Happy New Year!

Well we did it again. We started a new school year. After a summer of intense professional development with the new Common Core and teacher evaluation initiatives, we finally came down to earth. I say it all the time on Twitter and my blogs: We are over testing and under teaching.

The start to our New Year was to the contrary. We started off with our upper classmen greeting the new 5th graders on a “Red Carpet.” The 8th graders lined the sidewalk, I announced each student with a bullhorn, we took pictures, and clapped enthusiastically. The parents got a bigger kick out of it than the students. They took more pictures than we did. And if we measure their pleasure by smiles then we were all winners.

Our traditional opening day rally started with us dropping the golden ball from a ladder to signify the “New Year.” The brief assembly consisted of announcing our new theme, (You Are A+ Star) and our service learning platform (the Alcove for grieving kids). We reinforced leadership, great character, and a strong start.

 At least, as far as I know, we didn’t give one test!  When I walked outside after school, I was greeted with more smiles. Many parents made it a point to speak to me and compliment our staffulty and our school. We’ll take all the positives we can get on the first day. Happy New Year!!