Anita's 21st Century Blog

10 Ways School Has Changed

2012-01-04T15:45:00.007-06:00

Check out this link to see what is happening in schools today! We must continue to "Move Forward with the Mason City Schools"! It's their future and they need the tools!

http://whatedsaid.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/10-ways-school-has-changed

IOWA DID YOU KNOW?

2011-09-28T23:02:00.001-05:00

This version for Iowa was created by Scott Mcleod, ISU and CASTLE.

RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms

2011-08-09T20:29:00.000-05:00

This animate was adapted from a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA's Benjamin Franklin award.

For more information on Sir Ken's work visit: http://www.sirkenrobinson.com

Lynn Erickson Talks to Parents: Asking the right questions for learning.

2011-08-09T19:44:00.010-05:00

Lynn Erickson, Author and Educational Consultant provides parents with information about learning for today and what our children need. You can watch the YouTube video below. Check out the Iowa Future Website link at the top of my page for more information from Lynn Erickson and Education in Iowa!

Social, Emotional, and Character Development: The Heart of Student Learning | Edutopia

2011-04-23T14:53:00.000-05:00

Social, Emotional, and Character Development: The Heart of Student Learning | Edutopia

A Neurologist Makes the Case for the Video Game Model as a Learning Tool | Edutopia

2011-04-23T14:51:00.000-05:00

A Neurologist Makes the Case for the Video Game Model as a Learning Tool | Edutopia

Reinventing Education with KHAN Academy

2011-03-12T20:35:00.001-06:00

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & NEWS

2011-03-05T13:57:00.002-06:00

This free newsletter made with Smilebox

GO MOHAWKS!!!!!

2011-02-25T13:51:00.002-06:00

This free picture collage personalized with Smilebox

"Iowa Future " Leading and Learning in the 21st Century

2011-02-12T10:42:00.006-06:00

The following are selected portions from an article that was written by Dr. Troyce Fisher, Director of the Wallace Leadership Grant for School Administrators of Iowa and appeared in the Des Moines Register. I hope you will take time to read and consider how you can help our schools in Mason City meet the challenges necessary for our students' futures.

The world is changing faster than Iowa's schools, and the evidence is pretty clear that Iowa's students are falling behind on some key measures that predict future success. We have an opportunity to change that trajectory, but it will take all of us working together to create opportunities for each student to be a successful learning, earner and citizen in this 21st century.

Currently our schools are designed to prepare learners for life in a 20th century environment, one in which we only need 20 percent of our students to successfully complete post-secondary education. With our traditional agricultural and manufacturing base, students who completed high school could see and find good-paying jobs that didn't require a community college or bachelor's degree.

That system is obsolete. The rapid pace of change brought about by technology, globalization, diversity and a much differently wired world economy demands new skills, new dispositions and new approaches to learning if our kids are to achieve success. In fact, most experts agree that the 80 percent of the class of 20111 will need to complete at least two years of post-secondary education to have a chance at the American dream. Education will need to look very different if we are to meet this challenge.

What if:
-Students were able to progress at their own rates and we moved from a seat time system to a system where each learner could progress by demonstrating competency in rigorous learning standards and receive specialized supports along the way?
-Schools weren't solely buildings but could also be virtual spaces where learning occurred online at any time, and where classmates could include kids from Helsinki, Beijing and New Delhi?
-Failure wasn't acceptable, each and every student was expected to learn rigorous and relevant content and skills, and we didn't let kids off the hook with incomplete or substandard work?
-Assessments were more "real world" demonstrations and fewer bubble tests?
-Kids were able to use every technology available to them to help navigate their learning?

. . . We need immediate improvements to the system if we are to remain economically competitive, preserve democratic principles in our civic life and continue to advance as a state. Iowa used to be at or near the top in traditional measures of educational achievement. We aren't there anymore. Do we have a sense of urgency that this reality is unacceptable? What will it take to support for change?

For one thing change of this magnitude must come from the grassroots, not from any edict in Des Moines. We need community-by-community conversations all across Iowa to generate support for and, yes, even a demand for, a new kind of learning experience. That will mean letting go of some traditional images of what it means to "do" school.

We in the educational community admit we've been slower to change than we should have been. But we need your input and backing to move to a different system design that keeps the best and improves the rest. Let your local school district leaders know if you are willing to be part of the conversation.

Let's collectively summon the courage to do this right. Our kids' future and Iowa's future are at stake. (October, 2010)

New Batting Cages Installed

2011-01-17T16:45:00.003-06:00

Thanks to the work of our Baseball and Softball Boosters our students now have the benefit of new batting cages that have been installed at Madison. This will provide more opportunities for practicing and perfecting their skills. Your support of our student athletes through fundraising and donations have made this happen. MOHAWKS SAY THANKS!

CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION UPDATES

2010-12-31T11:05:00.003-06:00

We will be posting updates about the John Adams and MCHS Complex constuction projects and renovation updates on my blog beginning in January.

Learning from Alan November

2010-10-23T17:07:00.005-05:00

I have been reading Alan November's book entitled Web Literacy for Educators. He was a speaker at the August School Administrators of Iowa Conference and is an international leader in education technology. He began his career as an oceanography teachers and dorm counselor at an island reform school for boys in Boston Harbor. He has been director of an alternative high school, computer coordinator, technology consultant, and university lecturer. He was named on the of the nation's fifteen most influential thinkers in the decade by Classroom Computer Learning magazine. (p.xv) If you would like more information on Alan November go to one of the 21st Century Links above.

The Introduction from his book is quoted below (p1) because he presents us with a thought provoking story that reinforces how we must continue to think differently about instruction and how our students learn. The need for technology resources in our schools is critical remains a high priority for our Mason City School District. We must meet the needs of our students as 21st Century learners.

INTRODUCTION
Long, long ago, there was a magical invention called paper. Children learned quickly how to use this new technology for activities such as reading and writing, long before many of their teachers and parents knew how. It was so much faster, easier (and lighter!) than stone and chisel.

The children were excited about all of the possibilities of this new technology. They could express themselves to the world! However, since there were few adult role models to provide proper guidance, some children abused this new found power. Middle school girls were known to write mean and nasty notes to one another. Boys were spending way too much time using it for playing games rather than accomplishing something worthwhile. Paper was causing all sorts of problems.

When the adults found out what the children were up to with the technology, they were horrified. Paper had to be stopped! It was making the children do bad things and they needed to be protected. And so it was decided that paper should be banned from schools. The children were not upset because they knew they could still use the new technology when there were outside of school. It was free and there was nothing to stop them from accessing all that they wanted without parents and teachers evening knowing. Banning paper from the schools did not help curb the children's abuse of it. In fact, things became much, much worse.

Years later, some of the adults, particularly the educators, reconsidered the original ban and decided to embed the technology into the process of learning. Paper became the primary media of learning and entirely replaced stone and chisel. Adults provided role modes every day for reading and producing content. A new literacy was born and children were taught how to apply it across the curriculum.

Ready - Set - Learn!

2010-08-07T12:51:00.005-05:00

The Mason City Community School District is embarking on an exciting time in the life our schools. School officially begins on Tuesday, August 18th and we are ready for our 4000 students.

The planning for the transition to a 5/6 center and 7-12 complex is over and students will arrive to their new learning environments on August 18th at Lincoln Intermediate and John Adams and MCHS.

Students at John Adams and the High School will find more course choices with some elective options added at the 7/8 and 9-12 grades. Our new 5th and 6th graders will be welcomed by their families of teachers and staff who have been working tirelessly all summer in planning for dynamic, engaging learning experiences for these children.

Our PK programs have new homes in the four elementary schools and we are thrilled to have these children more directly connected to our elementary programs.

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDARS!
MOHAWK DAYS: FRIDAY & SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 & 21 http://www.myonlinecamp.com/mohawkday/
LIONCOLN INTERMEDIATE DEDICATION: Friday, August 20th. Watch for more details on this community event!

John Adams/MCHS Remodel Project Questions & Answers

2010-06-16T09:15:00.006-05:00

Q: When did Master Planning begin?

A: Master Planning is an ongoing process that involves continuous monitoring of district facility needs. Throughout the winter of 2010, a series of workshops were held to gather and evaluate information from diverse groups, including students, parents, staff, teachers, board members and the general public. The group reviewed potential upgrades to the John Adams/ High School complex. With the guidance of experts in the fields of engineering, planning and architecture, those recommendations were used to update the district's Master Plan, which was officially approved by the Board of Education in April 2010.

Q: What is the process to evaluate school facilities in the district?

A: In keeping with long-term goals, the Mason City Community School District staff and board members continue to evaluate and improve facilities and operations. A District Facilities Committee has been in place for approximately 25 years. The committee has members representing the school staff, school board, parents, business partners, students, community members and the MC Education Foundation. The committee meets on a regular basis to evaluate and provide input regarding needed changes and upgrades.

Q: How do you know which upgrades to do first?

A: In 2009, the Board of Education took action to begin an evaluation process of the two schools. It was decided to have the Master Plan updated so the board and staff could “look at the big picture” and best determine where to begin. The board continuously reviews the needs of the district facilities and priorities. This is an ongoing process of review. The two schools were thoroughly evaluated for condition, operation and maintenance. The Master Plan process has helped the committee, board and staff to identify the needed improvements and ways to prioritize them.

Q: What is the next priority for facility upgrade?

A: Updating the existing John Adams/ MCHS complex has been identified as a top priority for the district.

Q: Why do these two buildings need to be remodeled?

A: John Adams is now 50 years old and MCHS has been in use for 45 years. The facilities have been very well maintained over the years by school staff. That diligent maintenance has extended the life of heating, ventilation, electrical and communications systems components well beyond original design expectations. In some cases, as much as twice the expected life. Reasons behind the need for remodeling and upgrades are numerous and varied. They include safety, air quality, energy efficiency and regulatory requirements, to name a few. Lighting improvements, whether natural or artificial, can have a significant and positive impact on the space.

Q: What exactly will be done at the schools?

A: This is a multi-year project that will be conducted in several phases to upgrade the John Adams and MCHS buildings. The project will bring the facilities into compliance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), improve the heating, cooling and ventilation systems, the antiquated electrical system, improve energy efficiency, improve fire safety, provide a FEMA tornado shelter to house all students and staff on the campus and more. Watch the MCCSD web site for updates: http://www.masoncityschools.com/

Q: Why are construction projects being considered now when the economy is struggling?

A: There are a few points in this answer:

The district has an opportunity to access some unique funding opportunities, including $14.7 million from the Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB) program. The QSCB was created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (federal stimulus funding). QSCBs allow schools to borrow at low or zero percent interest for the rehabilitation, repair and equipping of schools. This money will be used for the energy-efficiency upgrades to both buildings (heating/cooling/ ventilation/windows, doors, etc).
The bonds are repaid through the use of sales tax revenues. The district has also applied for a $1.4 million FEMA grant that will allow the district to build a tornado shelter/ safe room that will house all students and staff on the campus during an emergency, such as a tornado.
Even though the school district is suffering from the economy and especially the Governor’s across-the-board 10% budget cut, the money being used for this project comes from different sources. It does not come from the general fund, which is the fund used for general operation expenses and the school district staff salaries and benefits.
Even though we are struggling financially, we must continue to maintain and upgrade our buildings when needed. We must continue to serve our students, families and the community at large.
There is a silver lining with this struggling economy: construction prices are very low right now. Experts in the field estimate that the prices will be low for one or two years. After that, construction prices rise as the economy improves, resulting in higher costs. Also, construction companies are all hungry for projects so it is expected they will come in with very competitive bids. The mechanical and electrical upgrades along with the new windows and added insulation will provide a reduction in energy costs and thus a savings for the district's general fund.
The District has always made upkeep and upgrades to our facilities a priority and we have new or nearly new buildings that provide a better learning environment for our kids. The high school and middle school will eventually need these improvements and we believe that District funds are more wisely spent on a long-term plan to constantly monitor and upgrade our facilities before they become obsolete.

Q: What will this project cost?

A: Identified improvements for initial phases of work total approximately $41 million.

Q: How will that be paid for?

A: No money is coming from the school district’s general fund. Board members and school district administrators are planning to pay for the project in these ways, although it is possible that additional grants could also be acquired:

$14.7 million of the project will be paid for through Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB), which were created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (federal stimulus funding). QSCBs allow schools to borrow at low or zero percent interest for the rehabilitation, repair and equipping of schools. This money will be used for the energy-efficiency upgrades to both buildings (heating/cooling/ ventilation/windows, doors, etc). The bonds are repaid through the use of sales tax revenues.
The district is applying for a $1.4 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
$100,000 Fire Safety Grant and from the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. This will primarily to be used at the John Adams building.
The remaining funds would be paid for by Local Option/State-wide penny Sales Tax funds.

Q: Would it be cheaper to tear the schools down and build two new schools, or one?

A: We asked that same question and the answer is no. The Master Planning team evaluated new construction versus upgrading the existing buildings.

If the district tore down both buildings down, removed the debris and constructed two new schools, or even one joint building, the cost is estimated by construction experts to exceed $88. In addition to the high cost, there would be no place to house all students from JAMS and MCHS during the duration of the construction project.
Currently, the district does not have available land on which to construct a new school while keeping the existing facility in use. The cost for new land could be prohibitive. In addition, upon completion of a new facility, the old school would require demolition, which is another significant cost to the district. The existing campus includes many other support facilities, including the Alternative High School, new tennis courts, football stadium, softball complex and practice fields. Construction of a new school in another location would mean that facilities would be separated, causing a hardship for students, staff and families. Those practice fields are also used during school time for classes such as P.E.. Given the current economic situation, it is likely that the school district can benefit from an extremely competitive bidding environment. This is likely to continue for several years.
A new site will separate the school building from the existing athletic practice and performance facilities. While some schools are set up this way, it would be a significant change for MC Schools. It is likely that land costs could be $20,000/acre or more. It would be advisable to have at least 50 acres for a new site. As such, land costs could be over $1 million.
One must also consider financing. Current plans are to fund the renovation through Local Option Sales Tax, a resource that has been used to finance previous school improvement project. No increase in the tax levy is necessary to fund the proposed renovations at the current site of JAMS/MCHS. The District is funding approximately one-third of the currently proposed work through the Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) authority. This financing mechanism will provide up to $14.5 Million in no interest loan money. In addition, the District anticipates approximately $1.4 Million in Federal Funding for the FEMA Safe Room. If a new school were to be constructed, it is not likely that QSCB funding would be available. In addition, Federal Funds (FEMA) that are currently available may not be available if/when design of a new school takes place.
If the Board of Education decided to construct a new 7-12 building, it would most likely require a referendum due to the need to increase the tax levy. Without QSCB funding, all borrowed monies would be subject to interest charges. The Board of Education would like to avoid a tax increase.
There are other issues and/or costs to consider in constructing a new facility on a different site. The cost to move from one site to another should be considered. Two sites must be maintained – lawn care, snow removal, pavement repairs, etc. It would likely be desirable to have locker/shower facilities near the athletic fields – both for Mohawk students and visiting student athletes. Alternative School students would no longer benefit from their close proximity to the high school. This would include busing, hot lunch program and classes that those students take in the high school building.

# # #

Administrative Restructure 2010-2011

2010-04-30T08:15:00.001-05:00

We have spent time reviewing student, building, program and staff needs and have been working to match these needs in our re-alignment of administrative services. Thoughtful and careful consideration has been given to these administrative transfer assignments to ensure that every building, program and place in our community has the leadership necessary for the programs and students who we serve.

It is my pleasure to announce the following assignments for the 2010-11 school year:
Secondary Assignments (7-12 Complex John Adams and MCHS)
• TJ Jumper – Director of Secondary Programs 7-12

• Gary Van Hemert, Co-Principal JAMS 7/8, PreK-12 Special Education Services
• Kristy Wagner, Co-Principal JAMS 7/8

• Jerry Siglin, Assistant Principal, MCHS
• Bob Kenny, Assistant Principal, MCHS; Activities Director 7-12
• Jeremy White, Dean of Students/At-Risk Coordinator 8-9

• Dave Ciccetti, Principal, Alternative HS

Mr. Jumper will work with this secondary team to determine to develop the duties and responsibilities associated with each position in order to provide the needed services for students, staff and community at each level of secondary education.

Elementary Assignments (Jefferson and Hoover)• Allison Pattee will serve as Principal for Jefferson Elementary beginning July 1
• Barbara Wells will serve as Principal for Hoover Elementary/District Title I Coordinator beginning July 1.

Dr. Humphrey, Mrs. Pattee and Mrs. Wells will be working collaboratively over the next weeks to develop a pro-active transition plan for both Jefferson and Hoover and to review those important and critical services for students, staff and community that are needed on a daily basis.

All Administrators will have duties associated with professional development, academic programming, and day to day management of building operations at their respective levels. Additional details of administrative roles and responsibilities are in process.

We know there have been significant changes in our organization because of the difficult financial issues that are impacting our schools. We appreciate our community understanding the need for these changes and welcome input to our process that will ensure a smooth and positive transition for everyone.

At this point in time, every level of the administrative staff for the Mason City Community School District has been restructured and reduced in an effort to support the needs of our students, to preserve programming/employees and to save funds.

In the last five years the district as reduced the administrative staff by almost 30%which included the reduction of a Director of Personnel whose duties have been absorbed by the Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director of Business and Finance and the Superintendent.

Beginning July 1, 2010 the Superintendent will begin shared responsibilities between Mason City and Clear Lake on a 60/40 split basis. Every person involved in administration has taken on additional duties for the organization.

Our Administrative staff is committed and dedicated to their work each day with our students and our families to make our schools dynamic places of learning for all!

MCCSD BUDGET 2010-2011

2010-04-30T08:08:00.003-05:00

The school board members for the Mason City Community School District are striving to balance our budget in the best interests of the children and taxpayers living in our community. These are extraordinary times that have affected our entire community and state.

During the recent Board of Education meeting on April 12th, the board approved to cut the budget by $2.2 million for the 2010-2011 school year. At this time there remain many unknowns and in order to protect the district financially and to address the gaps between projected revenues and projected expenses it is necessary to make additional personnel reductions. By law districts are required to make any additional reductions in personnel prior to April 30th. We are looking at about 5 additional certified reductions and will not fill two of the positions from retirements that we had previously intended to replace.

Factors that have contributed to our financial status include:
• The legislature used several sources of revenue to fund some of their obligation for K-12 schools, but this still leaves the Mason City Community School District under-funded by approximately $290 - $300 per pupil or $1.4 million for the 2010-2011 school year. ARRA funding provided by the Federal Government was only a short term fix for schools.
• During the 2009-2010 school year the Governor ordered that our district be cut 11.5% or $2.4 million after contracts were already set for all employee groups. Cash reserves were expended to cover these cuts.
• If there are not sufficient cash reserves, the district then has to either raise property taxes, cut expenditures or both. The $1.49 per $1,000 property tax increase that the Board of Education approved on April 12th helps our situation but does not make up for the 11.5% cuts the district received during the 2009-2010 school year from the State. The levy of $1.49 actually rolls back the local property tax amount to where Mason City was in 2002-2003.
• Our District has no Instructional Support Levy to offset General Fund expenditures. This funding source is the only other manner to fund general fund expenditures other than state aid and property taxes. MCCSD is one of only 21 districts in the state where local tax payers did not support a levy.
• Mason City does have the Board Approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy as well as the Sales Tax (Local Option) but these funds can only be used for debt reduction and facility improvements.

We are doing everything we possibly can to support the children and young adults in our schools with the resources they need and we hope that our citizens and state level policy makers will continue to prioritize the education of our students.

CENSUS 2010 - IT'S IN OUR HANDS!

2010-03-21T18:45:00.004-05:00

EVERYONE COUNTS! Thank you for completing your census forms!

Census Bureau Director Robert Groves explains how people can view 2010 Census mail participation rates of their communities and compare them with the rates of other areas around the country.

http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTc0NzY1NyZtZXNzYWdlaWQ9UFJELUJVTC03NDc2NTcmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xMjE1NzEzNjgwJmVtYWlsaWQ9YW1pY2ljaEBtYXNvbi1jaXR5LmsxMi5pYS51cyZ1c2VyaWQ9YW1pY2ljaEBtYXNvbi1jaXR5LmsxMi5pYS51cyZleHRyYT0mJiY=&&&100&&&http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6NXR2rHCvo

GOOGLE FOR MASON CITY!

2010-03-21T18:08:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who helped with the You Tube video to help Mason City/River City become Google City! Check out the YouTube video at the link below! Go MASON CITY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDiLugCLzsk

The Importance of Education!

2010-03-21T18:00:00.003-05:00

"Education is the most important profession . . .

through the hands of educators pass ALL professions."

A Quote from Looking Forward to Monday Morning by Diane Hodges

BUDGET FORUM SUGGESTIONS BY CATEGORY

2010-03-08T13:36:00.008-06:00

You can access the more than 300 suggestions from the Budget Forums held this past semester at the link below. The Board of Education has received these suggestions and the Administration is currently considering the most viable options in preparation for determining the budget for 2010-11. We want to thank the community, our families, our teachers, staff and students for taking time to think about how best to help our schools continue to grow, thrive and be centers of excellence in learning. THANK YOU for your interest and support in providing potential solutions for the budgetary issues our district is facing.

http://www.masoncityschools.org/admin/budgetforum.htm

Jefferson Students' Say. . . .

2010-02-05T17:05:00.006-06:00

Check out what the students say about the 5/6 Transition! Just click on the link below to access their survey data. On your menu go to Browse and click to view on FULL SCREEN. Thanks to these students for gathering this data.

http://www.masoncityschools.org/admin/slideshow/5th_Grade_Transition_Survey.ppt

MCCSD BUDGET 2010-2011

2010-02-05T15:10:00.003-06:00

What Do The Kids Say About Transitioning to 5/6?

2010-01-25T17:05:00.002-06:00

Just before the winter break, Sarah Morgan, Jefferson teacher, asked her students to complete an assignment for math doing a survey of students at Jefferson who would be affected by the move to the 5/6 Center. They had to convert their responses into graphs and we asked Cathy Swager to put these into a format we could use more readily on our website.

Watch this site for What the Kids Say!

PTO Planning Meeting for 7-12 Families March 2nd

2010-01-25T15:21:00.004-06:00

On March 2nd, 2010 a planning meeting will be held at 7 P.M. in the JAMS IC to develop a 7 – 12 Parent-Teacher Organization for next school year.

As the district restructures the middle school grade levels, it is the perfect time to bring together the parents of students who will attend secondary education in the Mason City School District. The meeting will hopefully bring Roosevelt, John Adams, and High School PTO’s together as one entity.

The meeting will focus on what are the goals of the Mason City 7 – 12 PTO, who will serve as officers, fundraising, preliminary discussions about registration, review of by-laws, discussion of how to transition parents to the new grade configuration vision, and future steps. This is a great opportunity to help plan the future for the secondary PTO, receive information regarding your son/daughter’s education, and to ask questions.

Please join us on March 2nd.

Board of Education Sets Public Forum Dates

2010-01-25T08:32:00.004-06:00

The Board of Education will hold Public Forums regarding building closures and potential boundary realignment on the following dates:

February 22, 2010: Madison ECC; 7:00 p.m.
March 8, 2010: Washington ECC; 7:00 p.m.

The Public Hearing will be held at the regular Board of Education Meeting, May 17, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. regarding building closures.

2010-01-20T12:26:00.006-06:00

As you know, the Board and administration of the Mason City Community School District have worked to make very deliberate decisions regarding the transition to separate campuses for 5th, 6th grades, and 7th, 8th grades. To assist us in better understanding the impact of transition, our administrative team has been engaged in reading “Managing Transitions. Making the Most of Change” by William Bridges. In this book, Bridges states “When people start talking about ‘the good old days,’ it’s easy to imagine that they are describing a peaceful time of stability. But that is selective memory. There were changes then too. Whenever something that is viewed as a break with the past turns out successfully, people forget the loss they felt when the change happened and begin to celebrate it as a ‘tradition.’ But the status quo is just an innovation brought about by a transition that people have forgotten. Yesterday’s ending launched today’s success, and today will have to end if tomorrow’s changes are to take place. Endings are not comfortable for any of us. But they are also neither unprecedented breaks with the past nor attempts by those in power to make people’s lives miserable.”

Some Updates:

Currently all teaching staff have received their assignments for the 2010-11 school year and on January 14th and 15th met together in their "newly assigned" programs/buildings to begin the planning process for the fall.
Start and End Times have been established
Schools/Programs Start and End Times for Students
Elementary K-4 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Intermediate 5-6 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Secondary 7-12 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Families who anticipate bus transportation for the 2010-11 school year may access the Transportation Application Forms on-line at the Mason City Community Schools web site http://www.masoncityschools.org/ just go to the Parent Portal section for this application. We would request that families get these completed by April 15th if at all possible to assist us in building routes to school and home in a timely manner.
Pre-K program locations have not yet been determined. The Board has planned Community Forums related to the closure of Madison and/or Washington School Buildings on February 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Madison and March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Washington.

As we move forward with this transition, please be assured that thoughtful consideration has been given to allow for developmental and academic growth of our students.

Welcome!

2009-11-30T15:22:00.002-06:00

During the month of September and early October we held Special Sessions for Families and Staff on the Topic of Transition to 5-6 and 7-8 learning centers for 2010-11. These sessions have provided an Overview and rationale for this reorganization, preliminary plans for transportation of students, educational design for 5-6 and 7-8 and ended with time for additional questions or concerns. Our meetings have involved families from John Adams and Roosevelt Middle Schools, Roosevelt, Jefferson, Hoover and Harding Elementary Schools as well as a Community Forum and a session for MCCSD Staff.

Currently in the works as we plan for this transition: Preliminary Transportation Needs Survey data from families is being analyzed for transportation planning for FY11. Teacher Preference Requests for Assignments for 2010-11 are in process and on track to meet our projected December 18th notification date. Watch this site for regular updates.

Budget Forum Updates

2009-11-30T15:15:00.001-06:00

We have conducted budget forums with staff in our elementary and middle school buildings and at the high school. The suggestions from staff have been thoughtful, innovative, insightful and strategic in nature. As we work through the 10% cuts to the 2009-10 budget and plan for the next few years, these ideas and suggestions will be extremely useful in the budgeting process for our district. A budget forum was also held with the Mohawk Booster Club and at the high school with community members during the month of November. Two additional forums are scheduled with our community and these dates and times are posted on this blog and on the Mason City Community Schools website. All of the suggestions will be compiled and evaluated for use in our planning. Thank you to those who have emailed or sent additional suggestions to my office.

Transitioning to 5/6 and 7/8: Topic:Student Benefits

2009-11-30T15:00:00.002-06:00

Grouping students into a 5-6 and 7-8 grade level patterns allows for more developmentally appropriate programming.

Rationale: Fifth and sixth graders are more alike than fifth and third graders are alike or sixth and eighth graders are alike. This reorganization will allow for modifications in the curriculum and the schedule of the day so that the unique needs of each of 10-12 year olds can be met more effectively.

Some examples:

The 5-6 building will be organized more like an elementary designed for the needs of 10-12 year old children
5th and 6th grade students may be assigned to a team of teachers, but they will not be moving from one subject to another every 42 minutes.
Students in the 7-8 building will have access to more elective opportunities beyond what is required by the Code of Iowa.

The re-grouping of students and staff will allow for standardization within the curriculum, with grading and reporting, as well as with policies and procedures.

Rationale: Standardization beginning in fifth grade will provide students with a more coherent educational experience. Some examples:

Teachers from a grade level will be in the same building and issues related to curriculum, assessment, or grading at that grade level can be addressed more effectively.
Classroom routines and procedures can be developed and agreed upon by all teachers at a grade level so that all students are held to the same expectations.

Professional Learning Communities at Work DuFour

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The following notes are From “Revisiting Professional Learning Communities at Work” (DuFour, DuFour, & Eaker, In Press). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree

“The National Education Association, America’s largest teaching organization with over 2.7 million members, certainly is committed to making teaching more rewarding and satisfying. In pursuit of its long-term vision of a “a great public school for every student,” the NEA has created its own recommended school improvement model, The Keys to Excellence. . . . ‘the’ six keys to a quality school certainly are consistent with PLC principles.
1. Shared understanding and commitment to high goals
· “The staff has a collective commitment to and takes responsibility for implementing high standards for all students.”
· “The school operates under the assumption that all students can learn.”
2. Open communication and collaborative problem solving
· “Teachers and staff collaborate to remove barriers to student learnings.”
· “Teachers communicate regularly with each other about effective teaching and learning strategies.”
3. Continuous assessment for teaching and learning
· “Student assessment is used for decision making to improve learning.”
· “A variety of assessment techniques are used.”
4. Personal and professional learning
· “Teachers have regularly scheduled time to learn from one another.”
· “Professional development has a direct, positive effect on teaching.”
5. Resources to support teaching and learning.”
· “Computer hardware and software supplies are adequate for students and teachers.”
· “Support services are adequate.”
6. Curriculum and instruction
· “Instruction includes interventions for students who are not succeeding.”
· “Teachers are open to new learnings and rethink their approaches to teaching and assessment practices based on teacher-directed action research and other classroom based inquiries.” (NEA 2003)
Research Supporting the 3 Big Ideas
Another approach you can take is to break the PLC concept into the 3 BIG IDEAS we talk about in Learning by Doing—a focus on learning, a culture of collaboration and a focus on results – and show the research behind each.”

On Collaborative Culture:
“An interdependent work structure strengthens professional community. When teachers work in groups that require coordination, this, by definition, requires collaboration. When groups, rather than individuals, are seen as the main units for implementing curriculum, instruction, and assessment, they facilitate development of shared purpose for student learning and collective responsibility to achieve it. (Newmann & Wehlage, 1995, pp. 37-38)

On Results:
“Concentrating on results does not negate the importance of process. On the contrary, the two are interdependent: Results tell us which processes are most effective and to what extent and whether processes need reexamining and adjusting. Processes exist for results and results should inform processes.” (Schmoker, 1996, p.4)

Need Help?

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This video may be helpful in learning something new related to technology.