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For many of us in education March signifies the beginning of two things; 1). March Madness Basketball and 2). Smarter Balance State Testing. In both, the formula for success can be the same. For the next two months, schools across our great state will embark on the annual Smarter Balance academic testing of elementary, middle and secondary students grades 3-8, 10 and 11. Although No Child Left Behind....was left behind ... in large part because reality finally had to be faced ... there remains...
Greetings and welcome back to another school year!! Dodson Public School is in full swing and already preparing for our first quarter conferences on the evening of October 18. Submitting the Superintendent’s Corner to the paper once monthly was offered to me again by Mr. Hebert for this school year. I know that others are welcome to submit as well but until then… Dodson will continue to utilize the opportunity once monthly to briefly talk about what is going on in our school community. Updates to school projects, insight and vision into sch...
Another school year is coming to an end! Thirty of them for yours truly. As educators we continue to be inspired with the mindset of educational philosophies much like the one that titles this article. As we end this school year and prepare to “recharge our batteries” as teachers…….please ponder these educational quotes and enjoy. As educators, hopefully some will inspire you as they have me over the years..... 1. “If you are planning for a year, sow rice, if planning for decades, plant trees; if planning for a lifetime, educate." Chinese P...
The months of March and April signal SBAC (Smarter Balanced) time! Time for state testing for students throughout the state of Montana. In Dodson, we’ll try to keep in perspective that SBAC results are one of many ways to accurately assess student competency and skill levels in science, math, reading/writing, etc. Although…..those of us in education understand that the results of this particular assessment does have a more diverse widespread influence on schools at the “end of the day.” In Dodson we have prepared aggressively for SBAC since S...
In 1997 the NEA (National Education Association) began an annual celebration that has become known as “Read Across America Day.” The day they chose, March 2nd, is the birthday of Dr. Theodore Suess Geisel. In honor of the late children’s author…children, teens and adults are “encouraged to read and celebrate reading.” On March 2, 2017, teachers, librarians and parents at Dodson School hosted and participated in our mentor-mentee activities to inspire a love for reading. We joined libraries, classrooms and organizations across America to...
Over the course of the school year we have focused on and looked at many components that lead to a successful school environment and successful student achievement when paid attention to consistently and in detail. One area that cannot be ignored and should be added to that formula is the proper use and assessment of data to improve instructional planning and student achievement. Research shows that using student data results to help make instructional decisions leads to improved student performance. The types of data used are known among the...
Greetings!! The Holiday Season is a favorite time of the year. Here at Dodson, the holiday season is gearing up and activities and academics are transitioning very quickly into the new season. This month I would like to share A Letter From Santa from Mike Gorman. Santa’s letter is a tribute to all educators. This holiday season, don’t forget a “thank you” to the great professionals in the area who nurture and care for our local children on a daily basis. Enjoy! A Letter from Santa Dear Teachers, I have been meaning to write this letter for a lo...
It's a great day at Dodson Public Schools!! Last month I discussed the first of several components that make up a highly successful school / organization. The foundation of success emphasized begins with the culture and that is influenced by the people you place in your organization. Positive, competent people in every position will equal a positive workplace and learning environment through and through. A second important component that research connects to a highly successful school focuses on parent/community involvement in the school. As...
Many have asked me during my career as a school administrator what I felt contributes to higher student achievement and overall school success. You will often hear throughout the field of education the talk of “educationese” language tossed around and all kinds of “sophisticated” educational terminology and “expertise” on the topic of improving and increasing student achievement in schools. For the most part the formula for improving student achievement is pretty well known these days. Current research is very thorough and generally you’ll find...
It's been a great month here in the Dodson School District. Our new staff are doing a great job and blending well with the team we are creating. Deserae KillEagle, our 3rd / 4th grade teacher, received a great honor as she was selected to introduce the governor of Montana during his recent visit. Students from her class were also able to meet the famous politician and had exciting pictures of their experiences. Deserae is also involved at the state level in October as a featured presenter at...
Welcome back to another school year! As summer winds down the excitement of another school year is in the air!! Within the Dodson School District we have been working extremely hard preparing for the 2016-17 school year. The preparation for this up and coming school year began in the spring with extensive collaboration and strategic planning at our elementary and secondary levels. Certified teaching staff and paras met on numerous occasions establishing a shared vision and direction for 2016-17 focusing on curriculum, technology, and alignment...