When I'm participating in education chats, whether at an EdCamp or online, I have to remind myself that I'm lucky. My mom would say blessed. Either way, some of the stuff I say, "Oh, well, how 'bout this?" about only works because I work at an awesome school with very progressive leadership.
Palencia Elementary school is super new - we're only three years old. I started with my previous principal in 2004, and followed him in opening two schools over the next eight years. Working in a brand new building means that when you have visitors, they comment on how beautiful your campus is. Sometimes I take it for granted, but when I pay attention, I agree, our building is gorgeous. Rooms are spacious, and I love that every pod (or Deck because we're the Pirates) has a kitchen in it. Adding cooking activities for my students makes school more fun.
Another thing that makes me feel spoiled is that we're a digital pilot school for our district. Anyone who's worked in a 1:1 classroom knows that this brings a whole new set of problems, but that's really a humble brag, right? Oh no, it's so hard figuring out what to do with new technology. Good problems, man! Whenever talk turns to tech, it's rare that I have to opt out of the conversation because I don't have the tech. I have the tech.
I love my school because my students and I do cool work together. We're blogging, we're making videos, we're coding, and making posters all the time. We won a grant, and now we have a 3d printer, the Robo 3D R1, coming soon, and we're put in an order for a high quality microphone so we can start podcasting as a class.
Lastly, I love my school because of the leadership I receive from my principal and my AP. I'm encouraged to try new things and to take risks. When I asked if I could ditch half of my desks in favor of comfortable seating, I was only asked two questions, "How are you going to pay for it?" and, "Will you have enough seats for testing?" With the correct answers to those questions, the go ahead was given. If I've got an idea that increases student choice and student voice, I'm supported. If the idea is a big hearted project that has kids at the center, it's gonna get a yes.
For these reasons and so many more, I love my school!
Palencia Elementary school is super new - we're only three years old. I started with my previous principal in 2004, and followed him in opening two schools over the next eight years. Working in a brand new building means that when you have visitors, they comment on how beautiful your campus is. Sometimes I take it for granted, but when I pay attention, I agree, our building is gorgeous. Rooms are spacious, and I love that every pod (or Deck because we're the Pirates) has a kitchen in it. Adding cooking activities for my students makes school more fun.
Another thing that makes me feel spoiled is that we're a digital pilot school for our district. Anyone who's worked in a 1:1 classroom knows that this brings a whole new set of problems, but that's really a humble brag, right? Oh no, it's so hard figuring out what to do with new technology. Good problems, man! Whenever talk turns to tech, it's rare that I have to opt out of the conversation because I don't have the tech. I have the tech.
I love my school because my students and I do cool work together. We're blogging, we're making videos, we're coding, and making posters all the time. We won a grant, and now we have a 3d printer, the Robo 3D R1, coming soon, and we're put in an order for a high quality microphone so we can start podcasting as a class.
Lastly, I love my school because of the leadership I receive from my principal and my AP. I'm encouraged to try new things and to take risks. When I asked if I could ditch half of my desks in favor of comfortable seating, I was only asked two questions, "How are you going to pay for it?" and, "Will you have enough seats for testing?" With the correct answers to those questions, the go ahead was given. If I've got an idea that increases student choice and student voice, I'm supported. If the idea is a big hearted project that has kids at the center, it's gonna get a yes.
For these reasons and so many more, I love my school!