In the Lou

I forgot to share this retrospective video that I made for our students’ promotion day ceremony. I’m sure I’ll remember other things, but this gives you a good glimpse of the fun we had!

I’m currently in Chicago for a training on AVID for school, but this article appeared in the paper today. It discusses how, on the whole, middle schools were the best performers in the state. In particular, three St. Louis Public Schools’ middle schools were the best performers in the region. Among them… my school!

St. Louis Public Schools had some of the worst scores in the state, but three of its middle schools — Stevens, Long, and Bunche International — posted some of the most improved scores in the area. “We’re going to find out why those increases occurred, and work our tails off to replicate,” board president Rick Sullivan said.

I don’t have the detailed numbers yet, nor do I have the science results. But when I do, I’ll share them.

Dear G…,

I wanted to write you to let you know how proud I am of all your hard work this year. You have shown that you have the ability to be an excellent student. Your hard work on projects during the year and your awesome grade on the end-of-year test are proof of your great potential.

I am confident that if you keep your head in the game, you are going to be able to find many successes in high school despite any challenges you may face. Additionally, I believe that you have what it takes to not only finish high school but go on to attend an excellent college.

Believe it or not, this stationary card is from my own high school graduation! I’d be happy to buy you your own set during your senior year of high school.

Yes, this is the text of a hand-written note I’m sending to G.

Yes, it really was my high school graduation stationary.

Yes, I hope he takes me up on the offer.

I can’t legitimately say that I need some time to think what I should be typing right now since I haven’t updated anyone in quite some time. So I won’t put it off, but I am needing to think along the way. Fortunately or unfortunately for you, this is going to be lengthy.

Part 1: 10 am today

In my effort to ban mediocrity, I avoid at all costs talking about finishing eighth grade as a graduation to high school. Yes, as a student, one is promoted. But the transition to high school should be met with much less fanfare than graduation or college commencement. (more…)