We just finished another meeting with our Community Relations Committee talking about how we can better engage the community in the work that we are doing. Michele did a great job using a third grade science unit to identify the differences between a 1, 5, and 10 classroom. The conversation resulted in information and ideas about creating knowledge base with our community that I will share with our planning committee.
Knowing how to engage the community and with what content is difficult at best. I believe that these people will help us become better at this. One area where this is critical is with the use of technology. We need to be sharing now what is happening so that over time community members and parents know what we are doing, that we are expending resources wisely, and that it is influencing learning and teaching.
One idea that emerged here was the important role that teachers have in conveying information through their students. For example, they can ask students to thank their parents for providing the opportunity for document cameras and projectors and also share how these tools are supporting enhanced learning environments. What other simple ways can we identify to keep this communication ongoing to inform parents and create the situation where voting yes next time becomes not an argument, but a necessity? I encourage you to begin conversations with staff on additional ways to enhance communication around technology and share with us what emerges.
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I was pleased to see the good turn-out of parents/community members at last night's meeting. As always, Mike was effective at soliciting authentic feedback from participants. The powerful nature of what teachers communicate to parents was evident to me, as well. Given the reality that teachers usually have the most credibility with parents, it is critical they are kept in the loop and continue to feel a part of the work we are doing.
With Classroom 10 having been referenced in the Voice article and on the district website, I believe it is important for our teachers to have the knowledge base to answer basic questions that might come their way. Personally, I adjusted my lesson plan with staff this morning, to include a brief visit (revisit for some) to Classroom 1, 5, and 10. Even though we are not planning on this area of focus until next year, I'm thinking of ways to weave in classroom 10 learning opportunities for staff this year.
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