Pathways A Weekly Collection of Information, Thoughts, Reflections and Accolades for the

Reading Public School Community October 11, 2015 Volume 2, Number 6

Upcoming Dates October 11 – RMHS

Band North End

Parade

October 12 –

Columbus Day – No

School

October 13 – No

School - Prek- 12

In-Service Day;

(6:00 p.m.) RMHS

Drama Set Build;

(6:30 p.m.)

Community Forum

Presentation @

Killam

October 14 – (8:00

a.m.) PSAT Testing

at RMHS; (after

school) Secondary

Building Meetings;

(6:00 p.m.) RMHS

Drama Light Hang;

(6:30 p.m.)

Community Forum

Presentation @ Birch

Meadow

October 15 – (8:45

a.m.) Community

Forum Presentation

@ Eaton; (after

school) Elementary

District PLC

Meetings; (4:00

p.m.) RETELL in

Rooms 321 & 320 @

RMHS; (7:00 p.m.)

Teen Panel Night on

Social Media at

Joshua Eaton

October 17 – RMHS

Marching Band –

Billerica Show;

(10:00 a.m.) RMHS

Drama Set Build

October 19 – 20 –

Birch Meadow,

Taking Steps to Enhance and Expand Communication in Our District

With the onset of social media and the fast paced world we live in, proactive and consistent communication is critical to keep all of our school community informed. To that end, in 2014, the Reading Public Schools developed a district goal that focused on communication, which was – To improve communication across the district, with families and with the Reading community. Over the past year, here are the steps that we have taken: Introduced the Pathways blog and newsletter, for parents and community

members, and enhanced The Journey, a staff newsletter; Conducted Community and Staff forums last May and June to discuss concerns

and goals with community members and staff; and District leadership participated in the Massachusetts Association of School

Committees governance program to enhance interaction between administration and the School Committee.

‘Another, significant step’ Now, we’ve taken another significant step. Last week a consultant from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), Harry Roberts (who holds accreditation from the Public Relations Society of America), visited our district to begin a communication audit. NSPRA is looking at: How communication flows throughout the school system, both externally and

internally; What is working, what isn’t; and Where the gaps are in how the district delivers its messages and communicates

with stakeholders. Focus group interviews and analysis of current activities Harry conducted 11 focus group interviews with RPS administration and staff groups, parents, community members and the School Committee. Also, he will study results of administrator surveys, RPS policies and documents related to communication, and our current communication efforts. His analysis will be reviewed by the NSPRA executive director and deputy director, who will add their expertise to compose an audit report, which we will receive in about 10 weeks. That booklet will include a number of recommendations with

Killam and Wood

End Grade 5 Trip to

Camp Bournedale

October 19 – (6:30

p.m.) School

Committee Office

Hour; (7:00 p.m.)

School Committee

Meeting in the

Superintendent’s

Conference Room

October 21 – Grade

6 – 12 Early Release

Day; (1:15 p.m.)

Elementary PLC

Meetings; (1:30

p.m.) Secondary

PLC Meetings

October 22 - (4:00

p.m.) RETELL in

Rooms 321 & 320 @

RMHS

October 23 – RMHS

Drama – Elementary

School Tours; (6:00

p.m.) Killam

Halloween Bash

October 24 – (4:30

p.m.) Birch Meadow

Spooky Fun Faire;

(7:30 p.m.) Birch

Meadow Monster

Mash

detailed action steps for us to consider and implement over the course of several years. Preliminary report – strengths and challenges Before leaving our district, Harry gave me a preliminary report based on the focus group interviews. A few of his perceptions: Parents and staff highly value the email and phone alerts via ConnectEd and the

communication initiatives – Pathways and The Journey. Communication related to our EdLine system is a significant challenge. RPS leaders and staff demonstrate openness and responsiveness in their

communication efforts. Internal communication between principals and staff within the schools and

between individual schools and parents are strengths. Recommendations for us to first address will focus on creating a district policy

and working plan for communication, becoming more proactive in communicating about issues, and strengthening two-way communication between the district and parents.

I will keep you posted as we progress in addressing this important goal. If you have any additional comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by email john.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us or at the Reading Public Schools Administration Offices (781-944-5800).

Parent-Teacher Conferences ... or Collaborative Conversations?

By John McCarthy for Edutopia Blog OCTOBER 2, 2015

Parent-teacher conferences are one of the few opportunities for families to converse with

teachers about their children's progress and needs. Lines of people wait their turn for these

15- to 20-minute interactions. One result is a conversation that establishes a relationship and

delivers essential information about a student's progress.

Teachers usually carry the burden of making the conference productive, yet if families were

included more through communications and collaborative meeting planning, the experience

could become more mutually fruitful. To this end, I'll introduce each of my points with voices

from families suggesting collaborative communication about their needs.

Build a Team: Make Frequent Contacts Before Each Conference

I hoped teachers would inform me between conferences if anything was amiss or

pleasing about my children's progress, socially or academically, so that there would be

no big surprises during the conferences.

I value a teacher who communicates expectations using a website, blog, or email. In

today's busy world, it is nice to have the information at your fingertips when you need

it.

mailto:john.doherty@reading.k12.ma.ushttp://www.edutopia.org/blog/parent-teacher-conferences-collaborative-conversations-john-mccarthy?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=100715%20enews%20conf%20ngm%20remainder&utm_content=&utm_term=fea1hed&spMailingID=12606692&spUserID=MTIwMjY5NzczMzY0S0&spJobID=640465479&spReportId=NjQwNDY1NDc5S0

Kudos and Accolades Congratulations to the

volleyball, golf, boys soccer and swimming with wins this week.

Congratulations to the RMHS Football Team who defeated Belmont on Friday, 56-0. The Rockets are now 4-1.

Congratulations to the RMHS Marching Band under the direction of Joe Mulligan who placed first at the NESBA show in North Andover on Saturday 10/3 and won awards for the best percussion, best Color Guard and best music.

Thank you to those staff, parents, and community members that participated in the Communication Audit Focus Group sessions that occurred last week.

To Assistant Superintendent Craig Martin and Director of Students Services Carolyn Wilson for organizing the October 13th Inservice Day Schedule

To all staff who will be presenting at the October 13th Workshops. Thank you for supporting our staff!

Parent-teacher conferences tend to be the first time that discussions happen about the

student. Transform those short, focused sessions into a meaningful dialogue by sending

updates several times before the event. Start simple with two to three contacts before the

conference. Consider doing more based on individual student needs. Providing these timely

diagnostic updates will help families have meatier discussions with their students:

1. Lead with areas of progress and/or exhibited strengths.

Families need to know how their child is demonstrating positive growth. Highlighting

strengths becomes a foundation for motivation to tackle any challenges. Some parents rarely

hear about successes by their child.

2. Share needs and next steps.

Parents should be informed about any learning challenges that their children face. Also share

the next steps that you will take. People listen better to challenges and obstacles when a

professional provides solutions. Certainly, families can and should assist, but they aren't the

trained experts. Understanding the teacher's next steps reassures them that their child's

progress is in good hands.

3. Suggest at least one parent support.

Parent support depends on parents' skills and understanding. This is hard to identify early in

the year when the relationship is new. Start with general suggestions such as: "Provide a

space where your child can complete homework undisturbed." Ultimately, the teacher, like a

doctor, is the expert who must bear the load for designing and implementing remedies.

Offer the opportunity for a follow-up conversation at the parents' request. This invitation

sends a message: "We are a Team."

Empower Parents/Families to Be Equal Partners

I'd like the teacher to start by telling me something my kid did right. Then I'd like her/him to

ask, "What questions do you have?"

I want evidence that the teacher has put together a thoughtful plan for meeting the needs of

my child, and it is one that he/she can articulate and provide evidence for how it is being

implemented.

Frequent contacts result in a stronger parent-teacher relationship and a foundation for

transforming the traditional conference into a collaboration about meeting student needs.

With such a relationship established, the following steps can help parents and teachers

prepare collectively for a productive face-to-face meeting.

1. Establish a collaborative focus.

Meeting time tends to be limited because of the need to schedule so many families.

Establishing the meeting's purpose helps to frame the conversation. Share a structure so that

parents know what to expect. For example:

Have the student attend the meeting.

Celebrate learning strengths.

Parents and teacher explore needs and questions for learning improvements and

enrichments.

3-2-1: Agree on next steps for the teacher (3), parent/family (2), and student (1). As the

professional, the teacher can provide nuanced supports. Doing more can motivate the

families to take action.

Invite families' input and questions about possible changes. When parents share questions,

the teacher has time to prepare responses and customize the meeting. Families will likely

agree with the teacher's established purpose -- it's extending the invitation that matters.

2. Brief and debrief.

Invite parents to discuss student progress and needs with their child before and after the

conference.

I want communication that supports the discussions I can have with my child.

A conversation between parent and child can uncover needs and perspectives of which the

teacher may be unaware. Parents come to the meeting ready to share affirmations,

successes, and concerns that are informed by such a conversation. One challenge for this to

be successful is that many parents would benefit from a planning guide. This list of steps can

be as simple as identifying two likes and concerns that the student has about the class, or it

can follow a more formal structure such as the following:

1. Invite families to discuss the child's perceptions about his or her work. Consider having

students share their classroom reflections on selected assignments with their families.

This could eventually lead to student-led conferences.

2. Bring to the conference a list two or three strengths and one or two concerns regarding

the child's learning experiences.

Collaboration = Student Progress

I appreciate that teachers take time away from their own families to treat my child as their

own.

The African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," is true with the collaborative

relationship of families and teachers. Working together means interacting on equal footing.

The teacher is an expert of education. Families know their children far more deeply than the

teacher. When parents and teachers are in sync regarding what learners need and the next

steps, student progress is inevitable.

JOHN MCCARTHY'S PROFILE

Reading Public School Happenings Walk to School Day Wednesday, October 7th, was Walk to School day and several schools in the district participated. Thank you to parents and staff who supported this event.

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/giving-students-charge-how-they-learn-john-mccarthyhttp://www.edutopia.org/users/john-mccarthy

Quote of the Week….

“Be truthful, gentle, and fearless.”

– Mahatma Ghandi

Disney Tweet of the Week

“I’m still learning myself.” –Mulan (Mulan 2)

Wood End Assembly On Monday, the Wood End Elementary School had their first all school meeting of the year. Some of the 5th graders led the meeting and then performed the song "Watch Me Walk" with lyrics changed from Silento's Watch Me Whip.

Coolidge Assembly On Friday, Coolidge Middle School held its monthly Core Values assembly featuring some light hearted moments where teachers and administrators received pies in the faces from students. In the picture below, Coolidge Principal Sarah Marchant and Coolidge Teacher Connie DeBendetto show the after effects of receiving those pies.

Stepping Stones… Congratulations to Wood End/Birch Meadow music teacher Melissa Steiger

on the birth of her son Evan on October 5th weighing in at 8 lbs, 9 oz. and 20 inches long.

We welcome the following new hires to our school district: Linda Clarke – Teacher/Para Sub Diane Bonsey – Para Sub Julian Carr – Network Manager P. Jayne Viladenis – Interim Middle School Principal, Parker Richard Breau, Custodian Sub

COMMUNITY FORUMS-The Reading Public Schools will be holding a series of

Community Presentations that will highlight the results, findings, and recommendations from last spring's Community Forums. The remaining presentations will be held on the following dates:

* Tuesday, October 13th (6:30 p.m.)-Killam Elementary School Cafeteria * Wednesday, October 14th (6:30 p.m.)-Birch Meadow Elementary School Cafeteria * Thursday, October 15th (8:45 a.m.)-Joshua Eaton School Cafeteria

The presentations will focus on the strengths and areas to strengthen in the Reading Public Schools. In addition, there will be feedback on what new programs should be added and what programs should be changed. Other data that relates to the topics of last year's forums will be presented as well. The presentation will be the same each evening. All are invited to attend. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Reading Public Schools Administration Offices at 781-944-5800.

TEEN PANEL ON SOCIAL MEDIA ON OCTOBER 15TH AT 7:00 P.M.-This year the technology integration specialists of the Reading Public Schools will be working with a Common Sense Education program called Connecting Families. Common Sense is the nation's leading independent non-profit organization dedicated to empowering kids to thrive in a world of media and technology. We feel it is important for parents to be aware of what's going on and/or what's to come in their children's digital lives and to help support them in discussing how to make good digital choices. This program is well designed with lots of support from Common Sense Education and has been successful in many districts. The kickoff to this program will be an evening with a "Teen Panel", a group of selected Reading High School students who will share their digital lives with parents across the district. This is a great opportunity for parents of students of all ages to learn firsthand what to expect and how to support their children throughout the coming years. The program will continue throughout the year with a series of Conversation Cases for small groups of parents with topics such as Cyberbullying, Digital Footprints and Photo Sharing, and many more relevant topics. We have chosen October 15, at 7:00 p.m., at the Joshua Eaton School for the Teen Panel Night.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION - Facilitated by the District Leader of Social Emotional Learning-Over the past few years, parents in the community have been asking for a forum where they can meet and share with and hear from other parents how they are navigating various issues with their students. Topics such as how to responsibly use technology, navigate social media, talk about substance use and anxiety, gender identity, grief, and so many other issues. This year, we are excited to be offering COFFEE & CONVERSATION! Once a month at the elementary level and once a month at the secondary level, we will host a morning parent coffee where families can drop in and engage in facilitated conversation with other parents. We will have a topic of focus each month but will welcome conversation on any relevant issues that families bring to the table. Flyers with information (one for elementary, one for secondary) can be found by clicking the link below: Elementary Link Secondary Link

Sights of Reading Calendar Now On Sale-Reading Girl Scout Troop 71290 and the Reading Girl Scout Achievement Award Committee have partnered to produce another Sights of Reading Calendar. The 2016 calendar includes photos of Joshua Eaton School and the RMHS Victory Bell. Please consider purchasing one for your home or classroom, or as a gift for someone who no longer lives in Reading. For more information, see www.sightsofreading.com or by now by clicking on here.

http://www.edline.net/files/_IJA5h_/8eef911f5740e82f3745a49013852ec4/COFFEE-_ES.pdfhttp://www.edline.net/files/_IJA6l_/7c2164289c7325a33745a49013852ec4/COFFEE-_MS-HS.pdfhttp://www.sightsofreading.com/http://www.sightsofreading.com/events.html

Contact Us The Journey newsletter is published weekly for the Reading Public School Community. If you have anything that you would like to share, please email your information to John Doherty at john.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us

Blazing Trails…. "Connected Educator Month 2015: Innovations in Professional Learning." ASCD is leading the "Innovations in Professional Learning" theme for Connected Educator Month 2015, a global initiative that helps educators and education stakeholders network through connected professional learning experiences. Consistent innovation in the way professional learning is delivered and consumed can help you best meet the goal of education: to prepare all students for a successful future. On this webpage, enjoy a number of ASCD resources specially selected to deliver innovative, accessible professional development. read more

"Pursuit of Excellence - Why Educators Must Embrace a Passion for Growth." Would you go to a doctor that hadn't changed her techniques or approach to medicine since 1985? Would your anesthesiologist utilize the same pharmaceutical options and monitoring tools when preparing you for surgery that we used in 1974? How would you feel if your accountant completed your federal taxes all by hand without the most up-to-date software? Our schools are no different. We know more about learning, about development, and about measuring progress. We know that each individual child is unique; we know learning is personal. There isn't a single test that will measure a student's preparedness for success in the future; the whole child is at the center of the educational process. But what are we doing? read more

"Assessment Strategies that Motivate Kids and Help them Learn." Do your students' grades accurately reflect the extent of their learning? Do your grading practices contribute to students' motivation and success? In this thought-provoking archived webinar, join Myron Dueck, author of the ASCD best-selling book "Grading Smarter, Not Harder," to look at how you might improve your grading and assessment practices. During this hour-long presentation, Dueck addresses homework, alternative assessment, eliminating late penalties and zeroes, and the I Know I Am Close multiple-choice approach. read more

"Schools and Creativity: A Teacher's Perspective." In this ASCD blog on Inservice, Sabeen Masaud, a teacher in Islamabad, Pakistan, explains why it's time to shift from superficial activities and programs in schools toward meaningful learning experiences and real creativity. She explores how many time-consuming and unproductive activities that are the current norm in schools can be channeled into valuable learning for students to experience outside the classroom with only a little effort and planning. read more

"China Seeks to Model Classroom Lessons After US Approach." Chinese educators in Beijing are working with Boston College Professor Mike Barnett to integrate more US-style teaching methods in their classrooms. The method focuses on innovation -- rather than memorizing -- and ties real-world examples to academic lessons. "It's good to know facts, but what's really important about knowing a fact is how they are connected to other pieces of information -- because as they get connected, you solve a puzzle," Barnett said. read more

Have a Great Week!

mailto:john.doherty@reading.k12.ma.ushttp://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UBo-KK9DIr-HI0KdZe4rpjzulIMtMVnO5_Ww8ifz9pj7TbvAv_ZVrzElVfMG_5TJOzzzwFKlks-pw1Jt85HZujCVwRNGHUdoerwzXJfhbFgGHZ6pEZDnoTz7i4swZNDT-VC9guYVieaYK-cn8HVTAD7-GUc27_90-GqDW_zlm_JPaeMZRLRhaflYEd64_cuMJlxkd0Ihpwg=&c=YvxhC29vUJcWMpv6P4j4GFCk76R73dLmGEoG_LCmGDsDkSNkUFyvHA==&ch=luVAKcLhQWKxtuNVAELheC4nfD7UZqyMDgVVUvEJMzNaOC7XjW90QQ==http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UBo-KK9DIr-HI0KdZe4rpjzulIMtMVnO5_Ww8ifz9pj7TbvAv_ZVrzElVfMG_5TJnqgjXfM4x4oOwiHcr9821Xr9vCXc1pCh11L29scvu8LItEDj-PGv1znvuAxfp9R85WIWYyPRodzLZjFS3XJmj514rqKK2oLmGVx0qCnCRONC1pdGgnUS7lGLf5t-_dTM_eQmERSxOrM=&c=YvxhC29vUJcWMpv6P4j4GFCk76R73dLmGEoG_LCmGDsDkSNkUFyvHA==&ch=luVAKcLhQWKxtuNVAELheC4nfD7UZqyMDgVVUvEJMzNaOC7XjW90QQ==http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UBo-KK9DIr-HI0KdZe4rpjzulIMtMVnO5_Ww8ifz9pj7TbvAv_ZVrzElVfMG_5TJnqgjXfM4x4oOwiHcr9821Xr9vCXc1pCh11L29scvu8LItEDj-PGv1znvuAxfp9R85WIWYyPRodzLZjFS3XJmj514rqKK2oLmGVx0qCnCRONC1pdGgnUS7lGLf5t-_dTM_eQmERSxOrM=&c=YvxhC29vUJcWMpv6P4j4GFCk76R73dLmGEoG_LCmGDsDkSNkUFyvHA==&ch=luVAKcLhQWKxtuNVAELheC4nfD7UZqyMDgVVUvEJMzNaOC7XjW90QQ==http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UBo-KK9DIr-HI0KdZe4rpjzulIMtMVnO5_Ww8ifz9pj7TbvAv_ZVrzElVfMG_5TJm16htKBHBxiq1lSeIq-cvd-qaucg9DWkhLz0-AyKa9F1N64pwhXyuA8JNOAeH87NvP0slDcZRpM-7_D3T0_5w8jbi1uf41xPoQ_arXTJl1hMF5ykC45T2S7mVke3cnntmTKxvQPfip8bxvQR_-AIha1Sonbqs0KQh3ebQCS1FE7lWKmzSGOMSqGBuXpsyjQx&c=YvxhC29vUJcWMpv6P4j4GFCk76R73dLmGEoG_LCmGDsDkSNkUFyvHA==&ch=luVAKcLhQWKxtuNVAELheC4nfD7UZqyMDgVVUvEJMzNaOC7XjW90QQ==http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UBo-KK9DIr-HI0KdZe4rpjzulIMtMVnO5_Ww8ifz9pj7TbvAv_ZVrzElVfMG_5TJmGyLfcyx33OEaMFk7lzd81h-kUP1GwRkH1-bw4XaagJfE3O7JKfpDgM2y313ru3QBI2pE0WQWYc9iyicjjekeZeswDQJzntGEpQUMkV4_tha9CN2o6u_XmEjza0PytlFY3KSQxPTT-h7DsKnC1pxe-ECaUtO9AaRWIHyA-sh0VhZyfYwuEc24w==&c=YvxhC29vUJcWMpv6P4j4GFCk76R73dLmGEoG_LCmGDsDkSNkUFyvHA==&ch=luVAKcLhQWKxtuNVAELheC4nfD7UZqyMDgVVUvEJMzNaOC7XjW90QQ==http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UBo-KK9DIr-HI0KdZe4rpjzulIMtMVnO5_Ww8ifz9pj7TbvAv_ZVrzElVfMG_5TJ8B8X6mNxkYCEcuIN37-H-gJervN_JHXlWavD21ckYUL8kY5_vCv1g7EoWDamf_9URMyY2fRSgZd8nlehHlIXGrfEFMQlYZXnPRt3qgsnp5EJyHd4jHfCNjmvz6GLHrOOGcmTQmGxhlJJ4wi3LXmhvSNkr5GmYLGl9-mLONp-koI9ZZSJEer3Aw==&c=YvxhC29vUJcWMpv6P4j4GFCk76R73dLmGEoG_LCmGDsDkSNkUFyvHA==&ch=luVAKcLhQWKxtuNVAELheC4nfD7UZqyMDgVVUvEJMzNaOC7XjW90QQ==