http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/01/17/where-oh-where-are-my-seniors/ Superintendent of Schools writes about learning and school management in rural Western New York. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:30:25 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 hourly 1 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/01/17/where-oh-where-are-my-seniors/comment-page-1/#comment-1526 Crystal Sun, 28 Jan 2007 01:10:47 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/01/17/where-oh-where-are-my-seniors/#comment-1526 I am finding a similar frustration with this years' senior class. It seems like those students who are attending are only going through the motions. Students that I have had in the past, and have worked hard for me, are now doing NOTHING! While trying to prepare them for a state test, most completed maybe 1 out of the 6 practice exams assigned. There is no way that they are prepared enough to be successful on this exam. They complain about not understand material in class, yet I have 1 student who consistently does their homework. I'm at my wits end with them. And tired of hear their excuses that they have too many outside commitments. I'm hoping that their lack of success on this state exam will serve as a eye opening experience that they really need to not only be in attendance at school, but "show up" every day. Being there is only a start. I am finding a similar frustration with this years’ senior class. It seems like those students who are attending are only going through the motions. Students that I have had in the past, and have worked hard for me, are now doing NOTHING! While trying to prepare them for a state test, most completed maybe 1 out of the 6 practice exams assigned. There is no way that they are prepared enough to be successful on this exam. They complain about not understand material in class, yet I have 1 student who consistently does their homework. I’m at my wits end with them. And tired of hear their excuses that they have too many outside commitments. I’m hoping that their lack of success on this state exam will serve as a eye opening experience that they really need to not only be in attendance at school, but “show up” every day. Being there is only a start.

]]> http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/01/17/where-oh-where-are-my-seniors/comment-page-1/#comment-1406 Cindy Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:03:24 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/01/17/where-oh-where-are-my-seniors/#comment-1406 Kim, you have done so much for this school! General attendance has increased. I remember seeing two pages of absences! I know you care about all the students here and it really shows, so don't beat yourself up over those few. Do what you can, as I know you will, but take pride in knowing that many have already been helped by you! Kim, you have done so much for this school! General attendance has increased. I remember seeing two pages of absences! I know you care about all the students here and it really shows, so don’t beat yourself up over those few. Do what you can, as I know you will, but take pride in knowing that many have already been helped by you!

]]> http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/01/17/where-oh-where-are-my-seniors/comment-page-1/#comment-1308 Don Watkins Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:25:39 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/01/17/where-oh-where-are-my-seniors/#comment-1308 You might try inviting them into your office or better yet going to where they are and being present with them and to them. Chances are many of them are frightened. It might not seem that way, but maybe they realize that they are leaving the comfortable confines of GHS and their reaction is to remove themselves from your community. Being present to them is more than talking to them. It's more like "deep" listening. It will take some time for this, but I think it'll be worth it for you and it will definitley be worth it for them. I really enjoy reading your blog. You are a bright light. Keep shining. You might try inviting them into your office or better yet going to where they are and being present with them and to them. Chances are many of them are frightened. It might not seem that way, but maybe they realize that they are leaving the comfortable confines of GHS and their reaction is to remove themselves from your community. Being present to them is more than talking to them. It’s more like “deep” listening. It will take some time for this, but I think it’ll be worth it for you and it will definitley be worth it for them. I really enjoy reading your blog. You are a bright light. Keep shining.

]]> http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/01/17/where-oh-where-are-my-seniors/comment-page-1/#comment-1300 Tim L. Thu, 18 Jan 2007 05:36:54 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/01/17/where-oh-where-are-my-seniors/#comment-1300 Sometimes it's tough to convince some that inaction and failure to fulfill duties has consequences until they have things literally stripped from them. I hope all of your seniors who need to realize this do before they're unable to receive a diploma this year, but even if that <i>does</i> happen, it may be the wake-up call those individuals need. Sometimes it’s tough to convince some that inaction and failure to fulfill duties has consequences until they have things literally stripped from them. I hope all of your seniors who need to realize this do before they’re unable to receive a diploma this year, but even if that does happen, it may be the wake-up call those individuals need.

]]>