Putnam Valley High School

Planning for the Block Schedule

Posted on by ski626

Currently, our high school is moving to a modified block schedule with a six-day cycle of 2 days 40 minutes and 4 days of 80-minute classes split between odd and even days. This is a big shift for any school or teacher and I anticipate that many of my faculty will have anxious feelings about this transition. My goal is to provide them with as much support necessary to feel comfortable in the new schedule. I was very fortunate when I began teaching in a block schedule that I was given training in a number of popular models of the 90’s ( Johnson and Johnson’s Cooperative Learning, Glasser’s Reality Theory etc.) I want my teachers to have the same opportunities that I had to be well prepared to teach in a block period.  Although some faculty will be trained in the popular LATIC model (Learner Active Technology Infused Classroom) before school begins, I thought it was important to outline some “big picture” thoughts on planning for 80 minutes to give all of my staff some guidance.

To begin, If you are in the routine of delivering or lecturing information for 40 minutes, this will not work in an 80-minute block! This quote from an anonymous student truly summarizes why lecturing in a block will not work with teenagers, “If I die, I hope it’s during a lecture; the difference between life and death will be so small, I will not notice a difference.” (M. Rettig, Professor at James Madison University.)  Regardless of how entertaining you are, students will lose interest within 10 minutes. Plus, research tells us that students and adults retain less than 10% of what they have been told. How can you plan to gradually turn the learning over to the students? How can technology provide you with the tools to do this?

Teaching in a block period should not look like two 40 minute periods strung together. Each lesson should reflect a unique objective of what students should know, should understand and should be able to do by the end of the period. This will enable you to organize class time more effectively. One of the focal points when planning is thinking about how students will APPLY the new found information and how they will demonstrate what they know or are able to do. Identifying the application will help you to think more closely about the activities and the time needed for the lesson.

Generally, it’s a good rule of thumb to have students change tasks/activities approximately every twenty minutes. As we know, it’s not healthy for anyone to sit for a time span greater than 20 minutes without stretching. This means kids, too! http://www.npr.org/2012/05/09/152336802/stand-up-walk-around-even-just-for-20-minutes

Routines for classroom management are necessary. However,  the same lesson plan every day leads to a rut for you and for your students. Think about how to add variety to your lesson planning. Consider developing authentic inquiry based activities, Socratic seminars scored discussions, simulations, writing activities that engage the students in real world problems.

Facing History- Socratic Seminars

https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/teaching-strategies/socratic-seminar

BrainPop- Teaching With Simulations

https://educators.brainpop.com/teaching-tip/teaching-strategies-interactive-simulations/

Letting students start homework where you can check for understanding is acceptable. However, the purpose of longer classes is to deepen student understanding of the material.Instead of homework completed in class think about…

  • Putting more time into closure activities that formatively assess student understanding

Beyond the Exit Slip:

https://theteachingfactor.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/beyond-the-exit-slip-closure-activities-for-classroom-instruction/

Powerful Closure Activities:

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/22-powerful-closure-activities-todd-finley

  • Helping students plan out long term inquiry based assignments

Inquiry Based Lesson Ideas

https://www.edutopia.org/article/inquiry-based-learning-resources-downloads

Inquiry Based Fiction Texts

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/inquiry-based-teaching-with-literature

Cornell Science High School Inquiry

http://csip.cornell.edu/Curriculum_Resources/default.html

Use Inquiry to Teach Math

http://www.teachmag.com/archives/8366

  • Giving students a voice in learning

What Students Can do

http://whatkidscando.org/index.html

The links included are not meant to be a comprehensive list of resources, but a starting point of quality sites & organizations that can assist you in thinking about your lessons. I am not an expert in teaching in a block schedule. But, I am happy to partner with any faculty member to plan out the year, work on some individual lessons or just banter ideas about. Many of you will soon be trained in IDE and be another excellent resource. As we move through the year, we will use our time to learn from each other. I encourage you to be creative, take risks and explore new ideas and lessons. I look forward to documenting our journey together.

 

Giving Students A Voice: Peer Mediation Comes to PVHS!

Posted on by ski626

      With the dramatic increase in social media use by teenagers, school administration and counselors sometimes fill their days resolving student issues that can quickly escalate. During my first year as Principal of Putnam Valley High School, the  Assistant Principal and I discussed the benefits of implementing a peer mediation program to reduce discipline issues and decrease severe consequences such as suspensions. As a former teacher, who was trained in peer mediation, I knew that the program did an outstanding job of training students in how to resolve their conflicts while giving students a better understanding of themselves and others. Mediation sessions can bring great insight to the mediator and students in conflict. It gives each person the opportunity to learn valuable lessons in tolerance, patience, and empathy. Mediation sessions also help students to understand the results of their actions because they can hear directly from the person they have harmed. The program also teaches mediators lifelong communication and leadership skills that they can transfer to their everyday lives.

        To begin a program at PVHS, we needed some guidance and contacted Mark Weiss of Operation Respect. Once we did some initial planning, we gathered a team of enthusiastic teachers who were passionate about restorative justice and Mark trained them in the protocols of peer mediation. Teachers nominated students who they felt would be good mediators for the program. Teachers chose a wide variety of students who represented all peer groups and age levels. During the winter, we held two days of training. Mark and trainers worked with over 30 students and adults in the strategies of mediation. They practiced the art of good communication i.e. listening attentively, paraphrasing skills, as well as effective questioning techniques. As a result, this spring students participated in two successful mediations that were favorably resolved.

       We renewed our commitment to the program with a “Peer Mediation Pizza Kick-Off” in April. Mark reminded students of the mediation process, the importance of empathy, fairness and using good listening and effective questioning to get at the root of the problem. As part of the excitement, we also devoted and designed a unique peer mediation room for the sessions with colorful posters and artwork.

The teachers and students are very enthusiastic about the program and have high hopes for its increased utilization to decrease conflict in our school community. We look forward to training additional students and our incoming freshman next fall.  At PVHS we believe giving students a voice in their school helps to create active citizens who take a role in solving problems in their peer group, in their community, and in their country.

You can listen to an interview with Peer Mediators at Inside Putnam Valley:

http://www.pvcsd.org/streaming/InsidePutnamValley-e33.php

 

NHS Remarks: Strive towards your BEST self; not a perfect self

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Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to recognize Mrs. Cefaloni who is retiring this year and has been a true model of what it means to be a part of the National Honor Society organization. She exemplifies exceptional good character, service, scholarship, and leadership. Can we please give her a moment of recognition and gratitude for all that she has done for the Putnam Valley Chapter of NHS?`

Now let me start with congratulations to all of the NHS inductees on this remarkable achievement! Each of you has excelled in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character and we are all incredibly proud of you, especially your parents who I know are beaming with pride to see you recognized for all that you have accomplished.

As I scrolled through the requirements for National Honor Society, I saw phrases such as:

Students who have a desire to do the right thing,

Students who have no disciplinary infractions…

Students who have morality and ethics.

Students with an outstanding grade point average.

These are certainly weighty requirements!

These standards were set back in 1921 during a time when all students did not even receive a High School education and high school principals wanted to promote “higher education” which in those days was high school.

Tonight, we are all very impressed that you have met these standards.But, let’s not forget that life has changed a lot in the past one hundred years since these requirements were written. Teenagers face vastly different pressures today than one hundred years ago. Life is definitely faster and more competitive.

As a National Honor Society member there are considerable expectations for you to maintain your credibility academically and behaviorally. However, I am here to remind you that you are HUMAN and you are at the beginning of a life-long journey of self-discovery. Mistakes will happen, missteps will be made. That is the nature of life. That is how you truly learn. Not one of you should be expected to be perfect just because you are a member of the National Honor Society.

Sometimes accolades like tonight lead us to believe that failure is not an option. I am here to tell you that is not the case! Let this significant accolade help you to stay grounded and remind you of the hard work and efforts that it took to get here.  Let it be a reminder of the great things that you can do. However, please don’t let the National Honor Society standards cause you to believe that blunders are not an option. No one is perfect, not myself, not Dr. Wills, your teachers or your parents. What’s important is that you keep trying to do your best, help others to do their best and reach out for support when challenges seem too great.

As you move forward from tonight’s celebration, keep striving toward your best self, but not a perfect self. Allow yourself the room to grow and learn and feel confident that along the way we will all be here to support you, to applaud you and to help you make the difference in the world that you want to make.

Congratulations again on this wonderful recognition!

It’s Not Always About STEM

Posted on by ski626

Imagine being the new student to a small suburban school where everyone has known each other since Kindergarten. It can be difficult for new students to fit in and even more challenging to find their way. To help our new students adjust, we have started a new tradition, the “NewComers Breakfast”. All new students are invited to a special breakfast at the beginning of the year of eggs, bacon, and sausage, hash browns, and crumb cake, all cooked by students in our self-contained special education program.

In our second year of the breakfast, everyone left feeling incredibly upbeat about the experience. New students were introduced to several key adults in the building and learned valuable information about their new school community. The administrators gave a welcome, and teachers gave overviews of school programs while students ate their meal. The adults mingled and ate with students to build meaningful student-teacher connections. The event was a heartwarming way to build a positive and supportive school climate.

For our special education students who cooked the meal, this was an authentic learning experience that engaged students in real life problem-based learning. Students experienced the entire process of cooking for a large group. Initially, students met with me to decide on a menu and food costs. We collaborated together on all aspects of the breakfast such as, the cost of store bought vs. bakery bagels, as well as other authentic issues that might arise when cooking for a large group. Teachers in the program worked with students on sorting out all details from napkins to condiments to ensure that all aspects of the meal were prepared and completed with quality. Students received an abundance of compliments on their cooking, which increased their confidence and enthusiasm for school and learning. These students learned necessary job skills that can guide them into future careers.

But, most of all, this event was a success because it was focused on building a sense of community within our school. All students need personal attention, and this event enabled new students to feel special and make connections with students and adults alike. These new students now have names to go with faces, and people in the school that they can seek out in case they need support. Everything is less overwhelming than it was before the breakfast. Furthermore, both groups of students feel more comfortable and more confident about their school experience, which is our ultimate goal recognized.

In the past ten years, STEM has become the avenue for success in 21st-century schools. However, educators cannot diminish the role of community building in schools or the role that authentic hand on experiences such as, cooking and catering, can do to prepare our students for the future.  We need to spend more time training students who are challenged by advanced science and math, to have the interpersonal and job skills necessary to find careers in a very technology focused culture.  Our NewComers Breakfast was a model activity to do just that! Our students created a useful and appreciated product that was valued by our entire school community. There is no better authentic learning!  Our schools are full of creative opportunities where students can gain satisfaction and learn real life skills without having to take a paper and pencil test or design a STEM project. Most importantly, these experiences can leave everyone feeling more gratified and uplifted about their school community.

PVHS First Year Highlights and Hurdles

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It was a whirlwind first year at PVHS! The building, with its pristine corridors and classrooms, was bustling from day one. Teachers, staff, and students were generous and warm in welcoming me to my new school, and I am proud to be returning for another year as the principal. With so much to do, there was barely a moment to reflect on all that was done over the past year and I think it’s valuable to take a moment to sit back and recall many of the moments that encapsulated this past year. As a “historian” it also gives me the opportunity to put the year in context and record the highlights and observations from  the year for my personal reflection.

1. Freshman Foundations: The year began with a successful initiative set forth by the PVHS 9th grade teachers to set the social, emotional and academic foundation for our new members of the high school. With a focus on Habits of Effective Teens, by Stephen Covey, teachers gave individual workshops to our students to get them off on the right foot in high school. It was a group effort with all teachers’ grades 9-12 pitching in! Teachers gave presentations on getting organized, having gratitude and acquiring study skills. Freshman Foundations was the start of a new program that we will build on each year.  It was also an excellent day that demonstrated what teachers could accomplish as a team.
2. Color Wars: Spirit at PVHS is unprecedented!  Every student was fully decked out in his or her class color to support the event. Students participated in a variety of extremely well-organized events from wheelbarrow races, pie-eating and Sumo wrestling,  with each teacher jumping into help. It was a group effort! However, what was most impressive was how quickly everything was cleaned up. Within the hour, streamers, balloons and brightly colored red, blue, green and orange decorations were driven off in the pickup truck as another Color Wars came to a close.
3. Athletics: The Tigers had a tremendous year in athletics. Advancing in the football playoffs was no small feat while the Boys’ Soccer team proudly took the league this fall. The winter season was incredible with playoffs at the County Center for both boys and girls’ teams, and New York State appearances by Cheerleading and Wrestling. We celebrated with our new “Breakfast of Champions” for our athletes, and we congratulated our Super Fans in the spring for winning the Hudson Valley Sports Report Fan Base Challenge. Our Super Fans rock the PV House!
4. Theater Works: The spring musical felt as if I was sitting on Broadway. Me and My Girl showcased such phenomenal dancing. It was mesmerizing to watch the entire cast tap away with many students who had never danced before this musical. This show demonstrated what our students’ could attain with a high level of commitment and dedication to their activities.
5. Journey Program: The Journey Program kicked off this year with approximately 33 students in the program. These students embraced such exciting fields of study from real estate, filmmaking and the creation of barbecues! The students were led on a journey of self-discovery and it is a program that I would like more students to experience.
6. Student Recognitions: As an outcome of our PBIS program, one of our goals at the high school is to do more to recognize students in a variety of ways. The Student Spotlight was an excellent addition to our year that touched everyone’s hearts. Teachers recognized students of all grades and abilities for their kindness, hard work and positive attitudes and helpfulness at school. It was a well-attended ceremony that left everyone uplifted. We also added academic awards in grades 9-11 to acknowledge those students who worked so hard in their classes to achieve academic success.
7. Senior Week: Senior year is a significant milestone and to recognize this important transition, PVHS instituted its first Senior Week, where seniors were released from classes one week early to participate in a variety of activities. This week acknowledged the important rite of passage from high school to beyond, while also enabling students to have time to bond and savor their last moments together. A highlight was the Junior-Senior Ice Cream Social where the junior class provided the ice-cream, and the twelfth graders came in to get their yearbooks signed. It’s another new tradition that demonstrated the strong bonds in our school community.
8. Chemistry Forum: We are always reflecting on ways to help all children succeed and help all students access higher level, rigorous classes. Through working with our Chemistry teachers, we moved forward with the initiative to implement an Honors Option for all students in Chemistry next year. This change meant the elimination of the traditional Honors track. Although this led to some initial questions, we held a Chemistry Forum to give all parents, students and teachers the opportunity to discuss the critical issues of tracking, and pushing all students to excel.
9. Creating a Community: Upon arrival at PVHS, many teachers were frustrated with the restrictions that existed on the Internet. The filtering system prevented teachers from accessing valuable resources and videos. I couldn’t wait to surprise the teachers at one of our first faculty meetings with the news that the filtering restrictions were lifted. Teachers would now be able to responsibly access Youtube, social media and other sites to improve teaching and learning.  We also relaxed many outdated rules, such as “no book bags” for students to create a warmer climate where students and teachers feel respected and part of a larger learning community.
10. Let’s hear it for Mr.O! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our two Assistant Principals! I was lucky enough to have veteran Assistant Principal, Mr. Oliverio begin the school year with me and get the school building ready for day one. After his retirement, I had the privilege of working with Mr. Odell as my partner for the winter and spring. We made many positive changes that will benefit the quality of life at PVHS. From the change in the traffic pattern to the addition of the Volunteer Access Program to record Community Service, we strengthened the infrastructure moving forward. I look forward to bringing our third, “Mr. O” (Mr. O’Connor) on board as we continue our important work.

With all of these changes and new events, the question remains, what is the most important thing I learned from this past year?

For one, it’s impossible to plan for everything. Being a leader means balancing these happy events while dealing with many of the issues and crisis that arise in any school building. The most important thing to remember is to face every issue head on and don’t be afraid to make decisions that are in the best interest of the school, even if met with resistance. I am relieved that the first year hurdles are behind me, and I can look forward to the consistency of a second year!

PVHS Graduation Remarks 2016

Posted on by ski626

Honored Guests, Board Members, Fellow Administrators, Parents, Teachers and Our Class of 2016!

In 1939, a movie was released that has since become an icon of American popular culture. Written as a musical comedy-drama with much of it based in fantasy through its use of a dream sequence, it became known for the many basic life lessons that were woven through its storyline. The biggest lesson was learned by a little girl named Dorothy. That film, as you know, was T he Wizard of Oz, and the lesson Dorothy learned was, “There’s no place like Home.”

Putnam Valley Seniors, you will leave your home here today with your diploma in hand and your dreams ready to become realities. Every one of you can’t wait to meet the next experience that life holds for you! Each of you is eager and ready to set out on your own adventure, your own journey to Oz, and the path you will follow is your Yellow Brick Road.

But, before you open the door, take your first steps and leave, take a moment and look around you. Look at your classmates sitting next to you. Who has been the devoted Scarecrow, the beloved Tin Man or Cowardly Lion for you? Who has been with you through thick and thin? Now, look at your family and friends sitting in the stands. Who has provided you with that same sense of security that Dorothy felt in her own home.  Look at the school that was your educational home. Many of you have told me how much this school has meant to you. Savor this moment, savor the familiar, savor the KNOWN. You were truly blessed here, weren’t you? You had phenomenal, caring teachers here at Putnam Valley High School. I saw many of them at the prom last night celebrating with you. (Coach Elsasser, Ms. Nater and Mrs. Tarkington to name a few..)  You had extraordinary facilities here, and you had a tremendously supportive community here where parents took joy in participating in activities to help you. Whether it was fundraising for the Touchdown Club, or cooking for Making A Difference Day or preparing for the Senior Breakfast, your parents and community have shown their love and support to you.  Will it be easy to find that elsewhere? Pause carefully before you leap into the adventure that is your life and appreciate what you have been fortunate enough to have.

And as you travel down your own yellow brick road, know that like Dorothy, challenges lie ahead. But, know that like Dorothy who had her loyal group of supporters. So, do you! Know that whatever lies ahead your friends, your teachers, your school and your community will always be here for you!

But, before you begin that next big adventure, let’s reminisce for a moment, though, and look back on some of the big events from this past school year:

  • This was the first year that Putnam Valley had not one, but TWO, Assistant Principals. (Weren’t YOU lucky?)
  • For the first time, students went on internships through the Journey Program.
  • We had two amazing student performances: the fall drama and the spring musical, Death of A Salesman and Me and My Girl
  • We had a NYS NYSMMA trumpeter!
  • This year also saw the addition of the Senior Week celebration
  • As far as athletic accomplishments, let’s list a few:
  1. The Varsity  Soccer team won its league championship
  2. the Varsity  Football team made it farther in the playoffs than ever previously in school history ..
  3. Both the Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Basketball teams won their league championships and got to go to the County Center
  4. The Cheerleading squad went to States
  5. The Wrestling team went to States
  6. Both Softball and Lacrosse did amazing in their respective playoffs
  7. And, of course, the Make-a-Difference club won the Optonline 5K charity championship!
  • Lastly, and perhaps MOST IMPORTANTLY, this year the Seniors recaptured the Color Wars Championship!!!!!!

Today, each of you is Dorothy. Your adventure down your Yellow Brick Road begins now. Follow it carefully – make it special, make it fantastical, make it memorable. You’ll encounter many unusual characters along the way, no doubt. Some will be kind and some will be mean, but I ask you now to look for the valuable lessons and life truths that each will teach you. Every experience that you have will have value, if you stop and examine it.

Do remember, though, that if, like Dorothy, life carries you far in both distance and time, you can return here, to your roots, to your Home, True happiness can always be found in your own back yard, because there’s no place like Home.

 

The AP Is My Co-Pilot

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Being a principal is often like flying a jetliner. Sometimes you hit some turbulence and sometimes there are blue skies. Regardless of what lies ahead, every flight takes both a pilot and a copilot to make the trip successful. The same holds true for schools. A principal’s job is much more challenging without the help of an excellent assistant principal. In fact, the assistant principal plays a vital role that is often overlooked but is a role that fulfills many duties and responsibilities. The job of the assistant principal is one that focuses on everything from parking, discipline, and testing to ensuring that the entire building is running smoothly. It’s a demanding job and one that not everyone can handle.

This year, I have been fortunate enough to work with two excellent Assistant Principals at Putnam Valley High School. When I arrived at Putnam Valley in August, the first day of school was around the corner. Thankfully, there was an established Assistant Principal, Mr. Oliverio, who knew all the ‘ins and outs” of Putnam Valley High School. He was the perfect person to help me get on my feet, and get the school open for September. I never needed to worry because he had everything well under control. Although we only worked for a short time together, I am grateful for all of the help and guidance that he provided me.

Most recently, Mr. Ryan Odell, a veteran teacher, has moved into the position of Putnam Valley, Assistant Principal, and I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to work with him! He is a dedicated educator who is committed to serving others and improving our school with me. During his interview, he was asked, “what tool would he describe himself as” and without hesitation, he stated, “a table saw because it can do everything.” And.. was he right! There is no doubt in my mind, that indeed, he can do everything!

In a short amount of time, he has shown himself to be exceptional at everything thrown before him. With the ability to see the “big picture,” he has helped me to improve many systems and programs within the school that needed polishing. He has exceptional attention to detail and completes his duties thoroughly and efficiently. As a drummer and artisan, he has the tremendous creativity that he uses to redesign documents, presentations and classrooms to make everything he touches more pleasing to the eye. He loves students as much as I do and sees himself as someone who can help students navigate through those challenging adolescent times. He is compassionate, caring and friendly. Characteristics that make it easy for students and teachers to seek him out for guidance and share their voice on important issues. Most importantly, he has a great sense of humor, a critical ingredient for making the workplace fun and satisfying. He is an excellent sounding board and has great wisdom that helps ensure we always make the best possible decisions for our school.

Principals face many pressures. However, a skilled assistant principal relieves those stresses with ease by knowing just what to do and say. As Nelson Mandela said, “ A good head and a good heart make a formidable combination” and that is exactly why I couldn’t be luckier to have Mr. Odell (@rodellvp) as my copilot!