Some grapes we found on our walks around our community - we are beginning to note and chart seasonal changes in our environment.
Families viewing project documentation boards at our annual Ice Cream Social
Dear Friends,
Quite a bit has happened since I began this Blog. The good news is that the GRCDC is continuing to carry out our mission and vision of providing a quality Reggio-inspired and research-based public education, combining the talents and perspectives of our students, their families, and our tremendous educators.
After two years without a Pedagogista, we are pleased to announce that one of our "own" has taken over this role. After a year of experimenting and redefining the role as an entire staff, thinking of the Pedagogista as a 'collaborative entity' instead of an individual, we determined that we did indeed need one person, dedicated to the provocation, dialogue and guidance a Pedagogista can initiate and provide. Sarah Cooper, has been at the school for 9 years, first as a para-educator, and most recently as a classroom teacher. Her appointment has been unanimously and enthusiastically supported by all the staff.
One aspect of my work in this school is the constantly shifting demands of a stand-lone charter. Not only am I the Principal, but as a stand-alone, we are also our own district, and as a result, I am also legally the Superintendent. Since the departure of our Executive Director last March, I have also been appointed to that role to aid in fundraising. The most recent change to my duties and responsibilities has been the unexpected medical leave of a first and second grade teacher, part of a teaching team, responsible for the learning of 39 energetic and diverse learners. Our initial plan of preparing the certified para over the course of the semester to prepare the December transition for maternity leave hit us a bit too soon. In order to provide the greatest stability and consistency for the students, I made an 'executive decision'[which is rare in the consensus-model tradition and culture at our school]and determined the best option was to step back into the classroom and assume teaching duties.
It has been an amazing and exhausting week, and the work continues. I have learned so much as a teacher, going back into the classroom after an eight year hiatus, and even more as an administrator. The insight and observation I have gained after only six days in this classroom has been invaluable and enlightening. Please check back to see how we are doing, and to learn more about our learning in 'Discovery C'.
Until then.....peace,
Erin
I have added some images from our experiences last week...
