Phones in G-T MS & G-T/R-A HS

Dear Students,

I am contemplating banning phones from our school (a drastic consideration for a technology proponent such as myself, don't you think?). Do you have any idea why I am considering this on such a large scale versus one or two cell phone users? 

Please take some time to reflect and reply on your thoughts on phones in school, specifically our school. What are the positive implications? What are the negative implications? Do not mention names.

I will delete any responses not written with a strong consideration toward conventions, grammar, etiquette, etc. Therefore, I highly encourage you to take your time; read your work aloud to yourself and to another person; have someone proofread and help you organize your writing; and check, double check, and RECHECK before posting. (Tip: save your work so you can make improvements if your response is deleted.)

Remember: the key to a solid argument is acknowledging the opposite viewpoint including the weaknesses of what you are trying to argue. Support your points with research/evidence. Opinions have little to no value. You may reference page 23 in the G-T MSHS Planner.

Thank you,

Mrs. Alesch

P.S. If I have few responses, I will conclude my suspicions and hesitations about phones in our school at this moment are correct. I will stop actively reading responses on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Image Credit: http://www.mobshield.com/

“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.”

“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

...on anti-bullying/anti-harassment efforts during October - National Bullying Prevention Month:

This proactive and inspiring quote can be applied to so many situations in education, and needless to say, throughout society. However, we often hear common expressions as it relates to teaching manners, character, tolerance, and addressing bullying type behaviors, "Boys will be boys; girls will be girls; it's just a part of growing up; kids these days just don't have respect," and so on. 

Here at Graettinger-Terril, we are trying to reverse these all too often accepted excuses for unacceptable behavior. Though it is sometimes difficult to be without error, the phrase, "What I permit, I promote" is one we try to keep front and center. Simply having a conversation is better than looking the other way. 

When processing incidents with students, a key reflection question we ask, "Am I a part of the solution, or am I part of the problem?" As we review details of a situation, and as we explore our own fingerprints and footprints, it's really very simple. Either we are promoting a positive culture, or... we are not.

When we hear, "Agh, it's just how kids are these days," or "Why's everyone so uptight??...We had this all the time when we were kids, and we are just fine!" Food for thought: Is this really how we want society to shape itself? One last frequently repeated set of questions from the bully's corner, "Why didn't the victim say, "Stop"?" and "What are YOU doing to teach the victim how to stick up for him/herself?" Believe me, we are doing our best to help those with perhaps a little less experience and confidence in dealing with harmful threats or physical attacks; however, it is not where we should be shining the light. We, not just the school but also the community, have an ethical responsibility to teach right from wrong. 

Photo from WSAZ NewsChannel 3

Let's wind up the gears to find ways we, together, can teach good manners, strong character, healthy tolerance, and self-reflection skills. I would much rather we join forces and work from prevention than from reaction. 

Whether you believe it can be done or cannot be done; believe it or not, we have many fine people throughout our school and community "already doing it."

Join G-T staff members in wearing blue tomorrow (October 7) and other days throughout the month of October as publicized. Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding bullying and harassment in school.

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A little more background on the criterion used to identify bullying and whether it may be legally actionable: 

McGrath Five-Point Criterion (Bullying and Harassment/Hostile Environment)

1. Harm Occurs/Target in a Protected Class
1. intent must often be inferred from the action of the alleged perpetrator
1. "When you were doing that, what were you trying to do? What did you mean to cause?"
2. directed at a member of a protected class of people  (race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, etc.)
2. Unwelcome
1. is the conduct welcome by the recipient?
2. *even if someone consents to the behavior, it does not mean the behavior is welcome (*imbalance of power)
3. Severe, Persistent or Pervasive (to be bullying, behavior only hast to fit one of these three below)
1. the more severe (assault or threat of bodily harm), the less a pattern of misconduct is required
2. the behavior is persistent - repeated
3. the unwelcome behavior is pervasive - found throughout the school environment (not just in one place)
4. Unreasonably Interferes with Education
5. Subjectively and Objectively Interferes
1. subjectively, did the alleged victim experience unreasonable interference?
2. objectively, would a reasonable person similarly situated be unreasonably interfered with?

McGrath Five-Point Criterion is from McGrath Training Systems (Mary Jo McGrath), www.mcgrathinc.com

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Today's Lockdown

Dear Parents,

We received a phone call from the Palo Alto County Communication Center stating they received a report that a loud noise was heard near the school (similar to that of gunshots). We took precautions to check the campus for anything or anyone suspicious or out of place. We received a subsequent phone call from the Comm Center to go into Lockdown; officers were on their way to make sure the area was safe and secure.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Department concluded the noise was an engine backfire at which time we released students. The Elementary School held their shuttle so students would not be sitting idle in the heat while waiting for the other shuttle to leave Graettinger.

We apologize we were unable to notify you via School Alerts. Since we could not, we used email and website. We are taking extra precautions to insure our School Alert System is properly in place and will update you on our communication plan very soon.

Thank you,
Teresa

G-T Phys Ed Program TITANS UP with Titan apparel!

G-T MSHS Phys Ed Program TITANS UP with Titan apparel!

The Graettinger-Terril Physical Education Program has added a t-shirt and shorts combo to the 6-12th grades' supply list for the 2013-2014. 

We do apologize for the inconvenience of this not making the back-to-school supply list. To expedite the process, we went ahead and provided every student in grades 6-12 with his/her P.E. clothing. You may either drop off or mail payment ($10 total) to the Graettinger office. 

Many students really like the clothing and have purchased an extra set; so if your child wishes to rotate his/her clothing, please contact Coach Todd Hough. 

Why the change? After much consideration, we decided to jump in line with a number of districts who require a P.E. uniform. It makes it easier on students by preventing dress code conflicts; it's more economical; it alleviates the social pressures of fitting in; and it rules out the phrase, "I don't have anything to wear."

Please contact Teresa Alesch if you have any questions.

Take a look at our MS group. They look great! 

G-T MS Teacher Earns New Books for Her Students!

G-T MS Teacher Earns New Books for Her Students!

When teachers go out of their way to "find ways" to provide a better education for our students, my heart sings!

Graettinger-Terril's Mrs. Kelsie Christensen put in a request at DonorsChoose.org for her classroom project called "Let There Be Books!" Mrs. Christensen is a first-year teacher serving Graettinger-Terril in the special education classroom in the afternoon and serving Ruthven-Ayrshire teaching reading in the morning. We are very lucky to have her. Thank you, Mrs. Christensen! And a big thank you to our donor(s)!

Our elementary school currently has another project in the works, Vision Therapy, Brain Gym, and Balance, which was put into place by Mrs. Becky Masters.

I'm Back: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

If you check back to my last post, you might notice it is dated February 25, 2011. Shortly thereafter, my life changed. Drastically. While finishing my administration coursework, facing my health complications head on, and transitioning into the principalship, I have tried to find balance. It has been a bit of a whirlwind and I am set on reestablishing my blog as a means of educational communication and sharing. 

The story in a nutshell: I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in the spring of 2011. Graettinger-Terril Schools and Communities wrapped their arms around my family, much as they do for anyone going through a difficult time. Though the treatment plan was rigorous, I continued to work with the help and flexibility of the G-T district and colleagues. After diagnosis, I went directly into 20 weeks of chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy then radiation. As treatment was slowing, we discovered a grapefruit sized tumor and multiple smaller tumors in my ovaries; so a complete (somewhat emergency) hysterectomy followed radiation (tumors were benign). In addition to a clinical study medication, I continue to take an oral therapy medication for the next five years.

From relays to volleyball tournaments to an auction (some events planned and run by G-T students!) to meals and care packages, we were never once without support! "Team Alesch" was organized to keep friends and family informed. 

Smiling as I worked before the chemotherapy made me sleepy.

Middle and High School Students & Staff - an amazing, AMAZING group of people.

Participating in "Team Alesch" relay planned by G-T students.

Middle and High School Staff

It was amazing how the G-T troops rallied on my behalf.

These students mean the world to me. 

Cody and I at the "Team Alesch" volleyball tournament hosted by G-T students.

Minutes before my first surgery.

Family photo eight months after diagnosis.

I, along with my dad (who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma six months after my journey began), now have 3-6 month checkups to make sure no cancer cells are invading.

I spoke at a relay event (summer, 2012), Making Strides to End Breast Cancer. I have learned and continue to learn so much through this journey. I hope to inspire others to find strength when hope is lost and to remain persistent against the odds.

Pretreatment photo marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

The fight continues each day, but as I like to persist, 

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

(Quote by Mark Twain)

I look forward to many, many more years of education no matter what form I am educating or being educated in!