Head's Notes
February 17, 2012
The January 30, 2012 issue of the New Yorker featured an article entitled "Groupthink...the brainstorming myth," by Johah Lehrer. The article had two parts - the first debunked the theory that brainstorming was the best way to create new ideas from group meetings. It turns out that the research, some of which was done by Ben Jones at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, demonstrates that "brainstorming didn't unleash the potential of the group, but rather made each individual less creative." Finally, a psychologist from Washington University concluded that "decades of research have consistently shown that brainstorming groups think of far fewer ideas than the same number of people who work alone and later pool their ideas."
February 2, 2012
This is the week that the post office loves SAA. As you may already know, we mailed out all returning contracts on the 1st. Today we'll be mailing out the first semester report cards. I prefer using old-fashioned mail for these important documents, because you automatically have an original hard copy. Please take time to review the contracts closely. If you have any questions, contact Mrs. Goldstein immediately. Remember, the contracts must be returned by March 1st.
January 26, 2012
I want to take some time to highlight one of SAA's most dedicated teachers. Lisa Pang, one of our one-two classroom teachers, has been with SAA for eight years. In my three years here, she has been in three different classrooms, moving all her things each summer with enthusiasm. She will be moving once again this summer when we complete the construction project adding an additional classroom, making room for our second 8th grade homeroom. I've promised that this will be her last move.
I'm often asked if we have a nurse on staff here at SAA, and the answer is no. While we'd love to have such a person, fortunately 99.9% of the time there would be nothing for them to do. If there is a medical emergency, the paramedics are less than five minutes away. But with our growing population, it became apparent that we needed someone who was trained to take care of those situations that may arise in the normal course of the day. Therefore, we asked for volunteers from the staff who would be willing to take an EMT course, at the school's expense. This is a 14 week course, meeting one night a week and 14 full Saturdays. It also involves time with the emergency responding team, and a series of exams. As you can tell, this is big commitment.
January 20, 2012
Last Monday's NY Times had an article entitled "Study on Teacher Value Uses Data From Before Teach-to-Test Era." The author described a new study that attempted to measure long-term benefits of having a high quality teacher. The problem with the study is that the data came from tests that were not considered "high stakes," that is, test results that could determine levels of teacher's pay or government funding. Ever since the 2002 No Child Left Behind Law, testing has taken on a far new meaning. Teachers whose students do well on the tests are considered "high value added."
January 13, 2012
I want to thank everyone for their patience and excellent driving skills demonstrated yesterday during pickup. Due to your cooperation, pickup went smoothly and safely. I want to especially thank Colyn and Diane for staying out in the cold and snow directing children and traffic.
Admission contracts for next year will be mailed on February 1st. The admissions office has been extremely busy this year, and we anticipate, or already have, waiting lists for virtually all of our lower grades, with a few openings in the upper grades. This is important for you to know, because unlike past years, we have new families who will receive contracts on March 1st, and these children will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. If a returning student's contract is not returned by March 1st, that spot will automatically be given to the first family on the waiting list. If you are not planning on returning next year, please let Amanda know as soon as possible. As March 1st grows near, we will be reminding families, but after that date we open enrollment to new families.
January 5, 2012
This week marked the end of the formal aspect of our 2011-2012 annual campaign. As of today 53% of our parent body have contributed, along with 100% of our faculty and staff. So far our community has contributed over $127,000 to the campaign in restricted and unrestricted funds. As you know, we have two goals - 100% community participation and $175,000.
December 8, 2011
I'd like to recommend reading the September, 2011 Smithsonian magazine's article on the educational system in Finland. Obviously, Finland does not the have the same demographic as the U.S., or the Chicago suburbs, for that matter. But it is interesting to note how they approach teaching. Their motto is "whatever it takes." Teachers are selected "from the top 10 percent of the nation"s graduates to earn a required master's degree in education." They use a variety of methods to reach each and every child. "If one method fails, teachers consult with colleagues to try something else. They seem to relish the challenges."
November 29, 2011
This week the head of the Chicago Public Schools announced the "overhaul" of ten under-performing schools. This reflected "how poorly many city schools are preparing students for college and the workforce, officials said." (Chicago Tribune, 11/29/2011). The most recent Forbes magazine stated, "more than 12 million students drop out of school every year in the U.S." They go on to point out that, "American children rank 31st in math among 65 industrialized countries... 68% of eighth graders can't read at grade level, and most will never catch up."
The Forbes article focused on "The Best Ideas for Fixing K-12 Education." The authors polled some of the most influential, and wealthy, people in America, asking them what they thought our educational system should focus on.
November 18, 2011
I just came from a spirited FSA meeting where the entire gathering discussed classroom parties. This discussion began with a memo, passed out by the FSA board members, that outlined new guidelines for future homeroom parties. In order to be as inclusive as possible, the upcoming party in December will have a winter theme, with an emphasis on starting a new year.
The FSA meeting quickly grew into a larger discussion around student decorum and parent involvement. A longer article will appear in the next Talon, but I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight what I feel are the important points brought out in today's gathering.
November 10, 2011
This is just one of those reminder messages that I send out every so often. We are now in our sixth week of our annual campaign, and I am happy to announce that over 80% of our faculty has contributed to the campaign, with 21% of the families also contributing. As I have said in the past, we are seeking as close to 100% participation as is possible, so we have a ways to go.
November 3, 2011
"What's the difference between intelligence and genius?"
The above was the lead sentence in an opinion piece in the New York Times Sunday Review this past weekend. The author, Walter Isaacson, also wrote Steve Jobs, the latest in what will certainly be a long series of biographies of the late computer innovator.
October 27, 2011
The September 28th edition of Education Week featured an articled entitled "Many Early AchieversLose Academic Edge, Researchers Conclude." The study concluded that "many high-performing students lost ground from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school." The researchers tracked 82,000 students who took the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP), and found that "of the 10,166 students who scored at the 90th percentile or above in math as 3rd graders in 2008, only 57.3 percent scored as well by the time they were 8th graders." The analysis also found that "of more than 43,000 6th graders who scored in the top 10th on the reading test, only 52.4 percent were scoring as well in the 10th grade."
October 13, 2011
My daughter left her Kindle at my house over the weekend. I've watched her "play" with it since my wife bought it for her last Christmas, and I still don't understand the appeal. It's pretty cool, I'll grant you that. But it's not my idea of reading. Being a librarian, and having once owned a bookstore in Wisconsin, I'm a book person. Some people are tech people, which I admire, but I'm proud to say I'm a book person.
September 28, 2011
This is just a quick note to remind you that we are not in school tomorrow, but we ARE here Friday. Friday is special because it's our first FSA meeting, during which we will be introduced to the new FSA officers. I'll be discussing lines of communication between school and home, and as usual will be ready for whatever is on your mind.
September 15, 2011
Our doubts are traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing to attempt.
William Shakespeare, "Measure for Measure", Act 1 scene 4
A typical trait of many gifted individuals is the fear of failure. Early in their academic careers new information is absorbed easily, and at an amazing rate. As the material becomes more difficult, more effort is needed, and the risk of failure increases. Too often, this risk of failure stops gifted students in their tracks. They hesitate to get our of their comfort zone, preferring to stick with what they know.