Technology- Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

Good morning and happy Friday!

It’s a BIG week for the Lady Blues volleyball team.  They defeated Vernon in four games for the first time since 2011 and they open district play tonight in Graham taking on Stephenville.  Good Luck Lady Blues!  Our Graham Steers, RSB3, Cheerleaders and Bella Blues are traveling to beautiful Big Spring to face the Big Spring Steers.  Pray for safe travels for all!  

Kids Doing Cool Stuff:  Kudos to a couple of our Woodland Elementary student in Mrs. Mayberry’s class for producing and publishing this math instructional video.  http://www.showme.com/sh/?h=KPR7STo

Thanks to information shared with me by Pioneer principal, Lisa Budarf, shortly after arriving in the district I had the opportunity to submit an application with the Friends of Public Texas Schools organization to participate in a professional development series titled Game Changers.  The goal of the PD series is to provide school superintendents along with campus principals the opportunity to learn from three organizations- Google, Southwest Airlines and Whataburger.  Graham ISD was one of 30 districts selected.  This past Tuesday and Wednesday Joe Gordy, Lisa Budarf and I had got to spend time at the Google headquarters in Austin.  In addition to the insight regarding their organizational culture and practice we returned with a few tangible items to be shared with the district.

In case you haven't heard, GISD is going Google.  As such, it will become increasing important to become experts with the Google tools.  Google provided us with vouchers for four teachers to complete the Google Educator Level 1 certification.  We will provide these vouchers to the first four staff members that complete the request form- http://bit.ly/1iyclbW.

Additionally, we were provided six of the Google Cardboard virtual reality devices.  I will be sharing these with the principals in a meeting today. I look forward to us learning and expanding the use of such tools.  

Technology- Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

We talk a lot about the need to prepare today’s student for a future world that is hard for us to imagine.  This is especially true when it comes to technology.  Just think, for our students that are in kindergarten today, the IOS or Android device they play with will without a doubt be the least advanced device they ever use.

Let’s consider a few of the technological changes in our lifetime.  I’ll use my date of birth, August 1964, as a beginning reference point.  

The 1964 - 1965 World’s Fair introduced:

The Color Television

The First Picture Phone

The Touch-Tone Telephone

The 8 Track Player

1969 (My Kindergarten Year)

1969 Honeywell released the H316 "Kitchen Computer", the first home computer, priced at US$10,600 in the Neiman Marcus catalog. They did not sell a single unit.

1972

1972 Pong Video Game

1972 Xerox Computer

1976

Apple I Computer- Price $666.00

(When asked about the price with the triple 6 price, Steve Jobs said he simply subtracted 1 favorite number)

1982

Computer lab in 1982

Time magazine named the computer as it’s Man of the Year.

1984

First Cell Phone- $3995.00

1986

First IBM Laptop Computer

12 Pounds, 256 K RAM

1980’s & 1990’s Data Storage

Remember These?

1990

1990 Portable Computer

2000

2002

First Tablet by HP

2010

First iPad

Today

IOS Devices

Android Devices

Google Self-Driving Car

It’s difficult to grasp the speed at which technology has been changing over the past ten years and there are no signs of the pacing slowing. How will this change how our children learn?  How will need to transform Art of Teaching to meet the the needs of our children’s children’s children?  I would love to hear your thoughts and look forward to the journey with you!

Hope you each have a blessed weekend!

Joke of the Day:

What do you call Children of the Corn’s Father? (Scroll down for the answer)

Answer: Popcorn

Bonus material in honor of Yogi Berra:

• When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
• You can observe a lot by just watching.
• It ain’t over till it’s over
• It’s like déjà vu all over again.
• No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded.
• Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.
• A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.
• Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours.
• We made too many wrong mistakes.
• Congratulations. I knew the record would stand until it was broken.
• You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six.
• You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you.
• I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four.
• Never answer an anonymous letter.
• Slump? I ain’t in no slump… I just ain’t hitting.
• How can you think and hit at the same time?
• The future ain’t what it used to be.
• We have deep depth.
• Pair up in threes.
• I never said most of the things I said.

You Are At The Helm

Good morning and happy Friday!  I have had a great week and hope you have also!!!

Highlights of the week included attending the National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony for 28 of our outstanding GJHS students, watching our Lady Blues Volleyball teams sweep Burkburnett, speaking at the Chamber Luncheon and attending the 78th annual DAR Flag Raising Ceremony.  Several of our students presented at the NJHS and DAR ceremonies and each of them represented themselves, our school and our community in excellent fashion.  Thanks to Graham Junior High Teacher, Marva Thomas, for organizing an excellent NJHS induction ceremony.  Additionally, thanks to GHS teachers, Ryan Gordy and Stephanie Talbott for coordinating the DAR ceremony.

Congratulations to our Graham Junior High  Lady Blues Cross Country Team on finishing 1st at Lipan Cross Country Meet.

Good luck to our Lady Blue volleyballers against Christ Academy of Wichita Falls this evening and to our Graham Steers vs the Argyle Eagles.

You Are At The Helm

The helm or wheel of the ship is used to set its course and to avoid obstacles.  Just think, despite its relatively small size, the helm has the power to turn an entire ship.  The tongue can be compared to the helm of a ship. It is a small part of one's body but can have a major impact on ourselves and others.  Our words contain power… the power to sway the opinions and beliefs of others.

A couple of Fridays ago Don Davis and I went to Clayton’s BBQ for lunch.  Although It was my first time to eat there it was very apparent that Don is a frequent visitor. Our server was able with 100% accuracy to predict exactly what Don would order.  Upon learning it was my first visit, she emphatically informed me that I was about to eat the best BBQ in the state of Texas.  She went on to elaborate about the sauce, sides and desserts all being homemade and absolutely delicious.  The meal was very good.  The experience, due in large part to the servers positive words, was EXCELLENT!

How are our words molding the opinions and beliefs of others regarding our district?  When provided the opportunity, are we letting our family, friends, and community members know about the great place we work and awesome kids we serve?  

Our words set the course for our thinking.  Our thinking set the course for our words.  You alone are at the helm of your tongue.  What path will you chart?  I hope your course contains positive seas!

Joke of the Day:

Why did the bicycle fall over? (scroll down for the answer)

Because it was two tired!

Where Were You?

Good morning and happy Friday! It’s a great day… both our Lady Blues and Graham Steers have home games.  Good luck this evening to the Lady Blues against the Hirschi Huskies and the Graham Steers vs Abiline Wylie.

This week we had our regular monthly board meeting.  I encourage you to be knowledgeable regarding the business conducted during these meetings.  You can now view the complete boardbook packet along with associated supporting documents at the following link- http://bit.ly/1XNURZK.  Additionally, Mrs. Elrod will continue to send out the Board Briefs following each meeting.

This week Mr. Browning met with a team consisting of Barbara Lewis (PI), Hayley Langford (CV), Susan Riley (WD), Jammie Brewer (GJHS), Anne Routon (GHS), Stacey Lewis (GJHS), Micki Bullock (Instructional Coach), Sheena Parrilla (GJHS Interventionist) and Robert Loomis (Asst. Supt.) to began the process of investigating and researching methods to improve our teaching of writing.  Below is an outline of the process and timeline that will be used:

• Process
• District Lead teacher group researches and creates a list of available K12 writing programs for consideration.
• District Lead teacher group evaluates available programs and creates a short list.
• District Lead teacher group identifies districts where these programs are in place and conducts site visits.
• District Lead teachers communicate with ELAR teachers on their respective campuses providing information and receiving feedback.
• District and Campus lead teachers then evaluate the programs on the short list and make a final selection.
• District Lead teachers provide input on training. (i.e. Training timeline, participants, format.)
• Curriculum Director schedules training.

• Timeline
• September 9th Lead Teacher Meeting
• Establish a timeline.
• Establish goals.
• What do we know so far?
• October 14th & November 11th Lead Teacher Meetings
• Review programs/trainings for consideration.
• December 9th Lead Teacher Meeting
• Narrow programs/trainings to three.
• January 13th District Lead & Campus Lead Teacher Meeting
• District leads present three options to campus leads for consideration and feedback.
• Review data from districts using three top options to assess effectiveness.
• Possible district visit or phone conference.
• February 10th Lead Teacher Meeting
• District Lead teacher committee considers input from campus leads and ELAR teachers to make a final decision.

• March 2016
• Present selection process and final selection to Mr. Loomis, Mr. Cruse and the Board.

Dr. Armstrong’s Crestview team is hosting a catered lunch today for our local law enforcement officers.

A shout out to Woodland Elementary counselor, Molly Morris!  As part of her character education lessons they have prepared special posters with positive statements and words of encouragement for our local first responders.

 

Today’s Message:

Where Were You?

Do you remember where you were when you learned of the attacks on America on September 11, 2001?  I was serving as the principal for China Spring High School and recall addressing the students and staff via the intercom.  The remainder of the day, we operated without bells… you could have heard a pin drop in the hallways… we were all basically numb!  I vividly remember how staff and students displayed kindness and compassion for each other.  There was such a feeling of nationalism and an outpouring of respect for our firemen and policemen.  I ask that you reflect on your feelings and thoughts from that time period.  Those serving today in law enforcement are in great need of our respect and admiration.  When you get the chance, thank an officer for his/her service to our community.

Joke of the Day:

How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? (Scroll down for the answer.)

Answer:  TEN-TICKLES

No Surprises!

Good Morning and Happy Friday! 

I am looking forward to my first experience with a Graham Steer home football game.  An added bonus is our participation in the 95.9 The Ranch Friday Night Lights spirit contest. We will be packing the GHS gym today for a 1:40 p.m. “Cage the Lions” pep rally. I know our students’ will be LOUD AND PROUD this afternoon! 

Best of luck tonight to our Graham Steers as they take on the Brownwood Lions and to our Lady Blues versus the Hirschi Huskies in Wichita Falls!  Our JV Lady Blues volleyball team will be competing this weekend in the Lady Blues Graham Tournament

Kudos to our cross-country student-athletes for their performances in the Burkburnett Invitational meet.  The girl’s team finished 4^th Place out of eight teams.  Our varsity boys won the meet and swept the top three spots with Will Walton in 1^st, Jake Lanham in 2^nd and Harrison Brown in 3^rd. 

Earlier this week I sent out our first “Prayer and Concern” email.  This is something I plan to continue.  To remain in compliance with the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we will need expressed permission to share the information and request for prayers and positive thoughts.  If you or someone you know within this district would like this communicated to the district staff please have them email Julie Elrod or me.

Today’s message:

No Surprises!

The philosophy of “no surprises management” makes a lot of common sense.  None of us want to be blindsided with information.  In my world this most generally applies to the campus principals keeping me informed and me keeping the school board, community and staff informed.  For our instructional staff this means keeping our parents and guardians informed.  This is particularly important regarding grades and concerns. 

As you know, we are entering the third week of school and academic progress reports are on the horizon.  Please be timely with posting your grades into Skyward. Entering multiple assignments just prior to the end of grading periods potentially creates many unneeded surprises.  Additionally, this does not create a culture of collaboration and partnership with our parents/guardians.

Remember… we are working to create a learning environment where all stakeholders feel respected and fulfilled in an environment of trust.  When we treat people with respect and understanding the return on the investment can be impressive.

Joke of the Day:

Why don’t they play poker in the jungle? (Scroll down for the answer)

Too Many Cheetahs