Principal’s Post
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 … Read More
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 … Read More
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 … Read More
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 … Read More
“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 … Read More
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 … Read More
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 … Read More
Strategic Plan: Starting with Social Studies
In June, the faculty examined the state social studies standards with the purpose of developing a written curriculum plan for this discipline. Last week, teachers focused on one strand of social studies (civics, economics, geography, history) and started to develop a narrative that would introduce students to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of that area … Read More
Year-End Reflection: The Challenge of Change
I have had the honor of observing our current 5th grade students become the individuals they are today since 3rd grade. This is one of the many perks of being a principal: having a schoolwide view of our kids as they progress through the years. As a former 5th and 6th grade teacher myself, I … Read More
Elementary School Renovation: Six Design Strategies for Modern Learning Spaces
Later this May, professionals from HSR Design (our architecture firm) will be available during the school day to take questions and collect feedback from staff about the building renovation. Time is yet to be determined, but they should be available long enough for everyone to have an opportunity to speak with them. As educators, we … Read More