The Art of Manliness

What is Honor?  For a while now, moms have been asking us if there could be some type of boy version of the popular ‘Girl Talk’ club or some sort of bible study for boys. We mentioned the idea of starting a club like this to the boys and they seemed interested. The start of the year has been quite full of activities. We noticed yesterday October 2 was a date with no football game – seemed like an opportunity. The ‘Art of Manliness’ met Friday, October 2 from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the MSAB. 8th Grade boys only. […]

Book Insights: The Advantage

Book Insights: The Advantage A couple of years ago, our executive team read ‘The Advantage’ by Patrick Lencioni. The book is rich with insights and guiding ideas for any team or organization. Here are a few of the key takeaways. Question 1: Why do we exist? Employees in every organization, and at every level, need to know that at the heart of what they do lies something grand and aspirational. Question 2: How do we behave? If an organization is tolerant of everything, it will stand for nothing. Question 3: What do we do? a simple, one-sentence definition, something your […]

How Are Mistakes and Failures Embraced?

Teachers participated in a visible thinking routine called “Think, Pair, Share” today. They asked, “How are mistakes and failures embraced as opportunities to grow and learn?” Specifically, they applied this question to 3 key initiatives: Assessments, ePortfolios, and Student Led Conferences.Today’s Agenda – Middle School Faculty Meeting Desired Outcomes: Expand our ability to utilize assessment in new and more effective ways Advance ePortfolios by incorporating more storytelling Collaborate with vertical teams to grow in our practice Essential Questions: How are mistakes and failures embraced as opportunities to grow and learn? How are students “storytelling” their learning with ePortfolios? Learning Activities: Think, […]

Be a Multiplier

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School kicked off the new year at convocation as students from the Class of 2016 all the way to the Class of 2030 gathered to hear Head of School Dr. Jacobsen’s message: Be a Multiplier! Sharing the parable of the talents as told by Jesus in Matthew 25, Dr. Jacobsen encouraged students, parents, and faculty to multiply the blessings and talents we’ve been given in the coming 180 days (177 now for those counting). You + Curiosity = Multiplier You + Desired Result = Multiplier You + Others = Multiplier You + God = Multiplier 14 “Again, it […]

Design Thinking: First Day of School

Design Thinking: First Day of School Middle School Faculty engaged in a Design Thinking Flashlab to reimagine the first day of school. Conducting empathy interviews with several of our student “users” we were amazed to learn that students want time to ease in and reconnect. Students will be spending time in breakout sessions and stations to learn about their Chromebooks, online resources/texts, Haiku, Power School, and care for their CBs. They will meet with their conference mentors and set goals for student led conferences, as well as set up their new Digication ePortfolios. The Deans will cover essential items from […]

Pre-Planning Template

Pre-Planning Template Pre-planning is an exciting, creative, critical, and stressful time all at once. Teachers are anxious to prep their plans and classrooms. Administrators want to give and protect teacher planning time, yet also devote team time to key initiatives and wildly important goals. In addition, there are other important groups that need time with both teachers and admin (CPR training, Advancement, Business Office, R & D), plus time to connect with “All School.” Finding the right balance can be challenging. In the spirit of sharing, here is the template we used this year. Gold represents Middle School team time. […]

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