Loss

The 2009-2010 school year is one that I will never forget. We lost a precious 9th grader in a school shooting in February and now we've lost a dear friend, an awesome educator, and a Mighty Discovery Panther to cancer. My heart is heavy as a write these words, but also filled with wonder at the words from the students to Jon's family. These 9th graders, who have already suffered so much, are writing words of love and comfort to Jon's wife and son. How amazing to see how much they care and how much they love! Their words also echo what I feel towards Jon. One student stated that he left us a legacy and that legacy is to "never give up." Jon didn't give up! He never complained and the only days he missed coming to school were days he had to go to his doctor. His strength and courage were amazing and his life a wonderful example of living every moment fully! Jon, dear friend, you will be missed!

What Can You Say?

My two previous posts were about technology - allowing the students to use their digital devices that are so important to them. But life has changed for this principal. I am trying to help my kids and my faculty and staff come to grips with the tragedy we have experienced. In the midst of trying to cope, I remember all of the wonderful people in Madison and the surrounding communities who have shown such love and compassion for the students, faculty, and staff of Discovery and that is extremely comforting. The outpouring of love has been wonderful. I try to refrain from reading the negative comments that individuals write. Those around me tell me that I concern myself too much with those who are negative. I try to "think on those things that are of a good report" as I struggle to move through this tragedy. The desire of my heart is to see my kids come through this. I want them to know how important it is for them to live their lives with passion, to love completely, to forgive freely, and to finish strong. In other words to live their life with No Regrets! We have all been reminded of how short life can be. Discovery's kids are awesome and I am so fortunate to be able to share in their lives! We will finish strong!

Personal Devices in School (part 2)

We have allowed students to bring and use their own personal devices for a few weeks. It was an interesting few weeks after Thanksgiving. Students, of course, asked to use their personal cell phones. As a faculty, and with our IT Director's blessing, we told students they could use their cell phones, iPods, iPhones, etc. Students are using their cell phones to take notes, to access the internet, to take a picture of the teacher's illustration on her SmartBoard, to record the teacher's lesson! It is just flat out exciting to see our kids using their own personal devices for educational purposes! How cool is that!!! It sure beats having to "take them away" and deal punitively with students! I know what you're thinking! "Those kids are texting away." Well, maybe they are, but we are beginning to tap into the tools of our digital kids and I am pumped!

Personal Devices in School

We are now allowing our students to bring their own personal laptops to school. This announcement was made by our Director of Technology Services through our listserv just this week. Most of my teachers are extremely excited about this new development. The two computer labs and the laptop carts are in constant use at school. Hopefully, students bringing their personal laptops will be a good experience for the students and their teachers. Students will be able to connect to our WiFi. Our filter will continue to provide protection for the students.

What concerns would you have if your students were allowed to bring their laptops?

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has become an issue in the last several years that administrators are required to confront. When students are in school, teachers and administrators address the issues of bullying and harassment. We are able to set our expectations for student behavior and follow through with discipline, peer mediation, and counseling for both the bullied and the bully. Cyberbullying occurs through social networking sites such as MySpace, while students are online at home or at a friend's home. This type of harassment causes a high degree of drama on the middle school level. As principal, I have had to deal with the bullied students and their upset parents, as well as the students who posted the hateful comments and their parents. It is somewhat disconcerting to me when I do not have control over what goes on off campus. We have involved our School Resource Officer and discussed with parents how they can contact the networking site. Teachers include lessons and discussions about online behavior and etiquette, but we still have these issues. What are other schools doing to combat this problem?