Please click the following link to read the first letter from the School Culture Series
Behavior/Character Ed First Session Summary/Craftsmanship
October 12, 2009
The school year is flying by us. The refrain around here is, “I can’t believe that the first quarter is nearly over." I believe that the large number of projects we are taking on this school year is contributing the “time flies” syndrome.
One of our school wide projects involves school culture. The goal is to make MDCS a truly exemplary learning community founded on mutual respect and kindness. While it is true that our school community is perennially strong and supportive, there is always room for improvement. The biggest step we have taken to this end is to start an unofficial “Design Principle Awareness” campaign. As always, each class will lead a community circle focusing on one of Expeditionary Learning’s Design Principles at the end of the month. There is a new motto every month that reinforces the design principle. For October, the design principle is “The Having of Wonderful Ideas” and the motto is “It’s Great to Create.” We’re building a “student recognition corner” on the wall between the computer lab and library doors. This will give staff members a way to publically acknowledge students who do something that exemplifies the monthly design principle.
Our development projects are moving forward. We have just submitted an application for $3.8 million of ARRA funding to construct the Multipurpose Building (Phase I) of our capital improvement project. Awards should be made by Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed.
On a smaller scale, we’ve submitted a grant to the Percy B. Ferebee Endowment to fund the remainder of the deck covering. Awards should be made in November. In the event that we receive the award, we’ll immediately build the roofs outside of the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classrooms. We will wait for notification on the ARRA funding before we install the roofing over the art/music deck.
Another ongoing project is the continuing refinement of our Outdoor Education curriculum. Mr. Killebrew and I have recently returned from another wonderful trip to Hazel Creek. The trips get easier and more productive each time we go. In addition to the eighth grade trip, Ms. Janet is gearing up to take her students to Chattanooga on a three day, two night adventure. Please go to our Outdoor Education pages to learn more about these trips and the philosophy behind them.
Elementary reading workshops have begun. They are comprised of multi-grade reading groups. This time is designed to provide challenge to every student. The MDCS community owes Jill and the teachers a big "thank you" because they have worked very hard to overcome the scheduling challenges presented by this approach. I am excited about this scheduling change and eager to see its impact as the school year continues.
Last, and certainly not least, on the list is the organizational restructuring that began in August. I am pleased to report that things are going very well in that regard. Ms. Jill, Ms. Lynn, and I are all settling in to our new roles and as we continue implementing the new model, I am increasingly intrigued by the unique combination of duties in Ms. Jill’s job description. The tasks of directing instruction and EC services really do go hand in hand. Another advantage of the new structure is the addition of Anne Jeter to our staff. Her primary duty is to assist Ms. Jobe during each of her morning classes, which explains Ms. Jobe’s extra sunny disposition. I am especially grateful to Mr. Todd for volunteering to help me with less serious director’s referrals. His involvement allows me to spend more time on other duties and ensures efficient and effective handling of these “teachable moments.”
It truly is an exciting time to be working at Mountain Discovery. As I watch this staff continue grow together and connect, I feel increasingly blessed to be working with so many gifted, skilled, and motivated people. They make my job a pleasure.
Sincerely,
Carter Petty