Welcome to Writer's Workshop

Submitted by Tammy DiPonio

The teachers at Paxton School spent their PLC time last Wednesday with staff developer, Steve Peha. One of the Paxton school improvement initiatives is to increase writing skills. In order to strengthen writing for students, teachers learned about the writing workshop model. As educators we talk a lot about best practices, ways to reach our students so that they attain learning goals. The writing workshop model is a best practice strategy that can have a positive impact on students’ writing attitudes as well as performance on tests. Mr. Peha also worked with students on Thurday and Friday while teachers observed. Thank you to Jennifer Day and Mr. Searcey for coordinating this event. We know that this professional development will constructively influence student learning. Hats off to Paxton staff! Steve said that the Paxton teachers had the best questions from any teaching staff in a couple of years!

Visit Steve’s website to learn more www.ttms.org

Living Ish-ly
by Dr. Mike Reik

Time continues to fly by and we are looking at our Thanksgiving break next week. My days are filled with appointments, meetings, budgets, student achievement goals and strategic planning. Nothing brings me into the real world of education like visiting classrooms and spending time with our students.

Last week I had just that opportunity. Thanks to Mrs. Silver’s first grade class for the invitation to be a “celebrity reader.” To most of these students I am not much of a celebrity, most wonder who in the world I am, but I know of one student who considered it a special treat to have her uncle come and read to her class.

I read the book, Ish, to this group of Siegrist students. We should all take a lesson from Ramon and look at life ‘ishly. It isn’t so much making sure what you say, draw or experience is perfect, but more important that you engage and enjoy all of those things that you do. So, I can say to our students, I am superintendent-ish. Enjoying and engaging in all of my responsibilities, especially being celebrity-ish!

Educators become the students

by Tammy DiPonio

While students were gearing up for Halloween festivities, the Platte County staff participated in a day long professional development day. Pre-kindergarten through high school teachers worked with author and national educational consultant, Larry Ainsworth. One of Ainsworth’s nine books is titled Unwrapping the Standards and is an excellent read.

After Ainsworth’s keynote presentation, teachers and administrators spent time “unwrapping” state standards, determining grade level and content clarity, creating and evaluating what quality assessment questions look like. How does this help our students? When teachers are clear on what they are teaching, they work together to plan for student learning and create assessments that match the intended learning. The goal is to ensure that these best practice strategies are happening in every classroom and reaching every student.

Many of our district teachers also took on the role as presenters. They facilitated breakout sessions on a variety of topics such as Algebra Tiles, Differentiated Instruction, Grant Writing, SIS K12, and Reading Workshop, just to name a few. Our staff was so impressive!

The Platte County School District is proud to work as a Professional Learning Community promoting educators as learners, teachers teaching teachers and continuous improvement… in the end all of this = student success, student achievement, student growth.

Platte County "Outreach"

I thought you might appreciate knowing how your district is being represented across the state. This can be easily articulated by recapping last week and looking forward to next week.

Last week, the board of education and administration presented at the Missouri School Board Association annual conference. The title of the session was, "Enhancing Student Achievement Through Effective Board Governance". The session was very well attended and we were proud to represent Platte County.

Next week, I have the privilege of representing Platte County at the Gifted Conference in St. Louis. I will be presenting on the topic of Virtual Instruction Programs. Since Platte County has developed our own program, I was asked to provide a Superintendent's perspective on the topic.

Representing our District is always a privilege....but I am looking forward to growing roots here upon my return (as long as I can).

Educationally Yours,

State of Missouri Budget

With the Missouri legislative session approaching in 2010, much conversation is circulating in educational organizations about the "State of the State". Missouri is facing some difficult financial times due to a budget that is dependent upon personal income taxes and sales taxes. Since unemployment is up and people aren't spending as much...the Missouri budget will take a hit. Obviously, this is concerning on many levels. As a superintendent of your school district, my concern is focused on K-12 funding relative to the statewide budget. We will be keeping a close eye on what's going on in Jefferson City.

Most of our funding comes locally, but every bit counts when it comes to educating children. I do not want to cause any alarm, rather, it is my desire to keep you informed of all financial developments. While I DO have some level of concern, I am in a familiar place.......appreciating what we have in Platte County R-3 School District. I'll keep you posted.

Educationally Yours,

When Tragedy Hits Home

Most of you are aware of the tragic loss of Kelsey Morris, Platte County High School sophomore student. As a result, the district has a responsibility to take care of student and staff needs as they all grieve in different ways. After a day of orchestrating this effort (with tremendous help from a talented staff), I feel the need to reflect on this loss as a Platte County School District family member, and more importantly, as a father. My reflection reduces down to one single thought and consequently an action. I am living every father's dream and must put my arms around my wife and baby boy every chance I get! I suspect families are, indeed, embracing tonight across our community.

I would like to commend our building level staff members at PCHS and PCMS for putting their proverbial arms around our staff and students as they deal with the loss of Kelsey. Additionally, administrators, counselors and social workers across the district offered their support and resources to those in need. THANK YOU!

I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers to Kelsey's family and friends.

Parents as Teachers Program

Thought I would make a quick post on our Parents as Teachers (PAT) program. As many of you know, I am a new parent. As new parents, Ashley and I have many questions about raising our son. "Is it normal when......" or "When should he be________(fill in the blank)", are typical questions parents pose when raising a child. Last week, Peggy Swaney (Parent Educator) visited our family on an official PAT visit. It is validating to meet with someone who has so much experience in working with a wide range of abilities. Peggy and the rest of the PAT staff are able to assist in answering the many questions that inevitably arise. Additionally, they provide literature that identifies benchmarks, nutritional information and opportunities for cooperative play. What a great program!.....and it's FREE! I am proud to say it is ours. If you are interested in knowing more about Parents as Teachers, contact Dr. Hughes at the District Education Center.

Educationally Yours,