Informal "To Do" List to Maintain Focus as an AP

We are currently in the stretch of the school year that is typically the most challenging for administrators, teachers, and students.  This is the time when the second semester is in full-swing, spring is approaching, and consequently, spring break is typically what many are looking forward to.  It's also a challenging time for administration since discussion for next school year has begun, involving budget, staffing, resources, etc. 

Therefore, I put together a short informal "to do" list which helps me stay focused on my day-to-day activities.  If I am able to accomplish four or five of these every day, it maintains my focus and responsibility to being an instructional leader in the school.

These are in no particular order:

• Meet with a content/grade-level PLC. 

• Meet with my own administrative PLC.  Radio's off.  Door closed.  We owe it to each other.

• Pre-conference or Post-Conference with a teacher.  I like having Pre-conferences with all my teachers before Formal Observations in Feb/March, even though they are not required.  I enjoy the crucial conversations and I believe teachers appreciate the time.

• Formally Observe a teacher.  I am currently observing my BT/Probationary teachers who require a third Formal Observation, which are due by the end of March.  Being able to complete the observation-portion of the evaluation process does provide a sense of accomplishment, which results in less stress.

• Conduct Walk-Through's in an organized way (i.e., all Algebra I teachers, all World Language teachers, etc.) and provide feedback to all teachers.  Personally, I set a five-teachers per week minimum to provide WT Feedback as one of my goals this year.

• Handle needed discipline with students.  This is an automatic as an Assistant Principal.

• Touch-base with students, not necessarily as a result of discipline.  This could result from assessment data, recommendation by a teacher, or a student that has improved from first semester.  A quick, five-minute conversation can go a long way.

I attempt to not look at this as a "check list", as an administrator's schedule must always remain flexible.  Yet, this has been a great way for me to maintain my focus as an instructional leader.

Thanks for reading and follow me via Twitter @CSmithGoBlue

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

Multiple Reasons to Study German

Last week, I attended a dinner function provided by the German Language and Culture Foundation.  I came away with much more than an outstanding four-course meal; The information and knowledge shared about the influence of the German language in Mecklenburg, Gaston, and surrounding counties was astonishing.  Therefore, I wanted to share the PowerPoint presentation from the event:

Presentation for Gaston County Schools by Kurt Waldthausen from the German Language and Culture Foundation 

I would like to send a tremendous thank you to Mr. Waldthausen, for sponsoring the event and Ms. Hannah Anderson, the German teacher of Ashbrook High School for the invitation and enthusiasm of the German language.



Thanks for reading and follow me via Twitter @CSmithGoBlue

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

What Makes a Successful Counselor?

Since February 6-11 is National Counseling Week, a Principal in my district created the following:

“WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL COUNSELOR?”

by

James Robert White, Ed.D.

CIRCULATE THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL!

OBSERVE STUDENT BEHAVIOR!

UNERSTAND STUDENT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT!

NOURISH STUDENT SELF-CONFIDENCE!

SCHEDULE CLASSROOM VISITS!

ENCOURAGE PARENT INVOLVEMENT!

LISTEN CAREFULLY TO STUDENTS!

OPEN YOUR OFFICE TO STUDENTS!

RESPECT SUDENTS’ OPINIONS!

SUCCESS                    SUCCESS                    SUCCESS

[Copyright © January 25, 2005]

(Dr.) James Robert White, Ed.D.

Assistant Principal ▬ Catawba Heights Elementary School

101 Ivey Street

Belmont, North Carolina  28012

(704) 827-3221 Fax: (704) 827-2419

You can also check out: What Makes a Successful Mentor?

What If A Student Follows You On Twitter?

"What if a student follows you on Twitter?"

I was asked this question by a staff member last week and wanted to share my thoughts:

• I don't see any harm in students reading posts from any "hashtag discussions", such as #edchat, #cpchat, #atplc, etc.  Aren't we conducting these conversations to grow professionally with the ultimate goal of improving as a school leader?

• I manage two Twitter accounts: @CSmithGoBlue, which is "Craig Smith", and @AshbrookHS, which is the account for my school.  This allows me to distinguish if something tweet-worthy is "coming directly from the school" or "directly from me".  I will admit, this is difficult at times.  On occasion, I will re-tweet a @CSmithGoBlue tweet using @AshbrookHS, to keep the two separated.  It sounds like a pain, but it does indeed help. 

• Students see educators as role models within the school.  Today's 21st-century students needs to see responsible leaders with social media, as well.

• Twitter is such an easy way to promote positive news.  For example, we have a very spirited student section (aka "The Zoo Crew") and I was extremely proud of how they conducted themselves over the past few games.  I tweeted this after a basketball game two weeks ago and, as a result, the tweet began circulating among the student body.  It was a simple token of appreciation for the students acting responsibly.

• I don't follow back.  PLAIN AND SIMPLE.  Maybe after a student graduates.  Maybe, since...

• It is a simple way to keep in touch with alumni, especially my former athletes.  BUT NOT CURRENT STUDENTS.

• I understand and completely agree that educators need their "lives away from school."  So, I don't tweet my life away from school.

• The majority of my non-educational related Tweets are sports related.  I am not too worried if students see that I believe Michigan needs a big conference road win.

• I am going to be sending this Blog Post out via Twitter.  I am hoping a few students read it. 

Finally, the popular mantra regarding social media is to "never post anything you wouldn't want your grandma to see."  At a public forum, I once heard a Detective say, "You shouldn't have anything on Social Media that you wouldn't want to see on the front page of The Charlotte Observer."  I prefer to use the mentality of "never tweet something you wouldn't want the entire student body to see".

Thanks for reading and follow me via Twitter @CSmithGoBlue!

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.