It was a busy summer for the curriculum department. The teachers put in 2121 hours in June to work on curriculum and assessments. Every summer has its challenges but also has its rewards. More and more teachers continue to "get on board" and understand the need for curriculum and common assessments. It's so much better when we're all pulling on the same rope, or paddling in the same direction or on the same page (however you want to say it---it's just nice). The department leaders continue to be instrumental in driving this process. Their commitment and expertise to their subject areas continues to amaze me. I am so very thankful for all of them.
We moved the curriculum department to the Early Childhood Center at the end of summer curriculum work. So, for the first time in my professional career, I'm actually taller than most of the people I'm in the building with. Today we helped the kindergartners with their first experience with lunch. Some were so excited they couldn't focus on eating. Some decided that they wanted a "hot lunch" even though a "cold lunch" had been packed for them. Some cried through lunch and wanted to go home but the tears quickly dried when they found out it was time for recess! The ECC will be interesting for my professional education, I'm quickly developing immense respect for those that love, care and teach our youngest members of the CCUSD#1 family. Have you ever had to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a spork?
The state has officially adopted the Common Core and recently set a timeline for new assessments for the state. While the details are still very vague, at least they have started to give the school districts some guidance for approaching the changeover. For more information you can visit the Illinois State Board of Education's website. This will be a big challenge for our math and reading curriculum committees as they begin to map out a transition plan for the change from the Illinois Learning Standards to the Common Core.
Last year when I began my blog I had a theme that I wanted to pursue, "being part of the solution, and not the problem" and I used my blog to thank someone. Someone that does their job, does it well and just by being a part of CCUSD#1 they make it a better place to work. I've got a lot of people in mind but today it goes to Mary. Mary is a custodian at the ECC and not only has she made our move to her building easy, she is always very professional, courteous and helpful. Today she was also on the lunchroom brigade, (making peanut butter sandwiches with a spork), and just helping the whole process run more smoothly. Mary is the type of person I look forward to seeing everyday. She makes my day a little brighter. Thanks Mary, for all you do.
Thanks for reading.
Tammy