Showing posts with label adimistrators. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adimistrators. Show all posts

Mar 16, 2015

Quantum Learning at Hairgrove ES


CFISD uses the Quantum Learning (QL) program as an aid in student and staff development. Hairgrove ES recently demonstrated the district’s exceptional use of the program to a team from G. H. Dawe School in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, including Principal Sue Carmichael and four members of her administrative team. Carmichael and her team requested the visit to observe and discuss the use of Quantum Learning strategies in the classroom and as a schoolwide initiative. Specifically, the purpose of the visit was to determine how the neuroscience of QL can also be used to improve character education for all students.

Following a brief overview and tour provided by the Hairgrove administrative team, the visitors spent the remainder of their time visiting with staff and students and observing QL in action. “I am most impressed by the matrix of expectations and how it is infused and aligned with other campus initiatives to focus on building character and empowering students to make good choices,” Carmichael said. 

With an emphasis on understanding how the brain works and how students learn best, QL works hand-in-hand with other initiatives a campus may already be implementing. For example, Hairgrove activities are organized around the Game On system. The school is divided into two teams that participate in friendly competitions in various areas to promote teamwork and a sense of community. Within Game On, Hairgrove implemented three complimentary initiatives: No Excuses University; Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS); and Quantum Learning.

The certified QL facilitator for Hairgrove is assistant principal Terry Bell. She provides staff development on QL strategies, as well as QL lessons to students. Bell worked with Hairgrove’s PBIS leadership team to use QL’s eight Learning Keys in creating systems the entire campus follows.

“Our staff embraces anything that helps our students succeed,” said Darynda Klein, Hairgrove ES principal. “The QL strategies not only support ways to make lessons more engaging, but also support student learning without a lot of extra time preparing additional materials.”

CFISD was recently recognized as a premier district by the Quantum Learning corporate office.



Feb 2, 2015

Quantum Learning

Mark Reardon, Quantum Learning representative, observes a CFISD classroom during his recent visit to the district. He is joined by Christina Hoover, academic achievement specialist at Cypress Woods HS, and Elizabeth Bradley, director of Instruction at Kahla MS. 
In preparation for the launch of an enhanced Quantum Learning (QL) program, and to help create and implement the most effective training possible, members of the corporate QL Team recently visited CFISD, which they consider a premier QL district. The QL Chief Learning Officer, Mark Reardon, and his team, visited ALC-East, Harigrove ES, Kahla MS, Spillane MS and Cypress Woods HS to observe QL in action and visit with campus administrators and QL facilitators. Following the campus visits, the QL team conducted a two-day pilot training with district facilitators, where they worked collaboratively to enhance the Essentials course before fully implementing the initiative.

QL is a longtime partner of CFISD aiding in districtwide staff development. QL is grounded in the latest developments of neuroscience, providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage the brain’s natural learning systems. In an effort to continue meeting district's needs, QL recently introduced a new teacher program, Excellence in Teaching. This program will replace the current Day 1-5 training with three brand new courses: Essentials, Classroom Culture and Management and Design and Delivery for Learning. Teachers can anticipate that the new Essentials course will begin to roll out summer 2015. As part of this transition, current QL facilitators will be training on the updated content.

"What an amazingly inspiring three days! Encouraging, insightful, honoring," Reardon said.  "Your team of facilitators were impressively courageous. They explored the new, wrestled with reconciling the new with what they already knew, and now have a deeper understanding of the power of QL. The connections, distinctions and revelations they expressed as we debriefed the modules were what we were hoping to hear and even more! And perhaps the most important work was that of allowing the internal shifts to happen; shifts in what they believe is possible and how they can impact it." 


Mark Reardon speaks to a group of CFISD educators.

CFISD Quantum Learning facilitators take part in a recent Essentials course training.

Nov 10, 2014

CFISD Leadership Initiative

Hopper MS academic achievement specialist Charlene Davis-Norris and Watkins MS assistant principal Felicia Hayes work together in the CIP: Roadmap to Success course.
Twenty-one participants took part in the Campus Improvement Plan: Roadmap to Success course on Oct. 21 as part of the CFISD Leadership Initiative, the first in the inaugural set of courses to target groups who either aspire to or currently serve in an administrative leadership role.

The course helped leaders gain a deeper understanding of: 

  • why campus improvement plans (CIPs) are created and who is involved in the process;
  • how the parts of the CIP are interrelated to form a living document that positively impacts student achievement; and
  • ways to reflect on the campus planning process and how to become involved at their home campus.

Lieder ES Staff Tailgate Event

(L-R) Lieder Principal Dr. Karen Stockton, instructional specialists Nina Campbell and Jennifer Dove prepare for the Oct. 24 tailgate with all the necessary supplies. 
In order to culminate the celebration of College and Career Readiness Week, the Lieder ES administrative team hosted its second annual tailgating party for all staff on Oct. 24.

“We serve traditional cuisine including hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, pulled pork sandwiches and bacon-wrapped shrimp,” said Dr. Karen Stockton, principal.

Teachers and staff enjoyed a variety of grilled items prepared by husbands of A-team members while the A-team served the food. The Lieder staff all wore collegiate apparel to commemorate the occasion.  

Dr. Stockton prepares a cheeseburger for staff members Blanca Warner and Adela Stokes at the tailgate.
Lieder teachers go through the food line at the second annual tailgating party on Oct. 24. 


Mother Goose at Jowell ES

Continuing an annual tradition at Jowell ES, Principal Dr. Julie Manuel dressed up as Mother Goose to recite Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes to prekindergarten and kindergarten students this month. 

“Here at Jowell, everybody does their part with teaching students the skills required for each grade level,” said Jowell librarian Alpha Cruz Lopez. “Everyone works diligently and fervently for the progress of the students.”

In addition to reading, Dr. Manuel teaches the students about rhyming words and how the nursery rhymes fit into song form. 

While Mother Goose consultants and presenters can cost more than $1,000 to hire to present at schools, Jowell has an inside track. 

“Jowell Elementary is immensely lucky to have such a loving and giving principal as Dr. Julie Manuel, a.k.a. Mother Goose,” Cruz Lopez said. 

Cook MS Rally

The Cook MS administrative team rewarded its students for reaching their tardy reduction goal by taking pies to the face during the first Ranger Rally of the school year on Oct. 30.

The Cook team set a goal to reduce tardies by 25 in each grade level over 17 days, and students shattered the mark.

“Each grade level exceeded its goal, with sixth- and eighth-grade cutting their tardies in half from the first 17 days for an overall reduction of 239 tardies campuswide,” said Cook Principal Maggie Wiley.

Joining Wiley in receiving a pie to the face were eighth-grade AP Lynn Blakeslee and counselor Le’Krystal Simon; and seventh-grade AP Chris Rose and counselor Lynna Gonzalez.

Nov 3, 2014

Anthony MS Dedication

CFISD recognized the opening of its 18th middle school on Nov. 2 with a dedication ceremony honoring namesake Dr. David Anthony. Anthony was superintendent of CFISD from 2004-2011. CFTV produced a video recognizing his years of leadership. It premiered at the event and is now available on the CFISD Youtube channel.

David Anthony, ED.D. stands with Sherma Duck, principal, at the dedication of Anthony MS on Nov. 2. 
David Anthony, Ed.D. tours Anthony MS with two of his grandchildren at the dedication of the new school on Nov. 2.

Principal Coaches Meeting

Lilian Chastain and Cindy O’Brien participate in an interactive exercise during the first Principal Coaches meeting of the year. The meeting allowed the coaches to process and share the value of being a compassionate leader.
The CFISD Principal Coaches, consisting of retired district principals, met for the first time this year on Sept. 11. This marks the fifth year for the program and training sessions to take place.

The interactive meeting allowed the coaches, who mentor current district principals, to process and share with each other the value of being a compassionate leader.

“The training was based on a book by John Hoyle titled Leadership and the Force of Love,” said Donna Guthrie, assistant superintendent for elementary curriculum and instruction. “The lesson learned is that you will gain more from your employees if they feel they are valued as individuals.”

The Principal Coaches meetings will be held two to three times throughout the 2014-2015 school year. The Principal Coaches roster is made up of:
  • Sharon Barnes; 
  • Dr. Robert Borneman; 
  • Lillian Chastain; 
  • Dr. Debbie Emery; 
  • Phyllis Hamilton; 
  • Janet Hoover; 
  • Dr. Cheryl Johns; 
  • Cathy Jones; 
  • Cindy O’Brien; 
  • Betty Rennell; 
  • Suzanne Thompson; and 
  • Anne Wilcox.

Associate superintendent for school administration and leadership development Roy Garcia observes as Principal Coaches meeting participants (L-R) Suzanne Thompson, Dr. Debbie Emery and Sharon Barnes write descriptors for the acronym “COACH.”

Oct 17, 2014

International Visitors at CFISD NACs





CFISD recently had special visitors from China to observe two New Arrival Centers (NACs). Dr. Linda Macias, associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction and accountability, organized the event. She escorted the visitors to Hairgrove ES where they were met by principal Darynda Klein. The purpose of the visit was to observe ESL classrooms and teaching strategies. The visitors were introduced to staff and students and taken on a tour of the school, observing classroom activities and a teacher planning session. Dr. Macias also led a tour of Cy Ridge HS to observe its NAC program.


"They were very interested in the way we educate with group work instead of having the students sitting in rows of desks," Klein said, "and how we meet the individual needs of each student within the same classroom." 






Oct 13, 2014

SchoolMessenger for Employees


CFISD’s mass notification system, SchoolMessenger, provides an easy way for campus and district administration to send accurate, real-time notifications by phone, text and email. SchoolMessenger replaces the Phone Master system as an improved means of communicating.

SchoolMessenger pulls contact information directly from the Employee Access Center (EAC), so it is very important for all employees to log into the EAC from inside.cfisd.net and update their contact information. Having the correct contact information is especially vital in an emergency situation. Adding your cell phone number to the personal cell phone field will allow you to receive text messages from your campus and the district. To opt-in for critical communications, employees will first need to:


  1. update their contact information at inside.cfisd.net (or my.cfisd.net from home); then
  2. text Yes to 675-87 to opt-in to receive text messages. This option is for employees only, not parents.

CFISD staff members responsible for sending messages through SchoolMessenger should refer to inside.cfisd.net for useful information. For questions regarding sending and recording messages, contact SchoolMessenger at support@schoolmessenger.com or 1-800-920-3897.


Edit 10/15/14: SchoolMessenger syncs with Employee Access Center each night. There may be a delay of up to 24 hours, after you update your contact information, before your correct information is in the SchoolMessenger system. If you receive an error message from SchoolMessenger after updating your information, wait 24 hours and try again. 

General Leadership Training

Emery ES assistant principal Catharine Null and behavior interventionist Ruben Perez read a handout at the first GLT session of the year.
Several CFISD employees recently took part in the first session of General Leadership Training (GLT), a series of sessions provided to campus principals and district leaders in the curriculum and instruction department. The sessions run through the school year. 

Participants choose between two learning paths, during the first session, that will decide the direction of their training sessions for the rest of the year. These paths are developed with a focus on current needs in the district by the GLT Advisory Committee, which consists of CFISD principals and curriculum staff. This year, participants chose between the following:
  • Developing and Implementing Strategies and Conditions for Enhanced Teaching and Learning; or
  • Leading Learning in 21st Century Schools. 

Dr. Lawrence Kohn of the Rice Education Entrepreneurship Program (REEP) gives a presentation at the first GLT session of the year.

CFISD principals and curriculum and instruction department leaders listen to a presentation from Dr. Leo Linbeck, Rice University REEP.

Heart Walk 2014: Heart Facts

Edit (11/5/14): Location for this event has changed to the Berry Center. More information can be found at www.nwharrisheartwalk.org.

Source: AHA
The annual Heart Walk is scheduled for Nov. 8 at Lone Star College—CyFair. District teams can register at www.nwharrisheartwalk.org. This event is in support of the American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health organization working to prevent, treat and defeat heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. More information on this organization can be found at facebook.com/AHAlivehealthy.

If you have any questions regarding the 2014 Heart Walk, call 281-897-4103.

Source: AHA

Oct 6, 2014

Heart Walk 2014

For the past several years, CFISD has supported the American Heart Association by participating in the annual Northwest Harris County Heart Walk. The Heart Walk is scheduled for Nov. 8 at Lone Star College—CyFair. District teams can register at www.nwharrisheartwalk.org. If you have any questions regarding the event, call 281-897-4103. 

Sep 22, 2014

Employee Flu Shots

Vaccines will be provided by the Texas Vaccine Institute to CFISD employees at locations throughout the district. View the online list to see when the vaccines will be available at your location. Appointments will not be necessary. There will be no out-of-pocket cost for the influenza vaccine for employees with the following insurance plans:
  • Aetna TRS; 
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO; 
  • United Health Care; or 
  • Medicare (as primary insurance). 

Insurance cards/information will be required from employees claiming one of the above insurance plans. 

Employee family members, 9 years old and up, are also eligible to receive the vaccination. CFISD students are only eligible if they are the child of an employee and accompanied by the parent. 

Documentation Workshop

Amanda Davis and Andrea Kuhn of the CFISD human resources department look at example documentation.

Seventy-five participants took part in a recent workshop for employees in supervisory positions who evaluate staff. Although the majority of the participants were from CFISD, staff members from Alief ISD, Aldine ISD and Barbers Hill ISD also participated. 



Dr. John Cain of TASPA was a guest speaker at the workshop.




Approximately 75 participants attended the workshop.


Sep 14, 2014

TRS Contribution Rates

TRS Contribution Rates Increasing
Per the State Legislature and the Teacher Retirement System, beginning Sept. 1, the TRS member contribution rate increased from 6.4% to 6.7%.  This increase in your TRS contributions first appears on your Sept. 15 paycheck.
  
Review Your Paycheck
The first insurance premium deductions for the 2014-2015 benefit plan year are included in your Sept. 15 paycheck.  Please review your paycheck to determine that your insurance deductions correctly reflect your benefit plan selections made during the recent open enrollment period.  If an error has been made, contact the insurance department at 281-897-3882 so that corrections or adjustments can be made.

Sep 9, 2014

Campbell MS Fundraising Competition

Campbell MS principal Dr. Cheryl Henry accepts the Ice Bucket Challenge.  

Campbell MS students and staff recently held a grade-level competition to raise money for local residents who deal with ALS. A total of $1,000 was raised in three days. The theme of the competition was Put Your Money Where Your Ice Is. All proceeds will be donated to the Brigance Brigade Foundation

View the video of Campbell MS principal Dr. Cheryl Henry accepting the Ice Bucket Challenge on YouTube.

Cy-Fair HS ALS Awareness Pep Rally

by Kevin Corken


Diane Bennett is joined by her family at the recent Cy-Fair HS pep rally.
Cy-Fair HS held a contest to determine who would participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Students and staff voted by making donations in support of their favorite teacher or administrator. The contest, organized by the BCTV Club, collected more than $500 in donations for the ALS Association.

At the pep rally on Aug. 29, principal Mike Smith and associate principal Candace McCown were each drenched with a bucket of ice water in front of the student body.


Joining in the pep rally was Diane Bennett, who was diagnosed with ALS two years ago. She has represented the ALS Association before Congress and at an Astros game. Diane is the mother of two Cy-Fair HS Alumni, Julie Bennett Ko, class of 2001, and Mary Bennett, class of 2004.  The Bennett sisters, who came from Indiana to be with their mother at the pep rally, were also accompanied by their father, Michael Bennett.

Edit 9/15/14: Watch a video about this event on the CFTV YouTube channel.

Sep 2, 2014

Truitt MS wraps successful summer school

Summer school principal Aaron Pfingsten and attendance secretary/event coordinator Lucretia Lewis serve food provided by Raising Cane's. 
Truitt MS completed a successful year of summer school, with more than 500 students earning advanced credit, restoring lost credit and enriching language skills during the school’s two sessions.

Truitt summer school principal Aaron Pfingsten thanked the school’s parents, teachers, administrators and support staff, as well as community partners H-E-B and Raising Cane’s, who donated resources and food to contribute to the positive educational environment.


“We believe with the effort of the students, the commitment of the staff and the generosity of the community that we have created a positive impact in the lives of our students for years to come,” Pfingsten said.

Aug 18, 2014

New Administration Day

New campus administrators gather as a large group for the opening session.

New campus principals and administrators with less than one year experience in an administrative role in CFISD took part in orientation sessions on July 17 at the Instructional Support Center. Attendees were split into groups based on campus level (elementary, middle and high school). Groups rotated through three separate sessions covering educational support services; curriculum and instruction; and school improvement and accountability. Humberto Abitua, who is beginning his first year as assistant principal at Thornton MS, said, "The presenters took informative content and introduced it in a fun and meaningful way." The new principal at Frazier ES, Gloria Vásquez said, "I feel ready and energized to begin my new journey in CFISD."


Dr. Linda Macias, associate superintendent of curriculum and assessment & accountability, welcomes new administrators.