Council Rock Primary School Meet the Principal Beginning of the Year Update September 8, 2017

Points of Pride Highlights of 2016-17 English Language Arts: Examination of Phonics – orthographic mapping and beyond Implementation of Handwriting Without Tears – into 1st grade Math Successful implementation of EM4 Math/Science/Technology Coach in place Building Goal/Blueprint: Structure Committee work Mission/Vision Work – discussions and investigations Other: Furniture Pilots – moving into new pilot Science and SS work – incorporating new standards/redesigning AIS focus Technology – continued growth of 2:1 – proposal growth Building Use of See Saw Excellent “New Hires”

Areas We Are Focusing On.. Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Full-year intensive study of what this means and how it translates into our practice at Council Rock Family and Structure changes for next year Teams – create teams of 4 across grade level Grade Levels – determine 1st or 2nd for each Student Support – what will this look like Schedule – revise and adapt schedule to best accomodate EM4 – Take 2 – 2nd year of implementation – but for many the first with the grade level they teach this year Defining and Clarifying Curriculum ELA – Phonics and exit outcomes SS Science Rigor and Inquiry Areas We Are Focusing On..

D A P Joyful Learning: Acquiring knowledge and skills in ways that cause pleasure & happiness, The Surprising Power of Joy, p. 10 CRPS Mission: to develop joyful learners and contributing members of the community through developmentally appropriate practice After last year’s work of developing our mission, our community decided that our focus should be DAP.

12 Principles of DAP In your notebook—not going to proceed through each one--#12 is the link to our previous building goal and reminds us of the importance of continuing to keep Mindset and Habits in the front of our minds.

How does knowledge about development inform our choices in our roles? Educators’ roles (the many hats we wear): Build a caring community of learners, Teach to enhance development and learning, Plan curriculum to achieve important goals, Assess children’s development and learning Establish reciprocal relationships with families Areas of Development: Cognitive Physical Social-Emotional Language/Literacy How does knowledge about development inform our choices in our roles? Bulk of the book goes through each developmental stage, describes what is happening in each area of development and then ties that knowledge to educators’ roles. So throughout this year we will explore each area of development and reflect on how that knowledge informs our choices (so that we can be intentional!) in the many roles that we have. Any fruitful exploration needs a fearless leader, and so our developmentally appropriate leader will be…

Focusing on the Whole Child (or the whole potato, as the case may be) Cognitive Development Physical Development Social Emotional Development Mr. Potato Head Language & Literacy Development Foundational Elements: Thinking Dispositions- Habits of Mind and Growth Mindset

Welcome Back…We Are Excited for a great year! Any Questions?