I've been asked before, "What happens all day at a school? What do you do during your day? What do the kids do? Is it like it was when WE were in school?" As an educator, it's tough to explain sometimes. Words don't always make clear the day to day operations of a place.
Pictures are much better, so here goes....A Day at Brooks.
My day usually begins with piles. Like most productive adults, I work to move the piles and shrink them as the day goes on. Some days are better than others...
After I addressed my piles, we had a staff meeting this morning - which we tend to have every two weeks.
Most visitors to Brooks are either greeter by one of our wonderful parent volunteers, or
The pride of Ipswich, England - Ms. Dorsey
Also, don't forget our wonderful health office staff, Mrs. Aarseth & Mrs. Kawalek
I try to make daily "rounds" and get to each classroom when it's possible. I begin by passing our Bears Hallway - just outside Mrs. Hogan & Mrs. Roberts' classrooms.
I always enjoy getting to see Ms. Jacob with our PA students,
Mrs. Tamer and our Bilingual students,
A Kindergartener hard at work with his reading,
Or Dr. Walther with her First Graders.
I love the "boot lineup" during the wintertime. Have you ever wondered what we do with 700 pair of boots each day?
Mrs. Bessey's class is reading in small groups today,
And our Fourth Graders are taking care of business in the computer lab.
We are also learning the regions of the U.S. It's all coming together.
Our 4th and 5th graders learn to play the guitar in Music Class, thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Barrett and the support of our PTA.
Ms. Martin is working closely with a group of her favorite 2nd Graders.
THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM...
This is our MPR before the students arrive for lunch. Very peaceful.
We try to learn all the time, even while walking down the stairs...
One of our fantsatic "Picture Parent" volunteers is teaching the kids about the great artistic masterpieces that hang in our hallways...
...but we also have incredible STUDENT MASTERPIECES that adorn the walls thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Miner.
Some of our students enjoyed pizza lunch with staff today as an incentive from our Positive Behavior System. You'll have to ask Mrs. Stiles about the Spongebob towel.
Mr. Persson and Mrs. Gaynes enjoying an excited group of 50 1st Graders!
And finally, our day ended with a new bus dismissal system. The kids were great and we're working out the kinks this week. It went very well!
Hope that gives you an idea of a Day at Brooks. Stay tuned.
I love the day at Brooks, Principal Younce. As working parents we rely on whatever info we can sqeeze out of our kids. When they were younger we couldn't keep them from sharing their school day. but as they get older they don't reveal as much...typical conversation goes, "How was your day?" Peyton replies, "Just fine."...and thats it. However one of Peyton's favorite days is Mr Perrson's dance day. I'm not certain if they dance on certain days while in gym but its a big hit. Peyton and his brother(who also had Mr Perrson and attends Granger/7th grade)love to go over the step routines after Peyton has had one of the dance days. I must say that Mr. Perrson should be crowned "Happy Feet." I have watched Peyton dance everything from the Hussle to the Electric Slide. Great job Mr Perrson motivating the kids with music and dance. Principal Younce is it possible to see a day with Mr. Perrson and the kids at gym time(especially dance days!)
Posted by: Mrs Kimberly Mitchell | January 24, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Mr. Younce, I love it!!! This was a great article and I think you have managed to mention every grade/activity that goes on at Brooks!!! Being a picture lover, I love how you added pics!!! I heard about the new dismissal procedure yesterday from my daughter. She said it went pretty well and was easy!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Lisa Mickolayck | January 24, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Thanks for the comments on the pictures!
I'll have to get some snapshots taken of dance day w/Mr. Persson and the kids.
A little known fact is that Mr. Persson is a better singer than he is a dancer. Very talented guy...
Posted by: Dave Younce | January 24, 2007 at 04:08 PM
All I can say is terrific! A great piece to share with all of us.
Posted by: Colleen Behnke | January 24, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Wowm what a great idea! As a principal learning to blog, I enjoy reading other principal blogs to get ideas. I will start working on doing something similar next week. I love the picture of boot line-up. Being from the deep south, that is something we don't see down here. Great picture!
Posted by: Sunny Williams | January 28, 2007 at 05:18 AM
I enjoyed reading your blog. This is a great way to share with parents. As a parent, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Marsha Cruce
Technology Specialist
Putnam County, Florida
Posted by: Marsha Cruce | February 02, 2007 at 07:21 AM
I love your blog. I'm a principal in Alabama trying to get started with blogging. I have a wiki with my teachers and I want to create a blog next for my parents. Great Idea!
Posted by: sharon | February 09, 2007 at 08:18 PM
I loved reading and seeing "A Day At Brooks"! Thanks!!
Posted by: chris | February 12, 2007 at 01:51 PM
I'm a Middle School Principal from Cairns, Australia and have really enjoyed your blog. I'm going to give this a go. Excellent.
Posted by: BRUCE HOUGHTON | February 28, 2007 at 04:54 AM