A Conversation on Character...Continues...

A few weeks ago, Jeff and I did our first co-blog on our character education programs and how we noticed a need to focus on the power of words as well as actions. (http://tsschmidty.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-conversation-on-character.html and http://principalkubiak.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-conversation-on-character.html)  Jeff Kubiak (@principalkubiak) is the principal of Cordelia Hills Elementary School (@cordeliahills) in Fairfield, CA.  Todd Schmidt (@tsschmidty) is the principal of Harbor View Elementary (@harborviewelem) in Corona del Mar, CA.  Here is the second part of our continued conversation...

As Todd and I continue our conversation, we are magnetically drawn to the power of words, and kindness. #wordsDOmatter is now a focus of ours on our campuses in hopes that the students we see daily, will begin to embrace the power of words.

During our day, both of us have been asking kiddos about #words, and if they really do #matter. We both asked students about what it means when someone says something kind, nice, and uplifting. How does that feel? What is it like?
Also, we asked, what happens, or how do you  feel when someone says something mean, negative, or is a put down.

Cordelia Hills Kinder Student: “ I feel good when someone says “ I like you, it makes me smile”! “I get really sad if someone calls me stupid or says I am bad at something”.

Cordelia Hills 3rd Grade Student: “My heart is happy, and I like myself”!

“I feel like no one likes me, and I want to cry”!

Cordelia Hills 4th Grade Student: “I like to say nice things and make people happy”! “When someone hurts my feelings, I want to call them a bad word, but I don’t cuz I know how it feels”!

Cordelia Hills 5th Grade Student: “Kind and nice words rock. I love it when someone says I’m good at stuff or they like something I did” “I want to run and hide and cry when someone calls me ugly, or they hate me or I am not good” “Words are strong”!

Harbor View 1st grader - “When someone says something nice, I feel all sunshiney inside!  It makes me feel special, and I want to go say something nice to someone else!”

“See those dark clouds?  That’s how I feel when someone calls me a name!” (Clearly, this little nugget has a thing for the weather!)

Harbor View 4th grader - “I love when someone takes the time to say something positive about me.  As a new student, I don’t always know if I fit in, but when someone goes out of their way to be kind, I know I belong!”

“One time, I got called a racial slur.  It was the first time anyone had ever called me that.  It shattered my heart…”

Harbor View 6th grader - “I’ve watched as someone’s entire face split into a smile when someone else complimented them.  Words are unbelievably powerful in taking a rough day and turning it into something positive!”

“Mean comments online crush me.  It’s bad enough when someone says something out loud, but when it is online, everyone can see it over and over again!”

Jeff: This is only a sampling of what I hear when I speak to students about words and #wordsDOMatter. The old adage “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is archaic, false and simply untrue. Research suggest that it takes SEVEN kind words, or acts to negate or offset the power of ONE put down, or negative word. Can you believe it? Yes, the harmful word seems to resonate and linger in one’s heart, getting us to think “Is that really true”? “Maybe I am ugly, bad, lame or …”!

As we break this down further, it has dawned on me that we (schools, educators, parents) really need to have kindness and positive word lessons in our Pre-Schools and TK programs. Then, as students move through the grades, we need articulate the message vertically and continuously, as the exposure to movies, media, news and reality clog the brains of those we are trying so hard to help!

Todd:  We spend a lot of time as principals and educators extolling the virtues of walking the walk and not just talking the talk.  I know that at my school, we spend a lot of time working on ways for students to show through their actions the importance of being kind to others.  We’ve done fundraisers for local charities.  We’ve collected cans for food pantries during the holidays.  My community takes part in the Angel Tree Project providing gifts to struggling families so that there kids have something to open Christmas morning.  There are all great activities, and I love how our community rallies so often to help those in need.  But when our words do not match our actions, what lessons are we teaching students?  Especially with the prevalence of social media, it is becoming imperative that we spend considerable time working with our students, teachers, and parents about the importance and power of words...not just how they can tear someone down, but how they can be used to uplift and inspire someone!

Please spread the word of #wordsDOMatter and help us continue the conversation!

I'll take your 5...Challenge!

Here is my 1,2,3,4,5 Connected Educator Challenge via Kas Nelson and Todd Schmidt. A special shout out to TS as he and I found similar beliefs, ideals, goals, and are on to something big with #wordsDOmatter.

Thanks to all of my @voxer group friends, my @Twitter mates and those who are consistently pushing me to be a great leader!
#kidsfirst

1. What has been your ONE biggest struggle during this school year?

I chuckle at the site of this question. This year has been full of so many challenges, opportunities, victories, and wins for all, but to put the “struggle” category into a ONE and BIGGEST is truly daunting.

Similar to many of my #PLN @voxer and @twitter mentors, gurus, advisors, and friends I interact with and follow on a daily basis, the word balance seems to rise to the top, like the old, rotting coagulated milk in a thermos I found today on the lunch yard.

Balance in life, yes, I have two wonderful children and an amazing wife, who at times, seems like I see only when they sleep.

Balance in body and soul. Often, my 4:45am workout seems to get pushed out due to lack of sleep, too much on my mind, or “I’ll do it later”. We all know the importance of rest, exercise and mindfulness...it is the practical application that I am sometimes deterred by.

Balance at school. Yes, I want to do it all! #kidsfirst is almost on every @Tweet I ever write. It is my mantra, my way, my focus, my thinking and my motto. All I want to do from the time I wake up until I fall asleep is do what is right for all students. Whether it be a standing desk, a new pair of shoes, some food, a new curriculum, a different learning method to help with, clothing, classroom support, new friends, activities...you know the drill….everything.
At the same time, I CANNOT, WILL NOT, SHALL NOT overburden my incredible staff with more than they already have on their rapidly growing plates. We all know how much energy, time and effort a truly committed teacher gives, and for me to add unnecessary toppings would be incomprehensible.

So...Do I want to improve the lives of students, staff, my family and the community here? Absolutely. In time Jeff, in time...I think as my “7-second meditation application” dings.

2. Share TWO accomplishments that you are proud of from this school year.

First, I rarely say NO to a staff member that wants or needs anything that has to do with school, teaching, students or growth. Whether it be PD, Conferences, workshops, Per Diem, Equipment, Supplies, or whatever. I am here to serve in the interest of #kidsfirst only, and if it is something that a member of our team needs, then bring it! Let’s do it!

The second accomplishment that I am most proud of is that the teachers are embracing some of the changes that have been put in place since I came to CHE.
Some of our school-wide teaching goals were improved student engagement, and increased Depth of Knowledge in our teaching and learning objectives. Most of the staff have worked very hard to increase the rigor during the instructional times.

3. What are THREE things you wish to accomplish before the end of the school year?

1. A HUGE CALL TO ACTION is that ALL teachers take their classes into our MakerDen. Our evolving Makerspace has been a proud, pet project of mine, but some teachers are still hesitant on visiting. I don’t know if it is they feel it is time wasted, or they are afraid of fun, or what it really is, but for whatever reason, I can’t get them in. I want 100% Teacher and Student Participation in that space! #kidsdeservit

2. I would like our teachers to become more data minded, which in turn, I need to lead them in that direction. Have recently looked at Progress Reports, and 2nd Trimester Benchmarks, and much more, we MUST use the data better to drive our instruction and fill those gaps!

3. Our staff must increase the trust in each other here and now! Not one teacher is selfish, not one is better that another, and no stands on higher ground. We are an amazing and very talented team here, but often times, our gems are too hidden and hard to spot. I continually offer a “Free, 30 minute Pass” to teachers, and to cover so they can observe (a great tool used to improve as far as I am concerned), but rarely get any takers. Trust!

Give FOUR reasons why you remain in 

education in today’s rough culture.

1. If I am not going to make a positive impact, then who is? I am committed to #kidsfirst 24/7 and do whatever it takes to make it happen. If I leave, then there is one less champion, advocate, and voice to give kids what they need to be whatever it is they aspire for.

2. Personal Growth and Honest Reflection. Not a day goes by, or a moment unnoticed that I can’t improve upon what I’ve done. Not just as an educator with things like attending  #CUE, #GAFE and Lead 3.0, or with my #voxer book clubs, and #principalsinaction power of my #Twitter PLN. But things like watching 600 amazing students grow, struggle, thrive, learn, play, and work so hard every day.  This has been paramount to my development as an educator, parent and whole-person.

3. The kids. The kids. The kids. C’mon seriously? They rely upon us, so that later, we can rely upon them!

4. Teachers. I am in the presence of greatness everyday. Within every minute of everyday, I see true brilliance, commitment, perseverance, dedication and GRIT!

5. Which FIVE people do you hope will the take the challenge of answering these questions.

1.  Kris Corey. I would not be where I am today as an educator without her. Her strength, guidance, wisdom and knowledge are endless.

2. George Couros. Seriously? Why wouldn’t someone want to see further into this brain of genius.
3. Andy Jacks. I've just started following him and it's SO cool how cool and awesome he is.

4. Mark. E. Weston. If you don’t know or follow him, you have serious issues. Dude’s mind is epic to the core. WOW!

5. Jenn Kloczko. She is the one who pushed me to blog at #CUEROCKSTARADMIN….Love her dancing, enthusiasm and especially her 24/7 365 positivity!

A Conversation on Character

This blog is cross-posted on tsschmidty.blogspot.com

Have you realized the power of Twitter and Voxer in building a professional learning network (PLN)? These two platforms have allowed two elementary school Principals who have actually never met face-to-face (yet...fortunately, this will be remedied in April at @lead3!) to share best practices, learn and improve upon each other’s successes and mishaps, provide encouragement and support, and challenge each other’s thinking!  Through the course of becoming connected principals, educators, and lead learners over the past year, the two of us banded together as we learned that we had much in common, both personally and professionally. It led to a series of conversations (including one hysterically failed attempt to organize a Google Hangout) about our respective focus on character education on our sites.  It has included implementation of national programs like Rachel’s Challenge to the incorporation of John Wooden’s Pyramid to Success through a partnership with Harper for Kids.  We both have made concerted efforts to incorporate the importance of mindfulness, kindness, and empathy within ourselves, students, and staffs.  Jeff Kubiak (@principalkubiak) is the principal of Cordelia Hills Elementary School (@cordeliahills) in Fairfield, CA.  Todd Schmidt (@tsschmidty) is the principal of Harbor View Elementary (@harborviewelem) in Corona del Mar, CA.  This is our story…

It seems as though every school has some sort of “character and/or kindness” program in it, what are you doing in this regard?

JK: I don’t like “one off’s” or “one and done’s”. If I am going to invest the time, and I am to expect students, staff, and parents to do the same, then I want something that will stick and has a value added take away for the students. As a school, we participate in Jumprope for Heart to raise money for the American Heart Assoc. We also help raise money for Lymphoma and Leukemia Society through Pennies for Patients.
Our students are recognized for their contributions daily as well. We have “Coyote Paw Pride” for “doing the right thing” and a Student of the Month award given to students that follow our monthly block focus on the pyramid. Parents are invited to join their kiddos at our monthly lunch celebration!

TS:  We try to create opportunities for students to give back to their community.  For example, every March, we partner with Team Kids (a nonprofit organization that focuses on inspiring students to take ownership and enjoy community service and bettering their communities) to create a carnival.  Organized by the students, this carnival raises money for a charity of the students’ choosing.  Last year, our carnival raised over $2500 for the World Games held by Special Olympics.  In addition, we use John Wooden’s Pyramid to Success as part of our Student of the Month program.  Each month, we recognize a student in each class that best embodies a specific block on the pyramid.  We bring in their parents, the teachers, and the recipients for a special monthly lunch where we tell the parents and the students why they were chosen!

Why John Wooden’s Pyramid to Success?

JK: Coach John Wooden was the most successful basketball coach in the history of the NCAA. Not only did he develop amazing athletes, he helped to sculpt amazing young men that would become upstanding citizens. His 15 Pyramid blocks are used all over the world and in so many different arenas today. Corporate, Sports, and Schools all benefit from this model. As a swim coach, I learned from Warren Lager’s Marin Pirates how to instill this in young athletes and began incorporating it with my students and staff at school.

TS: John Wooden broke down the key components of being not only a good athlete but a good human being as well.  He showed that these were not isolated characteristics, but rather, a series of blocks that are necessary to building a strong foundation that lead to each of us being our personal best.

How did you establish the partnership with Harper For Kids?

JK: I was introduced to Tim Harper and Peanut Louie by a mutual friend. After meeting with them and understanding the “Harper for Kids” way and motto I was hooked. They came in and presented some assemblies to my school, and it then took off! All of our classrooms have the poster of Wooden’s Pyramid. Each student was given one, and we have a large mural painted for all to see as you enter our school! The connection that the students get with the “real life” athletes, and Harper for Kids messaging is awesome! Peanut co-wrote a book with Coach Wooden called “Inch and Miles” which is used to teach lessons throughout our classrooms

TS: When I first came onto my campus, I was amazed to see beautiful murals already painted on our walls of characters from Inch and Miles, the children’s book based on the Pyramid to Success.  My predecessor made sure that every teacher had a copy of the book.  During my first year, I was contacted by Tim and Peanut personally to come do a series of assemblies.  Over the last four years, they have visited several times.  They have brought professional and collegiate athletes to talk to the students and showcase how the Pyramid to Success is applicable in their lives.  Every time they come, our students are inspired and excited to implement the blocks of the Pyramid to Success

Why do you believe that mindfulness, empathy, and kindness should be emphasized on our campuses?

JK: There is really no other way that it should be. If we can instill these values into our kiddos at the Pre-K and TK level, then with continued implementation and focus, children will really have an acute awareness of mind, body, and soul at all times. This teaching allows a person to focus on how and what they are feeling at all times, and to be aware of changes in feelings, behavior and self. Being empathic will enable a child to fully understand how words and actions can negatively impact another. Kindness of course, is the root of all traits in my belief. If a child is truly kind all the time, they not only feel better about him/herself, but others too.

TS:  I completely agree with Jeff...we have a mandate to ensure that our students are not only scholars but solid citizens as well.  Being mindful of your words and actions is a key skill for all people, especially elementary students.  Recently, one of my teachers sent me an article on the importance of Teaching Kindness to elementary students: http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_if_schools_taught_kindness  As part of our PBIS roll-out, we chose to emphasize empathy as one of the cornerstone traits we want to see in our students.

What do you see as one of the biggest challenges in implementing a school-wide kindness program?

JK: Whenever you have a really cool idea, or something you believe will benefit ALL STUDENTS, that requires buy-in or at least participation from the staff, parents, and community. I HATE adding anything more to a teacher’s plate, and many times protect them as best I can. With that being said, it is the time, whole school community buy in and embracing of it, and then…..what will drive the momentum and keep it alive? It can’t be just me, and it can’t be just the students, or staff...it must be all of us...together...with fidelity!

TS: I agree that one of the biggest challenges is adding ONE more thing to teachers’ plates.  For me, I also see a big challenge of keeping the momentum going.  At a previous site, we did Rachel’s Challenge with high school students.  The assembly was well-received and several students were interested in joining the club afterwards, but unless you have someone at the front willing to make it a priority, you tend to lose steam.  Also, I think

students especially need to see that they are being part of something bigger.  It needs to be systemic and ongoing throughout the year.  We have a lot of opportunities on our respective sites for students to help their communities and be kind to one another.  It is just missing that cohesive piece to tie it all together!

We hope you will join us, as we travel and explore the power of empathy, kindness and mindfulness on school cultures and communities. Let's see how it can positively impact the attitude, behavior and values in today’s youth.

Let's Reflect: honestly

F’s, N’s, Retention Letters and the Art of Reflection.

OK, here it goes my friends, we need an action plan, and perhaps for some, a CALL TO ACTION NOW!

It was very eye opening to read the Progress Reports last week. I was actually shocked to see the high number of F’s, and N’s. From an administrative and former teacher viewpoint, this means that WE, as a school are failing our students, the students are not failing.
Do you regularly practice the art of HONEST reflection? If not, you must make this a regular part of your day. We can not teach the way we were taught, nor can we act complacently and expect the students and parents make the change. It must come from us, as the educators on the forefront.
If you are truly honest and reflecting on your own teaching practice, you must constantly be able to make adjustments. If many students are failing, this must be a red flag and change needs to be immediate and perhaps drastic!
Too much irrelevant homework? Are you searching for compliance, learning or content? Homework doesn’t teach, you do.
Are there too many assignments or projects that have not been thoroughly instructed on?
Is there RTI? small group work? before school lab work?
Are you teaching WITH technology, or letting technology run your classroom?

That quiet kid in the corner? Have you ever actually spoken to him? Do you know his story?

The child you send out of class all the time? Have you visited his/her home? Do you KNOW them? Connect... With...All...Students.

Whatever the reason, we need to reflect. Even if all of your students are HIGH Achievers and perfect angels. That can become higher and more angelic!

As a school, we need to act now, with depth, complexity, and reality. Students are here every day for 5 to 6.5 hours per day. Every minute MUST count! Whether it is instruction, play, or group activities.
What do you need from me?

After all, they are ALL students of ours, no one stands alone.

Let’s do this together, with fidelity, now.

Spelling Bees, Tests, Homework....why? why? why?

Spelling contests have gone on for hundreds of years, but from what I can find, the first documented case of an actual spelling bee called such was in 1825. The first National Spelling Bee was held in 1925 and the winning word was “gladiolus”, spelled by 11 year-old Frank Neuhauser. Wow. Nice job Frank.

Where has this gotten us? ESPN? TV? Commercials? Better Spellers?

Uhhhh, not sure about that.
As an Elementary School administrator, the idea of Spelling tests, spelling lists, spelling bees, spelling in alpha order, spelling word sorts and spelling homework drive me crazy. What is this doing for most students? Well, frustrating them, driving them to hate it, become anxious..the list goes on. It sure isn’t a #kidsfirst or #KidsDeservIt way of teaching.

As is the case with many things we see in education, it is hard to change our ways. Even our best teachers seem to rely on an “old trick” or a program that has been well outdated since before Truman was President.

Imagine this: 20 Spelling Words on Monday, Alphabetize them on Tuesday, Write a sentence with them on Wednesday and Thursday let’s mix them up and have the students unscramble them. All this leads up to the exciting pinnacle of Friday’s Spelling Test! yesss!
Monday rolls around and you see in BIG RED PEN -15, or -13. So, what about the kids that continue to get 5 out of 20 and have never improved? What is this doing for his/her confidence, ego, psyche, and self esteem? uhhh crushing it, destroying it and blowing it out of the water. At least change the grade to a +5...let’s show them there is hope.This practice MUST CHANGE!

Speaking to my school admin #PLN, teachers, students, and parents, I have concluded that there is no relevance for this practice anymore. It rewards only the Uber-memorizers!

What about our Dyslexics, struggling students, NON MEMORIZERS, and our most typical children? They all suffer.

I see it everyday; anxiety, frustration, lack of drive and confidence. Really? Is this what we need our students to feel?
How about some morphology, some Greek and Latin Roots, and some common spelling rules?

Let’s give them the rules, guidelines and tools to learn and understand spelling and you know what? Let them use a computer, Chromebook or iPad for the rest? Why not?

There is also a new tool that I just heard about. It's called Spell Check!

Ever heard of it? If not, try to Google it, I’m sure you’ll see plenty of information on it.

So, here: Let’s do this; make spelling homework something extra for the student that has already memorized the New Oxford Dictionary! Yes, let's keep pushing that kiddo, maybe he/she rocks at spelling and memorization and it will help drive them to places never seen before...we want that!

But for the rest of our kiddos?

Buh bye spelling words, tests, lists, sorts, bees, alpha order..et all.  

Instead, let's let STUDENTS code, play, make, create, do robotics, chess, or just about anything that drives interest, is #kidsfirst, #eduepic. Why? because #KidsDeservIt!