West Branch Superintendent Blog

5th Grade Classrooms located at Middle

2011-11-20T22:17:00.034-06:00

Upon my recommendation and recommendation of our administrative team, the West Branch Board of Education has approved the moving of our 5th grade classrooms to West Branch Middle School for the start of the 2012 - 2013 school year.

Input gathered from multiple "face-to-face" meetings with parents (4th grade parents), community members (School Improvement Advisory Committee), administration, teachers, and our 4th grade students contributed to this important decision. In addition, a review of the information collected from a comprehensive "community input survey" (252 respondants) also provided important "perspectives" allowing us to make a more informed decision. We recently completed a 4th grade parent meeting which provided us with additional considerations and ideas related to this processes.

On behalf of the Administrative team and our Board of Education, we want to thank our stakeholders for taking the time to provide us with important information regarding this topic. We will invest quality time addressing all input and developed "checklists" from making this as seamless of a transition as possible. As Superintendent of Schools, you will have my professional considerations, reflections and dedication for making this a positive move for all stakeholders. This change will allow the District to move forward in many areas (as reviewed on the survey link that I have included here) that will benefit future programming and technology needs of our students. Our 5th grade students will also benefit from the addition of band lessons and from being a part of our recently approved 1:1 technology initiative.
We are currently completing the required architural designs and skematics and hope of getting the bid and construction processes started very soon!

I have provided you with a link to the "Community Input Survey" below.

Thank you,

Mr. Hatfield
Go Bears!

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Hans Rosling's History and Global Health: Impact and Implications

2011-10-19T08:42:00.001-05:00

Deb Schreiber, a West Branch parent and member of the West Branch Community School Dsitrict's Board fo Education, shared this facinating presentation by Hans Rosling. Hans is a "World Health" expert. He presents a truly remarkable, technology enhanced overview of the "impact" and "implications" of historic events on the countries of the world. Again, as standards-of-living and levels of education and access to health (medicines) and quality water sources improve across the world, the competition in the "global economy" will also increase. Our students must be ready. We must not assume that our position as a country with one of the highest standards-of-living will remain. Please enjoy this truly remarkable presentation. Thanks for sharing this, Deb!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbkSRLYSojo

Self-Directed Learning and Students

2011-10-12T18:17:00.008-05:00

Dr. Sugata Mitra has conducted some extremely facinating experiments around self-directed learning by literally "dropping-off" computers in rather remote, relatively improvished communities and villages. His conclusions are facinating. The results may require us to again rethink the roles and understanding of great teaching, great teaching strategies, and authentic learning and understanding. The question I have is not driven by the fact that these students, provided a new highly engaging activity would show some amazing levels of learning. I was not surprised that these students, through daily immersion, that they learn a language on top of the conceptual understanding, but one question I have is, "How deep would they learn it had a highly qualified teacher been able to support their deeper understandings?" I do think the "Grandmother Method" shared by Mitra, does show that when allowed, without time constraints, students do need to struggle in their learning for longer periods of time - on their own. We often want to solve problems or intervene with our students much to quickly. Still, truly an interesting "Ted-Talk."
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/sugata_mitra_the_child_driven_education.html

The Growing Educational Demands Placed on Schools and What We Can Do - J. Vollmer

2011-09-20T17:59:00.004-05:00

Jamie Vollmer has written excellent articles and books regarding the growing demands of attempting to deliver a "World-Class" education for all students. His books and articles frame issues and provide additonal suggestions on ways school districts can meet these global, societal demands. Here are two great places to start if you want to understand Vollmers' message.

Vollmer's article on the increasing burdens placed on public schools

http://www.jamievollmer.com/the-conversation.html

The Iowa Education Summit: Imparative for Change

2011-09-20T17:55:00.002-05:00

I have highlighted some data points used at the Iowa Education Summit to drive the need for a systemic change and response from our schools, students, and parents.
Findings include: In 1992, no state scored higher than Iowa on the NAEP in fourth-grade reading. By 2009, however, 13 states scored significantly higher than Iowa. From 1992 to 2009, Iowa’s eighth-grade NAEP mathematics scores fell from the top in the nation to average. Only 29 percent of Iowa eighth-grade students who took the NAEP in 2009 were enrolled in Algebra I or another

21st Century Leaders

2011-09-16T17:40:00.001-05:00

I found this educational leadership video informing as we begin to look at ways to upgrade and "reform" various aspects of our current teaching and learning environments. As you know, there is an ever increasing demand for us to respond and meet the growing 21st Century global, economic, business and career demands required of our students.

http://www.iowafuture.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/The-Role-of-Leaders-in-21st-Century-Education1.mp4

Above and Beyond: 21st Century Skills and Learning

2011-09-05T21:12:00.001-05:00

I really enjoyed viewing and contemplating the profound messages found in this video. It's about collaboration, critical-thinking and educating our children! Hodding Carter Jr.'s quote at the end of the video summarizes the content in a really wonderful way!

As we continue to enhance our study of assessing and teaching critical-thinking processes in the classroom, I will try to make sure our staff watches this one! I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7KMM387HNQk

21st Century - Did you know

2011-08-15T20:42:00.001-05:00

Great video regarding the impact of technology on our students' lives and their futures! Did you know?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMsNct4X_GU&feature=player_embedded

Did you know?

2011-08-15T20:34:00.001-05:00

Education Links I've Found of Interest

2011-07-28T15:17:00.000-05:00

Discussions involving the need to continually examine how we are educating our children is of great interest to me. This creative animation was adapted from a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA's Benjamin Franklin award. I found this presentation intellectually stimulating regarding its implications for why we must continue to discuss effective teaching and learning in the 21st Century. Mr. Hatfield

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U

I sometimes come across books or links that can expand our vision or provide a "peek" into the future. Here is link about one of the world's most modern automobile manufactuing plants. Mr. Hatfield

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ji2vICGz_g&feature=related

Letter to staff

2011-07-28T13:24:00.000-05:00

July, 2011

To the Teachers and Support Staff,

It is truly a privilege to serve as West Branch Community School District’s Superintendent of Schools. After multiple visits to the community and upon listening and observing the wonderful support this community demonstrates for its students and schools, I knew, if given the opportunity, this would be a wonderful place to raise our children and to work. After only a few weeks on the job, I feel even more convienced about that feeling! Thanks for being so welcoming!

It was an honor spending time with Mr. Artist this past June. What a dedicated leader, role-model, and even better person! Believe me, Craig’s admiration and respect for all of you was truly touching! I know that Mr. Artist will be watching how we move forward as a school district and community. Like Mr. Artist, I believe that future of our schools and education is truly one to be excited about!

The West Branch Community School District has always strived to “Put Students First.” There is no doubt that our town and school district will always honor the wonderful traditions that have been established through much hard work. Yet, I have to believe that all of you are ready to build new “pathways” for meeting the 21^st Century teaching and learning challenges ahead. As good as our school and community is, we cannot rest on our past accomplishments.

During my first few weeks in West Branch, I have met some amazing teachers, coaches, board members, parents, and support staff members. It was easy to see and hear the passion they have for our schools and students. I look forward to meet and working with each and every one of you. I want to hear about your vision and hopes for our future. During my interviews for this position, and over the past few weeks, I have been asked multiple versions of these same two questions,

“Mr. Hatfield, what is your vision for our schools?”

“Mr. Hatfield, what do you believe about leadership and teaching?”

I will share a few thoughts.

I believe that every teacher, support staff member, principal and community member, and each student, is in a position of leadership. I believe we are here to serve students, families and each other. I believe that each of us will make a difference this year. The question is, to what degree?

How many of us will be satisfied with our current levels of “effectiveness” as opposed to turning our convictions into positive, purposeful actions? Will we remain passionate about serving and teaching our students or succumb to cynicism and mediocre performance?

I know Mrs. Oswald, Mrs. Burger, and Mrs. Lukavsky have worked very hard to provide us with timely, effective, in-service experiences again this year. The in-service time provided is critical in our development as educators. We must attend every session. We must come ready to listen and be open to change and reflective upon our current practices. We must have high fidelity of application following in-service time as well.

This year, Apple, Inc., will be providing our 6^th grade through 12^th grade teachers with additional professional training. This work will build upon our 21^st Century pedagogies and tech-competencies. I’d like to advance our 21^st Century computing initiative to include upper elementary students and the elementary staff as well! The West Branch Board of Education has committed to visiting school districts already working in 1:1 computing environments. These are exciting days!

We will use this year to prepare ourselves for the changes we will be accountable in our planning and delivery in a technology infused learning environment. Still, we understand that technology is just a tool - plain and simple. Raising achievement won’t happen unless we hold ourselves accountable for the delivery of rigorous, relevant, effective teaching using the best tools and practices available. “Anytime, Anywhere Learning” is truly here. Our students can “Google” facts, but teaching them how to be critical thinkers around the volumes of information available to them is our real job.

While a superintendents’ time can be consumed by policy, communication aspects in and outside of the district, and financial planning, I hope to be able to “balance” these responsibilities with the ultimate goal of working side-by-side with each of you. Our work starts by building trusting relationships and respecting the roles each us must play as we work to produce Iowa’s highest achieving, most well-rounded students. We must raise our expectations for even higher levels of achievement, improved parent and school-community relationships. We are, in the end, accountable to our community. Together we will deliver.

When you decided to dedicate your life to teaching students, you chose one of the greatest professions on the planet! Teaching is more important than being a superintendent, more noble than being in the Peace Corps, and greater than running a multi-billion dollar corporation. This fall, you will once again have the privilege of spending time with the best students we have! Our young people are eager to learn and deserving of great teachers who will provide each of them with love, support and commitment.

I invite each of you to once again find your “joy” and ignite your passion to teach and serve. Bring it to our students and share it with your colleagues on a daily basis! I will be trying to do the same! There will be challenges ahead, but let's make our work fun, too! Let’s have a great 2011 – 2012 school year.

Sincerely,

Mr. Hatfield (Kevin)

P.S. Construction at the high school is coming along nicely. The remodeling part of the project is a little behind, but I have been assured it will be finished in time for your return. The new addition (gym area) is on schedule for completion at the end of March or early April. It is going to be a great addition for our students, staff and community.

My thanks to our great support staff, custodians, and summer help for all their work! The school grounds and fields look very nice. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you on August 22^nd! Go Bears!