Friday, October 29, 2010
Pumpkin Pies in Miss Ellen's Class
Students in Miss Ellen's preschool classes make delicious pumpkin pies and invited their families in to enjoy them!
This Week's Principal's Award
This week’s Principal’s Award Winner is Humza in Mrs. Ryan’s Second Grade Class. He comes to school prepared to work and learn every day. Humza puts a great deal of effort into his work and always wants to know what he can do to make his work even better. He is a kind and thoughtful child. Humza works and plays cooperatively with other children. He treats others with respect and is respected in return. Humza sets a wonderful example for the other children in our class. He is a sensational second grade student!
This Week's Staff Spotlight
Simeon Banks, ABA Trainer
Mr. Banks has been the ABA trainer for the Wakefield's elementary schools for more than five years, working with students in Preschool through Grade 4. Mr. Banks graduated from Wheelock College in Boston in 2004, and he is currently finishing his masters program in severe special needs at Lesley University. Mr. Banks grew up in Ipswich and he loves spending time at the beach, walking his puggle, Atlas, and visiting friends. His all-time favorite book is The Giving Tree... he could read it every day.
Jennifer Gentry Souza, ABA Paraprofessional
This is Ms. Souza’s third school year working in the Wakefield Public School system as the ABA assistant. She currently attends Bay Path College and will graduate this spring with her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Ms. Sousa has two amazing children, Brea and Ethan, who she loves to play with every chance she gets. She's a vegetarian and an avid runner. In her spare time, Ms. Sousa enjoys reading memoirs and trying new vegan restaurants with her friends.
Mr. Banks has been the ABA trainer for the Wakefield's elementary schools for more than five years, working with students in Preschool through Grade 4. Mr. Banks graduated from Wheelock College in Boston in 2004, and he is currently finishing his masters program in severe special needs at Lesley University. Mr. Banks grew up in Ipswich and he loves spending time at the beach, walking his puggle, Atlas, and visiting friends. His all-time favorite book is The Giving Tree... he could read it every day.
Jennifer Gentry Souza, ABA Paraprofessional
This is Ms. Souza’s third school year working in the Wakefield Public School system as the ABA assistant. She currently attends Bay Path College and will graduate this spring with her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Ms. Sousa has two amazing children, Brea and Ethan, who she loves to play with every chance she gets. She's a vegetarian and an avid runner. In her spare time, Ms. Sousa enjoys reading memoirs and trying new vegan restaurants with her friends.
Pumpkins in PreK
Students in Miss Christine's afternoon PreK class were busy decorating pumpkins just in time for Halloween.
Fun on the Playground
Students in Miss H's class were enjoying their recess time out on the playground!
Halloween Fun in Kindergarten
Mrs. Campbell's students were very busy yesterday completed Halloween-related activities that coincide with her Kindergarten curriculum. The students and parent volunteers looked like they were having a great time!
Standards Based Report Card Meeting for Parents
For those parents who were unable to attend my presentation at the Woodville regarding the new Standards-Based Report Cards, there will be an additional evening meeting for any elementary parents in the district. The meeting will be held on November 4, 2010 at 6:45pm in the Volpe Library at Wakefield High School. This meeting will be taped for WCAT and I will post the air dates/times when that information is released.
Navigating the MCAS Presentation for Parents
I’d like to invite you to “Navigating the MCAS,” a workshop for parents for strategies on ways to help your children complete homework throughout the year and ultimately prepare for the MCAS exams. I am holding the workshop on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 7:00pm in the Woodville Library. Parents from all grade levels are invited to attend.
Wakefield Fire House
This week at our school, students learned about the dangers of fire within a house and how to safely evacuate a house in the event of a real fire.
Giving to the Community
This week, Woodville School students exhibited our core value of CARING for our food drive that will benefit the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. Students were invited to dress in orange and black and bring food in to support our school's efforts.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
MIDDLETON-COX APPOINTED TO BOARD OF EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
WAKEFIELD, MA: Brian Middleton-Cox, M.M., M.Ed., Principal of the Woodville School in Wakefield, has been appointed to the Parent and Community Education and Involvement Advisory Council for the Board of Education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This council advises the Commissioner and Board of Education on matters pertaining to the development of parent and community involvement in education. Its function is to be proactive and innovative on policy issues that relate to the enhancement of educational achievement of students in Massachusetts. Specifically, the Council will: assess statewide trends and needs; seek public and professional input; analyze information regarding parent and community education and involvement; advise and make recommendations regarding legislation, regulations, and program guidelines; and provide other programmatic recommendations as it deems necessary to fulfill the goals for parent and community involvement established by the Board of Education. “I am very excited to work at the state level to identify areas for schools to work on parent and community involvement and participation with the students in our public schools.” stated Middleton-Cox. “Parents and community members play a vital and crucial role in the success of our schools and our students. I am happy to bring parent involvement strategies to Wakefield as I serve on this council.” Mr. Middleton-Cox will attend meetings with other educational officials during his two-year term to make recommendations to the Commissioner of Education in this area.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
PJ Day
Students in Ms. Kontos' first grade class celebrated Pajama Day this week as a reward for the class' good behavior. Great job, kids!
Guest Reader Day
Many thanks to our PTO and the wonderful guest readers that came to our school today to read to our students in all classrooms. This is a great annual tradition at our school to promote literacy.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Decorating Pumpkins for Writing Class
Students in Mrs. Ferguson's 4th grade class were decorating pumpkins and then they will write descriptive pieces that match their pumpkins. I look forward to returning to the classroom to read their writing.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Many Hats of a School Principal
PRESS RELEASE ---- OCTOBER 21, 2010 ---- CONTACT: BRIAN MIDDLETON-COX ---- 781-246-6469
The Many Hats of a School Principal
By Brian Middleton-Cox, M.M., M.Ed.
The life of the school Principal is very complex, challenging, and the role has changed greatly over the years since many of us have been in school. Not only are Principals building managers, we are also educational and curriculum leaders. In this era of high stakes testing (MCAS exams) there's increased pressure around teaching and learning for school communities. The job is a challenging one however; it also holds so many rewards.
The Principal is responsible for creating a shared vision among all school personnel that focuses on improving teaching and learning throughout the community. The Principal is then responsible for carrying out that vision and to implement new organizational programs to stimulate the learning environment. When the whole school is on board with an initiative, the faster school improvement results will be seen. The school Principal must articulate all of the steps of the school improvement process to the community at large. Principals work with each other and the curriculum director to move curriculum initiatives such as Wakefield's literacy initiative and the new elementary standards-based report cards forward.
In addition for hiring and supporting a highly qualified staff of teachers and paraprofessionals, the school Principal also facilitates communication between school and the homes of our many students. We oversee communication vehicles such as newsletters, PTO correspondence, websites, phone calls, and e-mails. We facilitate many committees and councils comprised of staff, parents, and community members to make sure that our students are receiving a high quality education.
School Principals are also responsible for ensuring student safety on a daily basis. We have internal crisis teams that make preparations for our buildings in the unlikely event of an emergency. We think about scenarios that could possibly happen and we write protocols to ensure that all of our students will remain safe during the event of an emergency.
In addition, we are responsible for facilities and budgets for school buildings. We must identify priorities so that students in Wakefield will receive the best education possible. We use money wisely to strategically target areas for improvement within our schools. We must make very difficult decisions when budgets are cut. These are always challenging times in the life of a Principal.
With the new anti-bullying legislation that was passed into law in May, 2010, Principals are now responsible, more than ever, to educate teachers, students, parents, and the community about bullying in our schools. We are the primary disciplinarians within our buildings and we must balance discipline with education to promote positive behavior among our school communities.
The role of the Principal is stressful, no doubt. However, for me, I love to see the students and their smiling faces each and every day as I walk through the Woodville School. With many various job responsibilities, it's so easy to become buried in the details of our work. I make a point to visit classrooms on a weekly basis to see learning in action. Our teachers and paraprofessionals in Wakefield are the heart of the work that we do. I am grateful for the dedication of our staff members that serve our students.
With tight budgets, decreased funding, and increased mandates, the jobs in education are tough right now. We must not, however, forget that we are educating America’s future and I am happy to lead that charge in my school.
Brian Middleton-Cox, M.M., M.Ed. is the Principal of the Woodville School in Wakefield.
The Many Hats of a School Principal
By Brian Middleton-Cox, M.M., M.Ed.
The life of the school Principal is very complex, challenging, and the role has changed greatly over the years since many of us have been in school. Not only are Principals building managers, we are also educational and curriculum leaders. In this era of high stakes testing (MCAS exams) there's increased pressure around teaching and learning for school communities. The job is a challenging one however; it also holds so many rewards.
The Principal is responsible for creating a shared vision among all school personnel that focuses on improving teaching and learning throughout the community. The Principal is then responsible for carrying out that vision and to implement new organizational programs to stimulate the learning environment. When the whole school is on board with an initiative, the faster school improvement results will be seen. The school Principal must articulate all of the steps of the school improvement process to the community at large. Principals work with each other and the curriculum director to move curriculum initiatives such as Wakefield's literacy initiative and the new elementary standards-based report cards forward.
In addition for hiring and supporting a highly qualified staff of teachers and paraprofessionals, the school Principal also facilitates communication between school and the homes of our many students. We oversee communication vehicles such as newsletters, PTO correspondence, websites, phone calls, and e-mails. We facilitate many committees and councils comprised of staff, parents, and community members to make sure that our students are receiving a high quality education.
School Principals are also responsible for ensuring student safety on a daily basis. We have internal crisis teams that make preparations for our buildings in the unlikely event of an emergency. We think about scenarios that could possibly happen and we write protocols to ensure that all of our students will remain safe during the event of an emergency.
In addition, we are responsible for facilities and budgets for school buildings. We must identify priorities so that students in Wakefield will receive the best education possible. We use money wisely to strategically target areas for improvement within our schools. We must make very difficult decisions when budgets are cut. These are always challenging times in the life of a Principal.
With the new anti-bullying legislation that was passed into law in May, 2010, Principals are now responsible, more than ever, to educate teachers, students, parents, and the community about bullying in our schools. We are the primary disciplinarians within our buildings and we must balance discipline with education to promote positive behavior among our school communities.
The role of the Principal is stressful, no doubt. However, for me, I love to see the students and their smiling faces each and every day as I walk through the Woodville School. With many various job responsibilities, it's so easy to become buried in the details of our work. I make a point to visit classrooms on a weekly basis to see learning in action. Our teachers and paraprofessionals in Wakefield are the heart of the work that we do. I am grateful for the dedication of our staff members that serve our students.
With tight budgets, decreased funding, and increased mandates, the jobs in education are tough right now. We must not, however, forget that we are educating America’s future and I am happy to lead that charge in my school.
Brian Middleton-Cox, M.M., M.Ed. is the Principal of the Woodville School in Wakefield.
Friday, October 22, 2010
This Week's Staff Spotlight
Adam Feldman, Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Feldman has been teaching for three years now - all here at the Woodville. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from Salem State where he is currently working on his Master's Degree. He has been working with children for the past 12 years in area summer camps, as well as teaching swimming at various YMCAs area. In his free time, Mr. Feldman loves to spend time with his niece and nephew. He is also a huge Red Sox fan and tries to go to games whenever possible.
Joie Edson, Physical Education Teacher
Ms. Edson has been teaching Physical Education in Wakefield for eight years. Prior to teaching PE, she owned a small business called Joie Edson’s Exercise Exchange for over 20 years. She still teaches all types of group fitness classes on nights and weekends at local gyms. Ms. Edson's favorite class to teach is Zumba! Every February she teaches group exercise classes in Jamaica at a gorgeous resort exchange for an all inclusive vacation. Sweet deal!! She has three grown children and a pet therapy dog named Lucy.
Mr. Feldman has been teaching for three years now - all here at the Woodville. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from Salem State where he is currently working on his Master's Degree. He has been working with children for the past 12 years in area summer camps, as well as teaching swimming at various YMCAs area. In his free time, Mr. Feldman loves to spend time with his niece and nephew. He is also a huge Red Sox fan and tries to go to games whenever possible.
Joie Edson, Physical Education Teacher
Ms. Edson has been teaching Physical Education in Wakefield for eight years. Prior to teaching PE, she owned a small business called Joie Edson’s Exercise Exchange for over 20 years. She still teaches all types of group fitness classes on nights and weekends at local gyms. Ms. Edson's favorite class to teach is Zumba! Every February she teaches group exercise classes in Jamaica at a gorgeous resort exchange for an all inclusive vacation. Sweet deal!! She has three grown children and a pet therapy dog named Lucy.
This Week's Principal's Award
This week’s Principal’s Award Winner is Kassandra in Mrs. Russell’s First Grade Class. Kassandra is brand new to our school this year. Since the first day of school, it was clear that Kassandra would be a great addition to the Woodville School. Kassandra always does her best in all that we do, whether it is adding details to her work, or listening during lessons. She is a kind friend who truly cares about the feelings of others. We are all very lucky to have Kassandra in our class.....almost as lucky as her brand new baby sister, Athena, is to have her to look up to.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Caring Assembly
Today, we held our October School-Wide Assembly on our core value of CARING. I read the story The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Our third grade students shared some poems and a friendship song with the school. In addition, I presented students with CARING awards. These are the poems that our students read:
FRIENDS Friends smile at you.
They like your face.
They want to be with you
Any old place.
Friends have fun with you.
Friends share
When you're sad, they care.
If you're a friend
Then you care, too.
That's why your friends are glad you're you!!!
DON'T SAY CRYBABY!
Don't say "Crybaby!"
Don't say "dummy!"
Teasing makes me Feel so crummy.
Falling down Can bruise my knees,
But words can hurt
Where no one sees.
FIVE LITTLE PEOPLE
Five little people went out to play.
The first one said, "Do it my way!"
The second one said, "That's not fair!"
The third one said, "I don't care!"
The fourth one said, "This isn't fun!"
The fifth one said, "Our game is done!"
So five little people all walked away.
They never even got to play.
FRIENDS Friends smile at you.
They like your face.
They want to be with you
Any old place.
Friends have fun with you.
Friends share
When you're sad, they care.
If you're a friend
Then you care, too.
That's why your friends are glad you're you!!!
DON'T SAY CRYBABY!
Don't say "Crybaby!"
Don't say "dummy!"
Teasing makes me Feel so crummy.
Falling down Can bruise my knees,
But words can hurt
Where no one sees.
FIVE LITTLE PEOPLE
Five little people went out to play.
The first one said, "Do it my way!"
The second one said, "That's not fair!"
The third one said, "I don't care!"
The fourth one said, "This isn't fun!"
The fifth one said, "Our game is done!"
So five little people all walked away.
They never even got to play.
Dynovox Training
Miss Jean and her paraprofessionals Miss Christine and Miss Carla, along with one of our Speech/Language Therapists, Miss Megan, were recently training on using the Dynovox system. This is a technology that helps students with communication challenges effectively communicate to their teachers, parents, and peers.
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