I am not a morning person. Therefore having to be in school by 7.30am for my very first day at Northbridge High School this morning (and that's late by 'normal' standards - I'll be aiming for 7am from Wednesday onwards) was somewhat of a shock to the system! I arrived not-so-bright and early, joining teachers from all over the district for coffee, pastries and a chat in the bright and airy foyer.
This was a 'teacher's day', no pupils; more of an easing-in to the new school year. We gathered in the vast theatre (of the like I've never seen in a school) and were greeted by the Superintendent of the district, Susan Gorky. She introduced the Administration team (SLT to the UK contingent) and asked the new teachers to stand: each introduction was punctuated with applause. The auditorium was then asked to stand, en masse, and pledge allegiance. Witnessing this was incredible - every person around me stood, with their hand over their heart, speaking in unison. The only other time I've ever experienced anything close to it (and it wasn't really *that* close) was when on a day's supply at a Catholic school in Cardiff a class and the Headteacher chanted and made a series of hand gestures at the start of a lesson. This was followed by a recent graduate, Susan, singing the anthem. She did so without accompaniment: a beautiful rendition. The Superintendent then spoke of her vision for the coming year. The theme of the district for this year is 'High Expectations and Active Engagement for All Learners'. She spoke of what this might look like in the classroom: an Ofsted lesson!
A motivational speaker, children's author Peter Reynolds, then spoke to us of how to engage the disengaged and generally improve our teaching. His central message was that the key to success is to really endeavour to get to know your students as individuals and use this information to bring out the best in them - which is exactly what Fairfield does best! I think this must pose more of a challenge in a larger school such as NHS than at Fairfield but I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment nonetheless! Reynolds also pressed the importance of creativity and encouraging students to think for themselves; again, exactly what we do in the UK! He read (and projected) some of his stories, one of which was called 'Ish', which emphasises the importance of being an indivdual and giving anything a go... it quickly became the word of the day and I suspect, will become a faculty in-joke for some time to come! How teacher-ish! ;)
Reynolds' speech was followed by a quick break, during which time the elementary and middle school teachers departed for their own buildings. The High School staff met in the Media Centre (aka the library) for housekeeping and a discussion of the policies for the coming year: NHS has a new Principal who, coming from the middle school, is known and respected by his colleagues. He nabbed me for the 'getting to know you' exercise on the new teacher orientation day and we chatted at length; I am going to enjoy working with him. New staff were again introduced and applauded - I was given a loud round of applause and even some cheering, much to my surprise! I think people are perhaps more openly enthusiastic here. It's nice but is taking some getting used to - especially as I hate being the centre of attention (I'm still evading the local press!). The staff of NHS appear to be down to earth, friendly and welcoming: I will be supported here.
We then moved into departments with a central set of questions to discuss and return to Administration. These were mainly focused on how to improve the school, teaching and learning - specifically student engagement. As with the UK, the consensus was on consistency and differentiation (which brings us back to knowing our students as individuals). I was asked to explain the House system at Fairfield as NHS doesn't have an equivalent system.
Finally, we were given time to prepare for the arrival of our students on Wednesday. I put together a rather hastily made display of all things Welsh, based on the most common questions I have been asked, and also a section for Fairfield. I hope to use this board to generate discussiona and dispel stereotypes!
Tomorrow we are in at 8am (a lie in!) for a Professional Development day. Which will be interesting...ish! Then, on Wednesday, the real work shall begin!
That must have been Zach's Susan who sang the National Anthem. The Pledge of Allegiance is also done each morning, over the loud speaker. A student is selected each day to recite the pledge and all students, staff and teachers will stand, turn toward the flag in the classroom and say the pledge aloud,followed by a moment of silence. Every sporting event is also begun with the singing of the National Anthem. National pride is equated to the school Ram Pride.
ReplyDeleteWhile we don't have house groups, we do have competitions throughout the year where each graduating year are "pitted" against each other to earn points...Winter Carnival would be the one that comes to mind. Each graduating year has Class Advisors who assist students with fundraising activities, homecoming activities, planning school dances and preparing for graduation over the four years of high school.
You will generally find that your comarderie, enthusiasm and level of support from colleagues and administrators in the building extends far beyond the classroom borders. The school is the major social epicenter for most of our faculty and students. We, teachers, invest loads of time with extracurricular activities and athletics beyond the school day/week. We also get a monetary stipend for these positions, but they pale in comparison to the numbers of hours many of us invest in developing the character of our students with these activities. This is all part of how we get to know our students beyond the classroom enviornment. Some of us will bond with students for many years to come, and you will often find students returning to visit or emailing for help with college work.
I can't believe you have been succesful at avoiding Mr. Mattson. Don't worry, he is a very determined man and he will hunt you down to get the story. You have to remember that the Fulbright Program is extremely prestigious in the US. So to have a teacher from their school, that'd be me, selected to participate in it is a great honor. YOU are the other half of that equation so the "press" is very important for the district. It shows how how very good the opportunities are in Northbridge for students and staff, and allows us to entice "school choice" students to attend Northbridge from other districts.
I am very glad you had a great opening day! Northbridge is awesome and it is a tremendous school community to be part of.
Yes, it was Zach's Susan.
ReplyDeleteI was asked about the House system as it includes all years, not just the graduating ones. I don't think it's a system you'll be using here but the department were interested in it.
We get the same with our students returning. School in the UK is less of a social thing, though we do have a wide variety of extra curricular events that staff work on without receiving any money for their time. The family atmosphere and small size make it more of a family and teaches at Fairfield often re the community!
I am aware that it's prestigious here (whereas few in the UK are even aware of it) but until he relents on the photo thing I shall continue to avoid him. Sorry.
I concur; as is Fairfield :)
* are, not re
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