Testing and Read Aloud Survey

A Gas Station Conversation

I just stopped at the market to get a newspaper and a snack. As I laid down the items to pay, the cashier looked at me and said, "what do you think about Logan Elm?"

A million thoughts ran through my head in just about two seconds. The whole time, she looked at me and waited for an answer. I had been working outside, and looked pretty scruffy. I didn't know her, and I guarantee she didn't know I was a teacher. Naturally, I expected the worse, so I fell back on the old teacher trick of answering a question with a question. I said, "what do you think about Logan Elm?"

Imagine my surprise when she started to get a little teary eyed. "I am just so proud of those boys," she said (they are going to the Ohio state semifinals in basketball). "And their football team won all of those games. And the girls, too. The volleyball and basketball teams."

So I asked, "do you think closing school on Friday (the day of the 10:45 AM game) was a good decision?"

"Of course," she replied. "Those kids need to go up to the game and support the school."

"Do you have kids in school, or grandkids?" I asked.

"No, not for a long time. But I sure am proud of those kids."

"Me too," I replied. I walked out of the market, a little stunned, and a little amazed, and a whole lot thankful for student athletes that helped one cashier and I agree, we are proud of you.

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A School Climate that Thaws Snow Storms

Over half of the teachers in the building were at school on Friday. It seemed like they had a variety of tasks. Some were getting caught up, while others were planning ahead. Two were already considering plans for IEP students taking the Achievement Tests in April. It seemed like one might have shown up just to argue politics (See the State of the State post to see the right/optimistic side of the discussion).

So, what's the big deal, you ask? It was a snow day. School was canceled. The roads were nasty, and it was cold and windy. The teachers did not have to be there. The fact that so many 4 - 6 grade teachers battled the snow and ice to come to school is reflective of the attitude at Laurelville. Teachers want to be there, and want to do well. There is an interest in seeing the students succeed.

There's more to it than that though. There is a certain hominess to the building. In a day when schools are facing so many challenges, this building is different. There is a distinct feel to the building. Teachers feel a part of the school and want to be there.

School climate was a hot topic a few years ago. School climate is the learning environment of the school and how it makes students feel. Lately that has been forgotten with NCLB and all the emphasis on testing. The focus in education is on scores and achievement, and intervention, and the School Report Card.

When you are in a building where there is a warm climate, where people feel a part of the school, you know you are part of something special. There is an attitude that you can feel. It is hard to describe, but when you are lucky enough to be a part of it, you know it's there.

The road conditions were way too bad to have school. I can't help but wonder though, if we had told students, come on in if you can, how many would have showed up. Maybe a few would want to do some research for their persuasive essay. One or two might want to work on their online journal. Some might have wanted to come in and trade books, and just read for a while.

How about it students? Would you have stopped in for a while? Would you have spent a little time just hanging around and catching up? It seems to me like some days it's sunny enough on the inside to thaw out even the worst of the snow storms.

Image from http://flickr.com/photos/28603429@N06/2667617304/

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