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?

External View of the Auditorium

I wanted our readers to see these simulated external views of the auditorium.  We will hold a public information meeting about the auditorium proposal on Thursday, August 9th at 7 p.m. in the Elementary Auditorium. Have a great weekend.

What do you think of these images of the new proposed auditorium?

Auditorium Update

The architect has prepared a simulated view of the outside of our proposed auditorium.  When the board and I are satisfied with this image, we will share this with everyone.  This auditorium will make our school a very special facility.  I want to thank all of the many people that have pitched in.  The process is so much easier when many lend a hand.  Please tell others about this information.  I will be building a district Face Book page that will contain helpful information about the auditorium and other school information.

I met Melanie Brooks today.  She is going to bring great energy to the band director position.  She has many good ideas and will be highlighting her musical talents very soon.  This is going to be a positive and exciting year for Pine City Schools.  Melanie will send me a picture so all of you can put a name with a face.  Stay tuned!!

Multi-purpose Auditorium

I begin another humble blog with information about the Pine City Bond Referendum for a new auditorium.  With the help of many great people I begin a new journey as Superintendent for Pine City Schools.  On June 30th I left Crookston behind and on July 1st, 2012 I began work for Pine City Schools.  Pine City is a positive place to live and work.  

This floor plan shows some expansion of the choir room and band room.  The spacious lobby will also have public restrooms.  Our band program has grown and the practice and performance areas are no longer suitable.

 

The auditorium will have two large instructional areas divided with these moveable panels as shown below.   Pine City School District and community need a multi-purpose auditorium, a large group meeting area, and a multi-use instructional area.

 This is what the inside would look like.  The multi-purpose auditorium can hold up to 740 people.  Each seat is aligned and the walls are constructed that every person can see and hear the activities on the stage.  The design will also eliminate any echo or distortion. 

 Pine City Schools has been nationally recognized by NAMM as having one of the top Music programs in the nation.  Lets prepare for our future by maintaining our Arts, Academics and Athletics.

 The Vote in on Tuesday, August 14th from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Below is the actual ballot question as it appears on the back of the ballot.  The cost for this auditorium is about $5 per month for the average property value of $150,000.

 

 

Why do you think the levy is important to the community?