alliance with the County in handling attendance issues, I've been working on next year non-stop since the doors hit the student's fannies on the last day of 2006-2007.

And that goes for a lot of teachers as well, traveling to curriculum meetings held true for five of our teachers in addition to four going with me to Chicago to meet with Apple Computer.

Secretaries have been putting a wraps on fiscal year 2006-2007 and doing what they do each month.

Custodial staff have been mowing, installing 10 projectors in various rooms and the library, mowing, doing the usual cleaning, mowing, mowing and working on various other projects.

The summer moves forward towards 2007-2008 and judging by the willingness and work done this year in preparation it points to a very successful upcoming year.

Just so it feels like we've kept our independence longer than it usually seems once July hits.

Chicago Briefing

2007-06-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

What happens when you put six adults in a Suburban, load up with Apple MACbooks and point it at Chicago?

A lot of quality professional development.

Apple rolled out the red carpet and engaged Justin Rapier, Joan Clinton, John Arp, Rex Mehrhoff and Judy Griffin (AEA 13) the way we hope to engage our students starting in the fall.

Apple's iLife curriculum infuses writing with video, photo and podcasting production to embed learning into the minds of ... well anyone who puts in a minimal effort.

Those of you saying to yourselves..."What does playing around with video, photos and recording your own voice have to do with education?"

Hmmm we spent all of 100 minutes working on a podcast, embedding pictures with voice, adding sound effects and background music, and I remember more about the cicada from that activity than my course on insects at the University of Northern Iowa.

Using the powerful software hits the learner where they live whether they are a visual learner, learn through hearing or reading. You get multiple contact with the information as you research the most basic ESSENTIAL facts.

We had to write a script and follow basic expectations similar to meeting requirements set in a rubric or expectations draw out before any project. These are important to have, the use of a minimum amount of vocabulary and facts.

Do it and then publish it.

Then, it's there. There for the student, teacher and family to see. In our old system the student just produced things for one person - the teacher. If they didn't like that person AND didn't care what they got as a grade, what type of effort were they going to put in? Less than minimal.

Now, if they know their parents, friends and peers are going to see. Well then, that's a different story. Publish it and you've got their attention.

If you doubt my thoughts here, ask one of the Spanish students who have their video on YouTube what they think.

It's obvious they cared and are now proud of an assignment they did in school!

Schools out

2007-05-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ah, summer.

It's hard to believe the year is over and we're working on things for 07-08. But June is knocking on the door and baseball and softball are in full swing.

I can't say exactly what, but with the new technology and the work of our staff this summer, I can say going to school at CAM High School will begin to change early and for the better.

New attitudes, technology, procedures, expectations and responsibility will greet students next year.

So sit back, enjoy camping, fishing, golf and the summer job. It's summertime.

We're getting ready for the fall and next year. And having a good time doing it.

Class of 2007

2007-05-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

It was just a week ago I was fretting over preparing for H.S. Awards night and the graduation ceremony and now, two events and 13 graduation parties later, it's in the past and all of our memories.

A big thanks to this class for their contributions to CAM High School.

They are the first class to spend all four years together as CAM and chose their colors, one from C& M (gold) and one from Anita (purple). They were proud of this and I couldn't be prouder for them as a class.

So I hope you all had your fill of pork, tacos, appetizers, cake and punch. I sure did.

Thanks to everyone who helped send our graduates out in style.

ACT Prep Class

2007-05-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

The following is information that students should be presenting you Wednesday night as teachers are handing it out during homeroom on Wednesday.

This summer's ACT course will run from May 29th to June 8th, all weekdays. Classes will be run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. everyday and when we’ll be taking practice tests and running from 8:30 a.m. to approximately Noon. Cost for the class is $25. (An official schedule will be printed and handed out before the end of the school year)

Mr. Arp will be covering the essentials for the math portion of the ACT test, Mrs. Turner the English portion of the test and Mr. Giegerich the science portion of the test. Two actual tests will be administered.

The ACT has traditionally been used to test student’s college readiness in mathematics, English, reading and science. However, in recent years states have been adopting the “ACT Core Curriculum”, requiring more in depth math, science and English classes.

“The value of a good core of knowledge can not be underestimated. Taking the ACT is something every high school student needs to consider” – Mr. Giegerich

Taking the ACT test a couple times, or each year, is beneficial to know what areas a student need to work on to be confident they are ready for a post-secondary education. It’s not just for students with four-year aspirations anymore. It’s a good indicator for both student and parent whether entering a two-year college or trade school is the right choice.

The course will teach basic strategies that will help the student prepare for both the test format and content area. It’s not a catch all, but the course will improve the student’s ability to score at his/her ability level.

A Night at the Roxbury

2007-05-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Prom 2007 went something like this - A grand "Grand March", dinner, a couple tornado warnings, dancing, after-prom in Atlantic, another tornado warning and then students stranded in Atlantic because of debris and high water.

Home after 6 a.m. - certainly a prom to remember.

The creators of Saturday Night Live couldn't have written this "Night at the Roxbury", but this years juniors, seniors and their dates lived it.

It began with the threat of severe weather safely off to the west in Nebraska. CAM High School patrons watched their students put on snappy tuxes and beautiful dresses, show up in Hummers, dune buggies and limos for the Grand March. Security let the crowd, and then each couple, into the Roxbury.

High winds pounded Anita as the couples went from posing on the red carpet to eating at places like the Redwood in Anita and the Feed Lot in Atlantic. Most made it to the dance on time, were done with pictures and dancing as the first of two tornado warnings were issued for western Cass County.

Computers and emergency radios kept the sponsors and administration apprised (as well as several parents) of the situation. With contingency plans in place (getting students to the locker rooms) the dance went on. The DJs provided a good mix of contemporary dance, country and oldies (if you consider the 80s old).

After prom went on at the Atlantic YMCA as yet another tornado rolled through the area around 3 a.m. Afterwards, debris and flood waters gave county officials no choice but to keep the CAM students in Atlantic, with many reporting they did not get home until 6 a.m.

In some instances the students were definitely safer where they were as several had damage reported at their homes.

A big thank you to everyone who was responsible for putting Prom 2007 - "A Night at the Roxbury" on for everyone to see and enjoy.

Student Permits

2007-04-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

When you're a small school district, sharing classes with another small school district, student permits are a necessity especially if the student is active in extra-curricular activities. While it is a necessity it is also a privilege. One that could be easily taken away.

There are a host of guidelines (14 total) that the student, parent and I go over before a student permit is granted. When everyone leaves my office after that meeting I hope there is a clear understanding of the consequences involved if the guidelines are not followed.

Suspension of the license may result from:
* A single moving violation conviction;
* at fault chargeable accident
* a request from a peace officer, parent or guardian, school superintendent (or designee);
* or any other reason
attesting to violations of the guidelines. This could suspend the learners permit as well.

Revocation would occur if two or more moving violations occurred and that would mean two years from that time before you could gain your license.

I handle phone calls from the public and observations from parents and teachers by talking to the driver. Generally we discuss what the person said they saw and get the student's perspective. I then interject why that was (or in some cases wasn't) a violation of the guidelines.

I then request they speak with their parents and we follow up the next day on what was said and if they were given a punishment. I'll call the parents if the violation is serious or if the student is observed by multiple people on multiple occasions.

Some common misconceptions - You CAN transport students from your house to school (and back), but you CAN NOT pick them up; You have one direct route that you can travel once to get to school/activity/practice and ONCE to get back from said school/activity/practice. You CAN NOT get to school then go to Casey's or go home to get something you forgot.

I know we do not have a local police officer to work with to help monitor this, but all it takes is a credible adult and statement for the school to request (formally or informally) the suspension of the student's school permit.

If you want more information it's located in the Iowa Code Section 321.194.

Graduation upcoming

2007-04-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

We are fast approaching "Senior Skip Day" (May 2nd - educationally approved of course), Prom (May 5th), the Senior's Last Day (May 11th) and Graduation (May 20th).

Since there have been a lot of requests I'll post the official schedule for Graduation Week. It is as follows:

Wednesday, May 16 - Baccalaureate 7 p.m.; High School Awards Night 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 17 - Quill and Scroll - 6:30 p.m. in Library
Vocal, Band and Art Awards Concert/Show 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 20th - Graduation 2 p.m.

Seniors, graduation rehearsal is Thursday, May 17th at 11a.m.

It's hard to imagine seeing this group of seniors go as the start of the 06-07 school year seems like it started yesterday.

For you parents of seniors I'm sure you'd tell me the same thing about them entering as a Freshman ... or kindergarten for that matter.

Look at the want ads

2007-04-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

A stroll through the Sunday classifieds in the Des Moines Register has you walking through many different, technical and non-technical, high paying jobs that need people to fill them.

This trend is going to increase as Baby-Boomers leave the work force to drain Social Security dry. There is going to be opportunities in all areas for anyone to take. Anyone with a strong background in math, science and can communicate (English).

The two biggest misconceptions that students and parents have about high school, in my opinion, is 1) Math and Science are for nerds and is somehow genetic 2) They can get what they need after high school.

While a student can start being successful anytime in life, why not sooner rather than later? Or how about, why not when it's FREE rather than when it's paid for?

So what does "To Kill a Mockingbird" have to do with math, science and technical skills? Try the ability to budget time away from the T.V., the computer, the cellphone, the friends to read and prepare for the next class.

How about reading and comprehending literature so you can one day read and comprehend a complex textbook, or a complex manual, or a complex tutorial online?

"I just don't get math", or "I don't like Science", try "Reading's dumb", the student says.

"He just doesn't get math...doesn't like science...isn't much for reading" the parent says.

"I'm sorry he just doesn't get the job," the high paying employer says.

Technology class wrapping up

2007-04-01T04:23:00.000-07:00

The multi-media class, put on byAEA13s own Judy Griffin, will be ending on Monday. The class will culminate with every participant (or groups there off) showing what they can produce using iPhoto and iMovie.

It's been a fun and entertaining several weeks. Teachers have set up blogs to communicate with patrons about upcoming events and one even is using it to communicate with students.

I will be highlighting the accomplishments of the class at our "Community Meeting" in April as well as illustrating where we are going from here in terms of our technology grant.

I applaud the efforts of the staff and challenge them to continue to learn and grow with technology. It's easy to get excited about a new teaching tool, but we are all going to have the technology let us down. The best developed lesson, with or without technology, sometimes doesn't work. Using computers, projectors, power points, dvd, downloaded videos adds an element of Murphy's law not yet defined by Murphy.

Ask Mr. Miller. He produced two wonderfully put together slide shows for the FFA banquet Saturday night. We set the computer and projector up with speakers, tested it, went home, came back and the speakers didn't work. Add a faulty microphone and PA system to the mix and the music in the background wasn't heard very well.

But Mr. Miller did get to burn the slide shows on a DVD for the seniors to take with them. A keepsake for four years of hard work. The glass half-full says the technology came through with flying colors.

PBS Day

2007-03-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we held our annual PBS Day at the High School. Two general speakers and four breakout sessions involved and spoke to students on a variety of subjects.

Our first speaker was Ted Weise. The CAM FFA program stepped up and paid to get him for the high school and middle school after seeing him present at National FFA Conference. "Ted", as he asked to be called, kept the kids moving and laughing for two hours while delivering a message on several topics including: Teamwork, overcoming the fear of failure, paradigm shift in attitude, being involved, and being part of the solution rather than part of the problem. His presentation was an overwhelming hit and had everyone having a good time.

Miss Iowa 2006 talked about Character Counts and their eight pillars as well as her background. She performed for the student body singing "Somewhere over the Rainbow".

During a split lunch the students watched a video that spoke about the global economy, technology and the effects these things will have on their future.

The four afternoon breakout sessions were: JEL (Just Eliminate Lies), St. Jude's in Adair, Eldora State Training school and Cass County Hospital. The students heard messages about health and the dangers of smoking as well as from students in the Eldora facility and people who are in treatment and who have made it out of treatment at St. Jude's.

There was fantastic attendance at school yesterday, so most everyone was part of a successful day.

A big thanks goes to the student council and Mr. Hunt, the FFA and Mr. Miller, the teachers and their involvement with the students during the program and all of the speakers involved with the day.

Parent Teacher conferences this week

2007-03-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Parent teacher conferences are very important. Whether your student is doing well or needs to improve, sitting down with your student(s) teachers is vital to their education.

It demonstrates that you are paying attention to them and what they are involved in. Do not fall into the "You don't have too," or "I'm fine, don't worry about going," or even "conferences are dumb and the teacher hates me" trap. It's the tendency for most teens to down play conferences and especially if they're struggling.

Getting to know teachers is important. Asking them questions, even if it's "why does my son think you hate him?" Or, "she's getting an A but do you feel she understands the work." Any question is good and setting up a dialog about your student(s) education is important.

After conferences talk to your student(s) about them and come up with real ideas to improve their experience at CAM High School and set some goals. The goals do not always have to be, "To get an 'A' or a 'B'".

Start with organizational things such as "for the rest of the year I will write down assignments." There's things like doing homework at a certain time and if it's done doing some free reading.

But first, please take a couple hours and attend conferences this Spring. You'll be glad you did!

Attendance and tardies

2007-03-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Students will be receiving a letter if they have 4 or more unexcused tardies, or two or more blocks of unexcused absences. It will explain how many of each and how much time they owe to make up for the time missed.

Students may have had time from last semester unserved or detention time a teacher assigned and they didn't serve (among other disciplinary things) tacked on and a total time the student owes in on the letter.

If a student has 3 or less hours to serve they may use detention after school in 1/2 hour increments, serve time in Saturday school or serve time doing community service. Dates for Saturday school or community service are provided on the letter as well as a space for alternative ideas from parents and/or students.

There is a process for appealing unexcused absences in the Student-Parent Handbook. We currently have two people working on absences and tardies and all parent calls and notes have been taken into account. Some days, changes from a teacher's original entry, takes the full day if not into a second. This can be confusing if you're checking online through the parent access link because your student's record can change.

Students who come in late, or without an excuse are unexcused. If a student sleeps in and a parent calls to tell us they'll be late doesn't excuse the student. We want that call, but the absence is still unexcused. Students who leave the building without signing out of the office are absent unexcused.

There are dozens of examples of unexcused absences. The state excuses only a handful of things (suspensions, college visits and field trips) for compulsory attendance tracking, and our school excuses some more (illness or injury, family trauma, health appointments, prior approval of vacation or work, verified emergencies, religious services).

Generally things that are communicated ahead of time are excused.

If you have any questions please call the office. Otherwise, ask your student if they received a letter Thursday or Friday.

Blogs, blogs everyhwere

2007-03-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

You can't swing a dead cat (not sure where that phrase was first coined and why) around the world-wide web without hitting a new blog by a teacher at CAM High School.

Blogs about the DC Trip, the Vocal department, FFA are just a few floating out there right now with more being developed and written.

This helps step up the level of communication between teachers and patrons while giving everyone another opportunity to express themselves.

With this freedom of expression comes a level of responsibility on both the poster and the blog writer. While having a difference in opinion is healthy, the way that opinion is expressed is vital. Personal attacks and inappropriate or slanderous comments are not acceptable.

The district is looking into other communication tools as part of the ILTC Grant that was awarded to CAM High School this winter.

End of the Quarter approaches- check grades online NOW!

2007-03-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

If you are reading this, you can access your son/daughter's grades online. I'm guessing you all know that, but for anyone who doesn't (or for anyone you know who doesn't and has internet access) it's useful information.

The quarter ends Wednesday, March 14th. Grades are due at Noon on Friday from teachers. Teachers updated grades on Tuesday, March 6th and some update more frequently. You can access how your student's doing now and get some last minute push to improve their standing before the door closes on the quarter.

I know many of you have tried earlier in the year with no success. Please call Linda at the high school office (762-3231) and she'll get you your username and password. They will work. If they don't let us know. Usually it's a server shutdown problem, but we need to know if there are problems.

Blizzard of '07 ... extend quarter 3 days

2007-03-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

I wish I had more readership at this moment as I could be letting everyone know that we'll probably be extending the quarter 3 days. The quarter will end March 14th, grades are due by noon on Friday the 16th.

It would only be fair for those students needing to raise their grade and giving teachers a chance to get units wrapped up and grading done. Regardless the 4th quarter will get three extra days tacked on most likely, so it would only make sense to extend the 3rd quarter.

This year's seniors are pleased as punch I'm sure as they will not be here to make the days up. Last year we had one or no days off (can't recall).

I'm not familiar with this area so I do not know it's blizzard history. But I was my son's age (8) when the blizzard of '72 shut school down for 4 total days. We're lucky we have a weekend coming up as well as a weather change.

Stay safe and see you next week!

Dress Code

2007-02-24T15:37:00.000-08:00

Every generation has their fashion and style. Some are acceptable, and some are not.

Several years ago it was "mid-riffs", young ladies with shirts that were up just below the bellybutton; There are, and always have been, T-shirt issues; more recently there were problems with female underwear that could be seen.

Now it's the guys turn. Low-riding pants that expose boxer or regular shorts. Just like their female counterparts, who were either wearing low cut jeans or underwear that were exposed, this is unacceptable. On a variety of levels that I feel I do not need to discuss.

Like cellphones we've had teachers and the adminstration who enforce it one way or another. I even stepped in one day and started handing rope out, giving out 12 strands in a day and 1/2. Again, we need a level of consistency since simply asking them to have them above their hips has not worked. In fact, more students are joining in wearing them low.

Again, we're talking about underwear that is out in public (and simply putting shorts there instead of boxers doesn't cut it either). Part of me wants to greet parents, who have trouble with us asking to have their students simply keep their pants, with my pants at the same level. See how long I'd hold my job, it would be short lived.

Our policy in a nutshell: If a staff member can visibly see whatever it is that is wore underneath and any time they will ask the student to go to Mrs. Meyer's room (The Room of Opportunity - ROO) and fix them. She will have something they can use (most likely green garden twine) to be sure their pants are up and always covering their undergarment.

Penalties: Again, we'll give them an opportunity to rectify the problem and after that, they will contact a parent from that the ROO and tell them they will be spending time there until the problem is corrected. In school and out of school suspensions as well as extra-curricular privileges being suspended will also come into play. Refusal to go to the ROO will result in a Blue Slip major violation rather than a minor violation which means community service, detention or Saturday school.

Even long sweatshirts that cover the backside will be addressed. Students often spend the entire day holding them up! Also their gait (how they walk) is affected and it can't be good on their back and how they distribute their weight.

It's plain and simply a dress code violation and it has to be addressed.

Cellphones

2007-02-24T14:45:00.000-08:00

As Principal, I have made a plea to the staff of CAM High School to come to together and address several issues in regards to student conduct. The first of that being students with cellphones.

Before diving into the logistics of what I've asked the staff to do, or cite School Board Code or the Handbook verbatim, here are my thoughts.

We have been enforcing the cellphone rule to some degree, but inconsistently from staff member to staff member. I can think of several students who's cellphones have ended up in the office a half-dozen times. I can also think of a handful of students who's parents have been called to come get them and magically they aren't a problem for those students.

We need to be consistent and hopefully reduce and eliminate cellphone distractions. To do so we've moved the cellphone holding area to Mrs. Meyer's room where she can have students, who use their cellphones during the school day outside of the main office, without permission, to contact parents to have the cellphones picked up after school. We may give everyone one "my bad" where all they have to do is come down and pick it up after school on their first violation.

What is so bad about having cellphones at school? They are a major distraction. Our students are networked together in small and large groups and most spend a good portion of the day communicating with each other. This is a tremendous distraction!

Cellphones vibrate or go off to some degree when calls or texts come in. This disrupts the classroom and now affect other students. And then the game of "keep the cellphone from the teacher" begins.

"What, it wasn't mine," "Aww come on, I was just checking the time," "My parents need to contact me." Now the class suffers and the teacher has to get them back and focused on the lesson.

Bottom line is we could ban them all together and impose stricter rules. I don't want to go there necessarily. At a recent "School Administrators of Iowa" conference on School Law it was confirmed that schools could ban cellphones from the building.

I believe in being more progressive than that. Banning cellphones would just bury them deeper in some students pockets; check-in-checkout plans would be a nightmare to manage; referrals would skyrocket; time I need to help the school with instructional support would vanish. But if necessary we will consider a ban.

I also believe in giving students a chance to reach a higher expectation for personal cellphone management than where we're at with it currently.

I'm prepared to drop a cellphone ban from consideration if students can manage their cellphones better from here on out and accept punishments given for unacceptable cellphone use.

Our Cellphone policy in a nutshell: You may have cellphones in the building, but they can not create a distraction, or be in plain site during the school day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Exception: Cellphones can be used in the Main Office or in an area designated by a staff member.

The key is the student must ask a teacher/administrator/secretary if they can use it and be ready to accept "No" for an answer or "you can go to the office (or location) and use it".

Penalty: Students will be asked to go to Mrs. Meyer's room (The Room of Opportunity) to turn over their cellphone. She will document it with a "Blue Slip" minor referral and after one free violation the parents will be called to come get the cellphone. If students refuse to go to the room and do this they will be cited with a "Blue Slip" major referral which will mean either detention, community service time, extra curricular privileges suspended or Saturday school.

Cellphones are here, I realize that and I'm not fighting the fact they are a part of the culture for just about everyone. All I want is a learning environment that is not effected from the almost addictive nature of their use.