Since October I have been working through Grant Lichtman’s most recent work, Moving the Rock: Seven Levers WE Can Press to Transform Education. As a long-time educator, I have had the opportunity to read many interesting works relating to education and learning. Based on the pace of my reading, I think Moving the Rock may have a lasting impact.
At the end of chapter two, the author proposes a series of thought provoking points for us to consider:
- In one word, describe the conditions that lead to great learning.
- What does great teaching look like?
- What knowledge, skills, and outcomes do we want for our students to help them lead happy and productive lives after school?
- What excites your students about school?
- What is a drag?
Over the next few months, I look forward to hearing from you about your thoughts on these questions.
On a separate note, the past week has been full of events of all kinds:
- Last Thursday, Monacan Nation tribal leaders visited with K-4 students and taught them about the Native American ways (modern and historical).
- Girls on the Run participants visited and donated non-perishable goods to a local food bank and had a pizza party to celebrate the end of their running season.
- On Friday, we enjoyed the Hanging of the Greens cookie party and ornament hanging.
- We hosted the eighth grade parents for a special luncheon on Wednesday while the Charlottesville Ballet entertained the students with favorites from The Nutcracker.
- Also on Wednesday, Mr. Ralph Davison of Carney Sandoe & Associates returned to help me assess, with the input of parents, students,faculty, staff, and the trustees, the beginning of my journey as your Head of School.
- Today, the fabulous and irrepressible third graders produced their play, ‘Twas One Crazy Night Before Christmas.
Whew! That’s a lot. I encourage you to check our Facebook page and our website’s news stories for these and other great stories.