Principal’s Post
A Journey Toward Independence
What does it mean to be “independent”? It’s one of two areas of focus for our current strategic plan. Merriam-Webster defines independence in a few ways: not subject to control by others not requiring or relying on something else showing a desire for freedom This begs a follow up question: How does one achieve independence?… Continue Reading A Journey Toward Independence
What will a day at the elementary school look like?
This description, originally posted in the Back-to-School Blueprint, is only a general example of what students and families can expect daily, Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday. Wednesdays are designated for independent learning unless the teacher has scheduled any specific events for their students. Teachers will be reaching out with more specifics, for example offering age-specific expectations for… Continue Reading What will a day at the elementary school look like?
Elementary Cohorts to Be Posted Monday (plus three frequently asked questions)
Thank you for your patience as we prepare for a fall re-entry at the elementary school. We plan to post class cohort rosters on Monday, August 10. As a parent of school-age children myself, I can empathize with the hard decision of whether to send your kids to school as part of the hybrid plan… Continue Reading Elementary Cohorts to Be Posted Monday (plus three frequently asked questions)
Many Thanks
It is not hyperbole to say these times are unprecedented. Our entire district went to remote learning in the spring. Resources were distributed and kids were connected only through the Internet for instruction. We are now posed to start summer learning, also virtually. These events do not happen by accident; it is the result of… Continue Reading Many Thanks
Process for Distributing Elementary Student Materials to Families
Hello MPES families, With the school year coming to an end, we will be distributing remaining student supplies back to families and collecting any school-issued texts on Wednesday, May 13. We will not be collecting iPads or Chromebooks at this time; that will take place at a later date. Teachers will have art boxes and… Continue Reading Process for Distributing Elementary Student Materials to Families
Keep it Simple
I read somewhere that, because our current situation is so complex, we should simplify the educational experience as much as we can. I agree that clarity and conciseness are important right now. Parents are having to manage both work and family largely from home. Teachers are on a steep learning curve with technology. If we… Continue Reading Keep it Simple
The Big Read
Reading wasn’t always a private activity. Before Gutenberg invented the printing press over 500 years ago, reading was a social experience. The vast majority of people at that time were illiterate; books were hand-written and expensive. In Hamlet’s Blackberry: Building a Good Life in the Digital Age, William Powers described how communities from Ancient Greece… Continue Reading The Big Read
“Who Owns the School?”
by Elementary Principal Matt Renwick In my 20 years in education, I have been asked this question by a student or two. I cannot recall my typical answer. Likely, I stumbled through a dry explanation such as, “Well, people pay taxes which goes toward all of our books, pencils…” I am sure I have also… Continue Reading “Who Owns the School?”
The Costs and Benefits of Technology
We were heading home from a family gathering along the interstate. When I looked at my Google Maps display on my smartphone, a small bullhorn symbol showed up next to my highlighted route. It was a speed trap alert. Apparently, drivers ahead of us had spotted a police officer pulling over speeding cars. Other drivers embedded… Continue Reading The Costs and Benefits of Technology
Appreciation and Humility
“I hear your school district is one of the best in the state.” I hesitated to respond when a new parent said this to me. She was filling out her registration paperwork in our conference room. I had stopped by to introduce myself. Her answer to my general question, something about what brought her family… Continue Reading Appreciation and Humility