Would you like to build an ark with us?

I am always asking myself the question, “What makes a school great?”, and it drives me as the Principal.  I know the teachers think that I wake up saying, “We need to be a world class effective school!”  One of my daily goals is to find ways to improve upon Owens Cross Roads (OCR) success and make it an even better school.  There are so many factors that contribute to a school's success.  Certainly, we can begin the conversation by talking about academic achievement and support for all students.  When you look beyond this obvious indicator of success though, I think there is another essential characteristic that great schools share, a true sense of family.  To say another way, most members of great schools share a true sense of ownership and togetherness.  

   

As Principal, I am approached often by students, faculty and parents to discuss various aspects of OCR that should be improved.  Sometimes we try to improve these situations by throwing band-aids on them.  Unless the faculty, parents and students are collectively on board with the improvement though, these band-aids rarely correct the issue.  One of the things I have learned in life is that it is much easier to identify issues and problems than it is to develop and implement solutions.  A quote I remember reading which applies is  “No prizes for predicting rain, only for building arks”. 

Owens Cross Roads School is an incredible place,   I truly believe though that we are capable of more; more success, more togetherness, more smiles, and more desire to make a difference.  How can WE get there?  Who wants to build an ark and encourage others to come on board?

EAGLE BANK VIDEO

WAFF  News Story   Scroll down to watch video.

Little Kids

Last Saturday, I took my daughter to a birthday party. While watching her play with friends, a first grader went zooming by me. He was about six feet past me when he did a quick turn and yelled at me, "Hey, how did you get here?" I told him that I drove and I asked how did he get here. He informed me he was at party but he wanted to know, "Why did they let you out?" I told him they let me out so I could take my daughter to a party. He was satisfied with the answer and after he gave me a quick hug, he was off to play.

Do you know he has told me three times this week he saw me at the skating rink? I suppose it is big news to a first grader for the principal to be "let out" of the school!

If you have a few minutes or a few hours, we always need volunteers. One small but important task we need is taking the mail cases back to the post office. This is a great volunteer job for the working parent. Just pick the cases up from the front hall and drop them off at the post office. Or, perhaps, you would like to paint. The library nook  needs a fresh coat of paint. Call 725-4233 or email dgoode@madison.k12.al.us  We have small and large jobs to meet the needs of any volunteer.

Technology

I was wondering what Parents think about the integration of Technology?  As educators, we do have a required set of objectives we are to teach the students. However, that is just the basics.  If we think about how our students will need to be able to use technology as a tool, there is a greater pressure for educators to provide students to interact with technology. It has to become a tool our kids can use.

If you haven't watched the video, "Shift Happens," I suggest you do. Just go to Youtube and search for it. There are several versions but they all generally have the same information.

I thought I would share all the ways we are using technology in the school.  Here is a picture of Mrs. Smith, first grade teacher, using the SMARTBOARD. All homeroom classes, the library and the science lab have a SMARTBOARD. The SMARTBOARD is interactive. Students can manipulate the answers or the objects on the board.

We also have the computer lab with 30 computers. Normally, students will visit the computer lab anywhere from once a week to twice a week with the entire class. Students in grades 2-6 may use Study Island. This is a program that provides additional practice in reading, math and science.

In addition to the computer lab, every homeroom class has two to four computers which remain in the classroom. See the kindergarten student working during center time.

Our mini-laptob lab is mobile! Yes, we can move it from place to place. We have 31 mini computers. Teachers will occasionally have the entire class on the computers while sometimes the need is just to have a few students on the minis. 

All of the teachers also have document cameras and projectors (see above). The document cameras are really neat instructional tools. In addition, to placing textbooks underneath the camera and projecting it on the wall, a teacher could even place a student's homework onto the wall and review it.

Next time, I'd like to share our SMARTTABLE, Ipods Touch, Apple Computers, and our upcoming television studio.  Are you interested? I would love to hear from parents.

Too funny for words!

I am hoping parents not only find this site informative but somewhat interesting. If you are looking strictly for information, I suggest you check out our website https://www.madison.k12.al.us/Schools/oxrs/default.aspx

Now for the funny event…. Imagine a bright eyed little three year old. Yes, I typed three year. This student is only as tall as my knees but held two adults captive for several minutes one day. As we were loading students into the car, our little youngster proclaimed, “I HAVE A BOOGER!” Indeed the youngster did. A rather large messy one was prominently displayed on the end of the rascal’s finger for all to view.

The teacher attempted several times to get our youngster to use a tissue. After several failed tactics, she called on the person with all the “power!” Yes, much to my dismay, she asked the principal for assistance.

With all my 21 years of experience, I leaned down and looked in youngster in the eye and shared my viewpoint on the importance of a tissue. I was rather smug because I thought, of course; he will accept the tissue from me. He smiled and proclaimed loudly, “I’ll rub the booger all over you!” He would have too, if I had not moved out of the way.

I finally had to say, “I see your daddy pulling into the driveway.” This solved our booger dilemma of the day. It’s just another tiny event in the life of an elementary principal.
Youngster Disclaimer: I will never tell who the youngster is He/She will one day be one of our readers.

Volunteers!?!

Last year, we sent home a required Title I survey and I wasn't surprised by the results with one exception. Many parents checked they did not know how to volunteer. This was a shock to me.


We have an exceptional PTO that is always seeking volunteers. Mrs. Pearson, counselor, coordinates school volunteers. All one has to do is call the school or send a note to the teacher. In the last newsletter, we wrote we needed volunteers to do everything from cutting grass to reading to students. Many classroom teachers ask for volunteers for the classes.

A parent does not have to be a room parent to volunteer and we can accommodate most any work schedule. We value any amount of time from 30 minutes to two hours. Also, we invite extended family members to volunteer.

Just give us a call at 725-4233 or send a note with your child. We will gladly put you to work!

Purpose of Blog

Have you ever heard something along the lines that communication is a miracle?  It still comes as a surprise to me (even after 10 years) when I find out that a misunderstanding or a lack of communication creates an issue.  


This blog is meant to be another form of communication for the parents and community members of Owens Cross Roads School. Teachers and Staff are welcome to chime in at anytime!  I will attempt to share information in between my ramblings. 


Please feel free to send me positive comments or suggestions through the blog.  Of course, I'll accept the negative ones too but would you be so kind to email those to me? Also, I would ask you email, call, or visit to discuss individual students. My school email is dgoode@madison.k12.al.us.  I'd like to keep this blog as a friendly place to exchange ideas to help our school improve.


Okay, well, I guess I am ready to share information but as is it is 3:04 AM on Friday before Labor Day Weekend, I think I will wait until I can think straight!


Parents---- what would you like to know?