JLHS Welcome Back

1. JLHSWelcome Back Welcome Home School Year 2008 - 2009

2. Review emergency exits • Please stand - Pledge • Remain standing

3. In Memory • Jonathan Dolceacqua, Class of 2008 • Sean Foley, Class of 2009 • Michael Vicino, Class of 2010

4. Welcome New Staff • Chris Burton – Custodian • Mendy Clouse – Latin • Roma-Ann Criscuolo – Para • Timothy Dooley – Social Studies • Alissa Ficaro – English • Carol Jean Fredericks – ESL Para • Jonathan Kelly – English • Dan Kuhlthau – Special Ed • Christy Lindsay – College & Career Aide

5. Welcome New Staff • Christy Lindsay – College and Career • Tom Morse – Custodian • Willie Ortiz – Social Studies • Kara Papa – Science • Erica Pennacchia – Math • Michael Roy – P.E./Health • Mark Ruzbarsky – Math • Cristina Scarpa – Guidance • Debra Stone – Speech Pathologist • Gail White - Para

6. Welcome “The best way out of tough economic times is through strong, successful schools. We need to give greater attention to math and science in our classrooms, early reading instruction and the needs of students who are struggling to succeed, especially our English language learners. And we need to reform our secondary schools.” Commissioner Mark K. McQuillan

7. Lesson Objectives • Members of the JLHS adult community will compare our school’s mission with the district’s mission. • Members of the JLHS adult community will analyze the Instructional Plan for the Milford Public Schools with specific attention to the Learning Principles.

8. Lesson Objectives • Members of the JLHS adult community will review the JLHS AIP for the 2008 – 2009 school year.

9. Today’s Essential Questions • What is the purpose of a mission statement? • How do you utilize the mission statement at JLHS? • How will the Instructional Plan - specifically the Learning Principles - guide our work?

10. LawMission “Jonathan Law High School is a community that exists to maximize the intellectual, the social, and the emotional growth of each student in a safe, stable, supportive environment. We believe that a positive, collaborative atmosphere fosters high expectations and recognizes individual differences. In partnership with students, parents and the community, we are committed to developing the skills necessary for educational, career and life choices.”

11. District Mission • Students who graduate from the Milford Public Schools will: • Demonstrate mastery of reading, writing, and numeracy; • Comprehend, organize, and analyze information in order to independently solve problems and articulate solutions; and • Demonstrate the attributes of good citizenship and community/school engagement.

12. JLHS Academic Improvement Plan

13. Instructional Plan “The new mission of our schools … is about learning to learn, about becoming independent thinkers and learners.”

14. Learning Principles “It is about problem solving, teamwork, knowledge of the world, adaptability, and comfort in a global system of technologies, conflict and complexity.” “It is about the joy of learning and the pleasure and productivity of using one’s learning in all facets of work and life pursuits.” Michael Fullan

15. Mission A Mission Statement: • Establishes our purpose • Is defined by learning goals • Provides continuity of focus • Grounds our academic improvement plan by addressing real, critical issues rather than fads or quick fixes

16. Mission “The single greatest determinant of learning is not socioeconomic factors or funding levels, ... … it is instruction.” Mike Schmoker

17. Mission All of our work will focus on the ultimate and singular event … … the daily, the hourly interactions of teacher, student, and curriculum.

18. Learning Principles • Are linked to the Mission Statement • Describe components of the learning environment in order to reach goal • Provide a classroom-level ‘compass’ • Depend on collaboration and collective discussion district-wide

19. Learning Principles Our work is to ensure that the following learning principles are able to occur in every room and that everything we do as a district will enable their implementation.

20. Learning Principles The outcome of all learning is the powerful use and application of knowledge in a variety of contexts.

21. Learning Principles Accomplishments are defined by clearly communicated and appropriate standards that guide the work, achievement, and plans for future growth.

22. Learning Principles To reflect upon and improve performance, learners need regular and timely feedback on progress as it relates to standards.

23. Learning Principles When the right learning conditions exist, alllearners are capable of excellence. Learners need to understand the value of what they are learning and how it relates to past and future learning.

24. Learning Principles • Learning is an active and reflective process in which learners are engaged in higher order thinking. • Learners’ diverse needs are met through appropriate instructional strategies and materials. • Motivation is essential to inspire learning. • A supportive environment is necessary for learning.

25. Learning Principles This work will continue as we focus on three critical issues. • Curriculum Consistency • Student Engagement • Rigor of Instruction

26. Learning Principles We must focus on these critical issues as our next steps in order to achieve the school mission in accordance with the learning principles.

27. Thanks, Louise Listen to, speak, and communicate ideas accurately for a variety of purposes and audience. Apply previously acquired knowledge to new and unfamiliar situations. Work cooperatively and independently to complete learning goals. Meet course requirements in all classes, including but not limited to Health and Physical Education as prescribed by the Milford Board of Education. Exhibit the resilience necessary to accept and overcome challenges. Nurture responsibilities of a citizen in a democratic society particularly through meeting course requirements in Civics and Global Studies.

28. In closing… Our work is challenging and exciting. Let each of us think about what we can do to “maximize the intellectual, social, and the emotional growth of each student.”

31. Universal Traits • Feel wanted and indulged by parents • Lead busy, over-planned lives • Embrace core values that speak to morality, civic duty, patriotism, social awareness • Open-minded; accepting of diversity • Able to use technology in unforeseen ways • Lots of disposable income • High tolerance for change

32. Unboggle the Mind • Game the System • Make students want to come back for more with timely, accurate feedback. • Have them assess learning and keep their own score. • Give ’Em Time • Extend wait time; cueing; rephrase questions. • Pose content-embedded problems that tax imagination and stimulate curiosity. • Do it Again, Sam • Encourage assignment do-overs and test retakes so every student can hit benchmarks. • No zeroes – have students complete the work instead.

33. Unboggle the Mind • One Mind, Many Bodies • Make cooperative learning, teamwork, and group projects a regular part of your instructional program. • Value Every Viewpoint • Treat ideas respectfully, even though they’re “just kids.” • Maintain a tolerant, non-judgmental atmosphere. • Think for Life • Galvanize students to discover that becoming a lifelong thinker brings its own rewards.

34. Your Turn to Think • What insights does this presentation give us into our own teaching? • Are there any changes we should consider as we contemplate our role in molding young minds? • Are there any changes we should consider as we plan how we will mold young minds?

35. Your Turn to Think • District Mission? • Key words • JLHS Mission? • Learning Principles • Critical Issues