THEY ARE HERE!

The new iPads are here.  Our technology department currently has the iPads and will be working feverishly the next two weeks to get them set up with a new management system called Casper so that our staff can begin using the devices.  All level three missions have been completed in Mission Possible and are ready for staff to begin completing as soon as the device is delivered to them.  Levels four and five have also been aggressively tackled and have several options ready to go.  Be sure to let Chris or LeAnne know if you want to create a mission to share an idea or teaching strategy. The leader board is being continually updated and don't forget to check out the Twitter feed @BHSSTART.  There is also a blog on Blogger called the BHS START Blog.  This week ten of us traveled to the Iowa 1:1 conference to learn more from other districts that have made a similar move.  It is so refreshing to hear that we are on the right track and that other districts have kept the focus on teaching and learning, which we all know is what will be the success of this movement.  Thank you again to our staff who made our professional development on April 9 a success. It was the first of many intense days of learning for us as we head down this path.

Mission Possible: It All STARTS Here!

Yesterday we held our kickoff to Mission Possible: It All STARTS Here, the name of our professional development for staff on technology integration and the characteristics of effective instruction or START.  Chris Like designed Mission Possible.  The idea is centered around the concept of gamification as we have essentially created a game for our staff to participate in.  During the day, staff completed missions centered around the characteristics of effective instruction, existing technologies, social media, PLN's, and basic technology tools. All staff members finished the day trying to complete level two.  This idea allows for us to differentiate the staff's instruction while offering it in a way that can be continuous so that when teachers are not "at" professional development they can still be collaborating with each other and advancing.  I would like to thank all of our facilitators including, Andy Crozier and Stacy Behmer, for coming and leading some missions yesterday.  Overall, I think we had a very successful day thanks to the hard work of Chris Like and LeAnne Wagner.  Without them the day would not have been possible.  Time to keep moving forward!  Bring on the iPads!

Principal of the Year Casas + START planning continued.......

Our principal Jimmy Casas was named Principal of the Year today by School Administrators of Iowa and will have the opportunity to be selected by NASSP as the National Principal of the year.  I have only had the opportunity to work with Mr. Casas for a period of 8 months, but I can confidently say he truly deserves the honor.  I have learned a tremendous amount from him already.  Congratulations Jimmy!

This week we have been gearing up for our first official START professional development day on April 9.  I am excited to start the game that Mr. Like has created with the staff.  However, I cannot wait until we can get iPads to the teachers!  I really see this as a huge growth opportunity for our school.  The next post will describe how April 9 played out.  Stay tuned.