Student Safety

As a parent and now a grandparent, I watch our young people go out into the world and face all the dangers that we faced while growing up.  I do everything I can to get my own children to do the safe thing and the right thing.  We talk and I explain why you shouldn't text and drive.  Seat belts are a life saver, I tell them.  "Be cautious, take your time, and keep an eye out for the other drivers", is what they hear from me.  The youth feel like they will live forever.  Even if they do heed all that I say they still may face danger when a deer or another suddenly runs in front of their vehicle.  Some things can't be prevented.

It seems like a waiting game to see when they will start to act on my advice and direction.  This mission and effort is why I appreciate a career in education.  Teachers pursue a noble cause of steering our children in the right direction.  We test them.  The measurable tests check their ability to memorize.  The other tests that I value go well beyond multiple choice.  Critical thinking, creativity and collaborative skills also play a critical role in the lives of our children.  This does not get measured on any state test.  How do you demonstrate these things? We see it in all the extra-curricular activity and in those situations outside of the school day.  Sports, fine arts and jobs are a great way to see how well our youth can get along with others.

Another key indicator is to see how well a child can delay gratification.  Those that can wait and can demonstrate the best impulse control are likely to be more successful in life.  These are the people that study carefully, don't say the first thing that comes to mind in a social setting.  We see more and more study in the area of emotional intelligence and social intelligence.  I have heard that the number one reason most people lose a job is due to an inability to get along with others.  What does this have to do with safety?

In everything I do, I try to think about "beginning with the end in mind".  This keeps the focus on why we do things.  Planning and looking ahead are critical.  After being an educator for many years now I live by four agreements: be impeccable with your word, don't make assumptions, don't take anything personally and always do your best.  I fail at this often, but as long as I live, I will cling to these four agreements to help steer me through every situation.  

I can apply this to relationships, to driving safely, and even to projects at work.  These four agreements  serve me well in almost every circumstance.  My prayers go out to those that have faced trouble and difficulties.  As parents and teachers we must continue to care and engage our youth and each other so that we can be our very best.  Happy New Year!

Fiscal Cliff

The Fiscal Cliff is mentioned frequently in the news lately.  Currently this is a federal issue and our federal funding comprises about 2% of the Pine City School District budget.  That is about $281,000 for Pine City Schools.  In the case of public schools that would be a potential cut to students services such as Title I and Special Education dollars.

While federal funds may be withheld, the requirements to sustain a "maintenance of effort" will continue.  Basically this will expand the "unfunded" part of the Federal Government requirement.  Since we must provide adequate services to all students, the money will have to come from some where else.  Without Title Funding, Title positions would likely have to be reduced.  In the case of Special Education our hands are tied.  We are legally forced to comply with all Special Education requirements regardless of funding.

I continue to study the political and economic news to try to understand what is happening to our country.  Public Education is a major part of the state budget but it is not the ever growing expense that you might think.  Minnesota Public School funding increases, over the years, have fallen far below the cost of living.  We are currently $401 (per pupil) below funding rates compared to 2004-2005 school years.  The part of the state budget that has grown is in the area of health and human services.  Senator Tony Lourey is the chair of the health and human services committee.  He will face great challenges during the upcoming legislative session.

You will see that our property values are plummeting.  Banks are struggling.  Interest rates are amazingly low.  We are a nation that spends more than it takes in.  This is true as a country and it is true for individuals.  Do we reduce spending or increase revenue through taxation?  After WWII I have heard that the tax rates were extremely high.  The country came through those tough times.

The good news for Pine City Schools is that the over all local school levy has decreased by 6.68%.  This decrease is due to two factors.  First, we have significantly decreased property values and second we have refinanced our debt (refunding our bonds) to gain much lower interest rates.  This doesn't change the money the schools receive but it does lower local school taxes.

The "consensus" frame of mind is what we need.  The compromise is likely much less than we think in order to get back on track.  As our leaders struggle to correct our financial woes I hope that they can work for a collaborative solution since conflict and grid-lock accomplish nothing.  The average person struggles to see the solution.  We expect our elected officials to find that solution.  They have all the resources they need to figure this out.

 

High Speed Internet Access

    A common thread regarding our community is the availability of high speed internet.  The Pine City area needs adequate broad band access.  The internet is hit and miss in our district.  Here are a few reasons why having high speed internet is so critical.  

     First, students use the internet more than ever.  Not only do Elementary and High School students use the internet to do school work, but so do college students.  Use of the computer to research, study and learn is common for everyone but especially students.  Up to the minute news and information about our world is at our fingertips IF we have adequate connectivity.  Students read books online, watch videos of instruction, conduct research related directly to their area of interest.  Instruction in this manner is different because it fosters a high level of interaction and "hands on" experiences.  No longer do students sit passively and simply listen.  Now students can control their learning environment to suit their needs.  If the instruction was confusing or unclear they can hit pause and replay a segment as many times as needed.  Advanced students can move quickly through certain areas to get to what is adequately challenging.  Once students get to school the classroom time can be dedicated to guided practice.  Students can ask questions and discuss with teachers the content that they watched on-line.  More instruction time is now devoted to highly interactive guided practice and checking for understanding.  Teachers are afforded much more time to help students learn in a small group or one-on-one setting.

     Second, businesses absolutely require high speed internet.  Without adequate on-line access a business will not be able to complete transactions or communicate with customers in an on-line environment.  Each year more and more businesses rely on the internet to remain competitive.  If we want to improve our local economic environment, then having high speed internet available everywhere in our district is critical to attract new businesses.  Our area is centrally located between Duluth, St. Cloud and the Twin Cities.  We are located on the interstate highway.  Our area is very beautiful with great access to all sorts of recreation.  If we don't grow our business opportunities here then we will also struggle in other areas of our community.  Poverty is a real issue in Pine City.  Poverty affects our students' performance at school.  Being able to entice new business is critical for our community and our children.  High Speed Internet will help with this.

     Finally, families that are contemplating moving to our region are increasingly likely to choose a place to live based on basic amenities such as high speed internet.  If a home can't access the internet then they might very well choose not to live here.  The prospective residents demand access to the internet for their children and for their personal use.  More and more shopping and other business transactions happen on-line.  The convenience and speed of the internet allows shoppers to purchase on-line and have the exact items sent to their home in a day or two.  The entire purchase and receipt of the purchased item didn't require any driving or gas money to search for the item.  This convenience is quickly growing.  

     Sometimes I think of broadband access like electricity.  Some people in the past were sure electricity was not for everyone.  We now know that that is a ridiculous idea.  High Speed Internet will be the same way.  Everyone will want it, need it and use it.  We need to find a way to ensure high speed internet access for EVERYONE.

Do you have high speed internet where you live?  Do you think we need it?

The First Days of the School Year

It is a good feeling for everyone in the school community once the fall routine takes hold.  Teachers and students begin to know what to expect each day at school.  The year is off to a good start.  Our region has lost too many young people, however.  But other than that things are going well.  Our Science department has shown  some initial gains in test results.  We will work to raise the bar in all other academic areas as well.  The iPad initiative is going well.  Our 6th and 8th graders are utilizing technology to increase student engagement and student learning.  Like many districts nation-wide, we are putting useful technology tools in the hands of our children.  As we move forward we will define our next steps and methods for incorporating these electronic devices.

Above is a traditional iPad and an iPad Mini.  The difference between a laptop and iPad will soon go away.  The Mini may become an even more affordable device for our students.  The future is very rapidly changing.  The good new is that new technology is likely to be more useful, less costly and even smaller.

The flip or reverse classroom is one of many ways that our classrooms are changing.  The curriculum is becoming blended with technology.  This means that the focus of our time and expense in learning has shifted.  Teachers require the gift of time and professional development opportunities that include time to discuss practices in teaching with other teachers.  Instead of spending large amounts of time and money on text book adoption, we can now focus more fully on what and how we teach.  The reverse classroom is a situation where the direct teaching done any time and anywhere a student can use their iPad.  Guided practice and checking for understanding become the largest focus in the classroom.   This shift means that students have significantly more access to teachers each day.  Teacher have more time to direct learning and reteach.  This immediate remediation will result in greater student success.  Classes can become more inquiry-based.  The environment could resemble an modified on-line learning environment.  The students and teacher can readily utilize an online platform for communication, instruction, course outline, additional resources and testing data.

What do you think of the increase in technology in school and in society?

I remember certain things more vividly than others.  Certain school days stand out more than others.  That first impression made by various principals and superintendents, throughout the years, stand out in my mind at the start of each school year.  I might not remember what they said but I recall how they made me feel.  It is always my intent to give each educator some praise, support, encouragement and positive recognition.  I want to know how I can help each person.  Hopefully, we have given you, the staff,  the positive impression that will help you with the start of a great school year.

Each year that I continue in education, I grow more proud of our educators.  Being "on" all the time is a  demanding job.  Public Schools educate them all.  These young people show up with all of their issues. Most are fine.  Some bring mental health issues, chemical dependency issues, and problems at home that all contribute to challenges in learning.  Teachers persevere through all the highs and lows and keep coming back for more.  Yes, they are working to pay the bills just like the rest of society.  But teachers do more than that.  They are carving out a life of "difference-making".  This a noble profession.  No one is getting rich.  No one is really overpaid. Educators touch the hearts and minds of countless people.  Some students make the most out of this opportunity for an education.  Other students squander this chance to learn and grow.  The possibility was presented to each and every student.  Our staff will do the best they can to help children make their way in life.  For that reason this is a very unselfish profession.

This fall we will initiate some new technology resources that should enhance student engagement and speed student learning.  Technology is a fast growing and changing environment.  It will be important for all of to maintain a positive and proactive attitude about the use of technology in all aspects of our life.  My goal is to optimize effectiveness and efficiency when it comes to the implementation of new technology trends.  I wish each and everyone reading this blog only the best for the year ahead.

I live four miles out of town and have no high speed internet.  Hopefully this will be available to everyone one day.  Almost everything we do now can be completed on line.  

Do you have high speed internet at home?  

Where Dreams Become a Reality

People ask me if I am excited to have a successful outcome to the auditorium vote.  I am cautiously optimistic.  While not all the voters supported this proposal, a majority did.  From here we need to be good stewards with our tax payer dollars.  This fall we will follow a committee-based design planning process.  In December and January we will develop construction documents.  During February we will have contractor bidding.  My priority is to hire local local and use local products whenever possible.  Let us know if you have a business that can help us with this project (320) 629-4011.  March through December of 2013 we will be completing new construction.  We hope to move into a new facility by December 2013.

Our band room and choir room will get remodeled to increase the amount space in for each program.  The next year and a half will be an exciting year.  We will bring forward a high quality facility with good and thoughtful planning.  Thank you to all the people that support this vote.  The successful vote is a result of a group effort.  In a few weeks school will kick off.  We will be very busy with normal school activities and with the planning of a great auditorium.  

What suggestions do you have that will help us build a top-notch auditorium?

New Band Director

Melanie Brooks is Pine City's new High School Band Director.  I met with Melanie last week.  Melanie is passionate about teaching.  She is a St. Olaf graduate and has worked with a variety of fine music programs.  Melanie is certified to teach K-12 Instrumental Music.  Ms. Brooks has lead large concerts and small group ensembles with much success.  She is experienced in teaching music theory and music literacy.  From private instruction to an ensemble director to full concerts, Melanie is prepared to lead the way for our outstanding band program.  She is bright, enthusiastic and good with people.  Melanie is inheriting a great band program that she will continue to build.  She is very excited about the prospect of new auditorium and looks forward to meeting the community when she moves here.

Melanie's primary instrument is the saxophone but can play all of the instruments.  I suspect she might play the saxophone for the community at some point.  This should be a great year for our music program. 

If you have questions about the transition to a new band director or if you have questions about the auditorium, let me know.  You can reach me at wgilman@pinecity.k12.mn.us or (320) 629-4011.


Feel free to comment on this blog post.

What questions do you have for Ms. Brooks?