Home » Articles posted by ozarkmountainhiker (Page 7)
Author Archives: ozarkmountainhiker
Newsletter for March, 2018
From the Principal…
The day was overcast, and I had hiked away from the trail for what seemed like a short distance. A few minutes later, disoriented and unsure of a path back to the trail, I realized there’s nothing like the feeling of being lost. To make matters worse, I had not packed my compass or map of the area. I experienced several minutes of embarrassment over this. I did know that the worst thing would be to continue walking, so I stood quietly for several minutes and thought I heard water. I began to walk toward the sound knowing it would lead me back to an intersection with the trail.
I learned a couple of lessons that day.
1. Always carry your compass and map.
2. When you leave the familiar trail, pay attention to your surroundings.
Why did I share this embarrassing moment with you? There are similarities between continuous school improvement and making your way through the woods without getting lost.
As we look at our students’ achievement data and curriculum planning, we’re studying maps that show us where we are and give guidance for moving forward without getting lost.
On our path of continuous improvement, paying attention to our surroundings means knowing our students and responding to their needs. Our school’s mission and vision are like open views from high bluffs, inspiring us to continue our journey.
Enthusiasm and commitment will keep us moving together over obstacles toward our goals. We’re thankful for students and parents who share this journey as we travel and learn together.
Click here to see the complete newsletter and calendar:News Alma Intermediate 0318
Relationships: Essential to Teaching
Bob Brewer
Thanks to Bob Brewer for allowing me to share his February 15, 2018 post. I knew Bob as an excellent tuba player and musician. He has had a distinguished performance and teaching career.
I used many stories of my past teaching experiences in my methods classes as a professor preparing band directors but I don’t think I ever shared this one. I was teaching Junior High Band in an Ozark mountain town. Tommy, not his real name, was a drummer who was not much different to me than most drummers other than he was bigger than most of the other kids in 9th grade. He liked playing well, was funny, obviously liked to have a good time, got into a little mischief if not kept busy but when provoked he had a dark side. If a disagreement came up Tommy took it as a personal challenge which could escalate to a fist fight. But if I kept the section busy and light-hearted, things rocked along just fine.
Tommy was described by his other teachers with words like incorrigible, violent, explosive, even dangerous. I never met his parents and knew nothing first hand about his home life, only unsubstantiated stories told to me by the other teachers and a few of his friends. I liked Tommy and got along with him well but even so, I sort of kept an eye out for trouble.
We were loading buses on a Saturday morning for marching contest and it had already been a trying morning. The equipment van was late causing the load up to be disorganized, the high school band was loading up around the corner waiting on us and there was the normal “mad dash” for the best seats at the back of the bus when a shouting match erupted on one of the buses.
I was first approached by Tommy’s girlfriend who was pleading with me to help Tommy. “He just blew up over nothing and it’s really not that big of a deal. I don’t know how to help him.” I could see in her face she was really scared. Then came Tommy. He was red-faced mad and shaking; stomping as he approached and blathering something about not being respected.
So there we stood, toe to toe, both of us red-faced mad and shaking all over. To this day I don’t know where the words came from. “Tommy,” I said, “Life doesn’t always have to be this way. You cannot demand respect from others, you have to earn it. If you will just pay attention and LISTEN to me, I will teach you how to do that!” There was a long pause while we both stood there shaking. Then I was surprised to see Tommy’s eyes water, he reached out and hugged me. I hugged him back and held on as his anger came out in sobs. I looked at his girlfriend who was also crying through a smile as she mouthed to me, “Thank you”. It was actually over in seconds.
Tommy was the most helpful student on that trip and I never had another moments trouble with him all year. I left after that year for graduate school and have always wondered what happened to Tommy. Did he find another mentor? Did he learn about respect? Did he graduate? I hope I find out someday. I’d like to hug him again.
The most important aspect of teaching is love. We forget about love because we are so wrapped up in the “stuff” of today’s education: standards, curriculum, assessments, team meetings, classroom walk-throughs, TESS and a million other things that take up our time and cloud our vision.
Love your students as individuals, love music and show that love every day in your own life. And they will learn by your example.
Alma Intermediate School News for Feb. 2018
From the Principal…
Here’s my to-do list from childhood: Take out the trash then feed the dog and my sister’s horse. On Saturday, I’d help my father mow the yard and sometimes work in his iron shop grinding welds on the railing he built for porches and stairwells.
Beyond that, there were the following “required” activities: Walking, running, or riding my bicycle in the woods behind our house; Climbing a large pine tree with my dad’s camera; Fishing in a small creek that ran under a bridge about one mile down the highway; Throwing a football or frisbee with my dad or neighbors; Playing the drums.
Kevin Taylor’s article in the Times Record reminded me of those active, yet relaxed, childhood days. If we’re not careful, we’ll pressure the joy right out of childhood as we rush from one activity to another. We can also squeeze the pleasure from childhood by undue pressure to “win” or “be the best,” long before it even matters.
Yes, performance is important, but a relaxed and creative mind performs better than a fearful, pressured mind. Today I’m at my creative best when walking, reading, or working with others.
Outstanding performance comes from those who are balanced physically, mentally, and spiritually. Childhood sets the stage for lifelong learning. Let’s set the stage well and equip our children to be enthusiastic and clear thinkers as they move through life.
Read the whole newsletter: News Alma Intermediate 0218r
Alma Intermediate School News, Sept. 2017
Jimmy & Elsie Warnock
From the Principal….
I had wonderful parents but didn’t realize this until around age 25. They’ve become more impressive to me with each passing year. I’ve been thinking about what made them such good parents. Here are a few things that stand out.
They were there! My parents made an effort to attend performances and sporting events I was involved in. More importantly, they were there emotionally at home. We had conversations, and they let me know that I was an important part of the family….not the center of attention….not the center of their universe, but an important part of the family.
They had expectations of me. They gave me jobs around the house and expected them to be done. They expected me to do well in school and continue my education after high school. They expected me to work and earn a living. They expected me to respect others. The list goes on, but you get the idea.
My parents treated each other with respect. If they had any complaints about one another, I never heard them. They may have gotten a little cross on rare occasions but always in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
My parents loved me unconditionally but also let me experience the consequences of my decisions, good and bad. They never cared less about me because I made a mistake, but they did require that I face the consequences of my actions. Sometimes this was unpleasant, but I knew they loved me no matter what.
Parenting is a difficult task! My parents have often said they weren’t perfect, but I don’t think perfection is required. Giving yourself to the job of parenting and doing the best you can each day is the key.
Thank you to all of our students’ parents for your efforts! Thank you for trusting us with your most precious possession, your child. It may seem like a thankless job but your children will recognize your good work in the future, and you’ll have the satisfaction of seeing their growth and success in life. As educators and parents, we look forward to working with you and seeing great learning during this school year!
To open newsletter: News Alma Intermediate 0917
Alma Intermediate School Newsletter, August 2017
From the Principal…
When we moved to Alma 16 years ago, my youngest daughter was entering 6th grade. Anna, who is now 27, recently celebrated her 3rd anniversary with her husband, Taylor.
The first time I walked the Lake Alma Trail with Taylor, knowing he might someday be my daughter’s husband, I didn’t wonder about his test scores! Even though I believe learning is important, at that time, I wasn’t concerned with his academic ranking in high school.
I wanted to know about Taylor’s character qualities! Was he honest, dependable, and persistent in the face of challenges? Would he treat my daughter with kindness and respect? Thankfully, he has exhibited these qualities!
Watching children grow into adults has taught me that character qualities are vital to the success of students in school and their future success with work and family.
I’m thankful that our teachers are committed to students’ academic growth as well as developing positive character qualities that will help them face future challenges with courage and confidence. Let’s make 2017-18 a year of growth for our students in academics and character!
The following link takes you to the full newsletter with school supply lists on page 2.
May-June Newsletter for Alma Intermediate School plus Suzy Ferguson’s Retirement and Jo Ann Jordan’s Recognition
Alma Intermediate School Newsletter for May-June – Link to the full newsletter which includes the school supply lists for next year.
From the Principal…
We welcome several new staff members to AIS and look forward to watching them build strong relationships with students when school begins. Please give encouragement to our new staff members as they begin their new work at AIS.
Mrs. Ralynn Wilkinson, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Marti Jo Salisbury, GT Teacher
Miss Allison Williams, Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Murl Wilson, Fifth Grade Teacher
We also welcome our incoming third graders who toured AIS on May 15. They are a great group of young people and will bring a lot of enthusiasm for learning. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 9 for Open House between 3 and 6:30 p.m.
New third graders will have the school to themselves during Great Start on August 10 from 8:30-12:30. This will give our younger students confidence when regular school begins on Monday, August 14th.
I’m proud of the work our students and staff have done this year and look forward to great things for next year!
Personal note on Suzy Ferguson, Assistant Principal: Mrs. Ferguson, who has served as assistant principal for the past 19 years, is retiring. She has had an immeasurable positive influence on our school. She has built a positive culture among students, increased student leadership, and developed schedules, structures, and school-wide procedures that greatly impact our students’ learning. We wish her the best and look forward to her continuing contributions to our community! 
Mrs. Ferguson is pictured here with some students on recess. The Buddy Bench is a gift from Mrs. Ferguson to our students, present and future.
Jo Ann Jordan received the honor of being named as Alma School District Teacher on the Year on Friday, May 19th. Candidates on each campus were nominated by their peers or a parent and voted on by the teaching staff. Then, those selected as school-level Teacher of the Year responded to several writing prompts before meeting with three state educators for interviews. The three state educators made a final decision which was sealed until being revealed by David Woolly, Superintendent, on Friday.
Jo Ann Jordan speaks to Alma District staff after being named as Teacher of the Year.
Alma Intermediate School News, September, 2016
From the Principal…
When hiking friend, Nick, asked if I would like to attempt the John Muir Trail (JMT), I jumped at the chance. I wanted to see if the High Sierra Mountains of California were as beautiful as photos I’d seen. I wanted to climb my first 14,000 foot mountain. I wanted to spend twenty-one days on the trail carrying everything needed in my pack.
I learned much from those days on the JMT. The physical challenge was greater than expected. The beauty was much greater than I could imagine. History and stories surrounded the most unlikely locations, especially at 14,000 feet.
I felt thankful at every step of this trip but realized that the sense of adventure came from the unexpected learning that occurred. Some of the best learning occurred where things were hardest.
That unexpected learning can happen right here at home. I often see small adventures in learning happen in our classrooms as students and teachers take on challenges, try new things, or approach a problem from another angle.
There are more than enough adventures to last a lifetime if we have an enthusiasm for learning and exploration. Adventures in learning are what we want for all of our students.
If you want to read more about the JMT hiking trip go to OzarkMountainHiker.com
…..
While we’re on the subject of adventure, be sure to read page 2 of the newsletter linked below where Rebecca Tate shares her summer learning at Mount Vernon. She was selected among hundreds of applications to be part of a small group of teachers for a one-week seminar. Miss Tate experienced a week packed with new learning that will benefit our students and our staff.
To read the entire September newsletter including photos, open this link:
Newsletter for August, 2016
From the Principal…
This is my 16th year as principal at Alma Intermediate School, and I’m more excited than ever. I feel an intense thankfulness for the work we do in education. As a parent, I’ve seen the positive influence our teachers and schools had on the lives of my daughters.
I’ve now been a principal in Alma long enough to have the privilege of hiring former students to teach at AIS. I’ve also received medical care from former students, and that will make you sit up and pay attention! In both cases, it has been a joy to see these young adults using their knowledge and skills to help others and contribute to our community.
Seeing the words of our school’s mission statement become a reality in the lives of young people is what drives us to be the best teachers, principals, and parents we can possibly be for our children. Thank you for the honor of working with your child, the most treasured person if your life. We look forward to great learning this year!
……
This link will take you to our August, 2016 Newsletter which includes a listing of new classroom teachers, calendar, and this year’s school supply list. We look forward to seeing our new third graders at Great Start on August 11th from 8:30 – 12:30.
Losing a Mentor and Friend
When I returned from a backpacking trip in California, I learned that my mentor and longtime friend Glynn Calahan had died. She was elderly and burdened with health problems. When I saw her at church on our last visit to El Dorado, we hugged, and she asked about my daughters, Christen and Anna. I will miss Mrs. Calahan very much, but am thankful that I was able to be a teacher in her school.
Below is an excerpt from something I wrote a couple of years ago about Glynn.
In the early 1990s, I applied to teach elementary music in El Dorado while I worked on my master’s degree in counseling. It turned out to be one of the best career moves I’ve ever made.
Since Glynn had known me since childhood, I assumed we’d have a 30-minute “courtesy interview.” I was wrong about that. We spent two hours together. She asked some challenging questions and shared her heart for education. By the end of our interview, I had a much better understanding of her love for students and her philosophy about teaching and learning.
What followed were two of my favorite years in education. I began to think of Glynn as a mentor, watching everything she did. I’d never considered becoming a school principal until after seeing the positive impact she had on students and teachers.
Later, when I became a principal, I tried to be just like her and often noticed similar practices. I had my white notebook (now Chromebook) with students’ test scores and for my observations in classrooms. I had benches placed in the hallways for mini-conferences with students about their learning. I visited classrooms a lot. As a beginning principal, I didn’t know what I was looking for, but I visited classrooms often like I’d seen Glynn do, and there was value in that.
There is no way to measure the influence of Glynn Calahan. It continues through her students and teachers today, and for years to come.
Alma Shares State-Wide in the June Issue of Instructional Leader
The Instructional Leader this month features two articles by educators in Alma!
Page 1 Using Nearpod to Increase Engagement in Learning
Page 3 Robotics is Real World
The following link opens the publication where you can read about the use of Nearpod and Chromebooks at Alma Intermediate School and the use of robotics at Alma High School.
This publication is usually available only to members of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, but since we have articles in this issue, we’re able to share with our parents and staff.
It’s exciting to see our teachers sharing the great work they do!
Principal Notes 