The Principal's Bark

Week 25-The next 5000 days?

The above picture is my 13 month old daughter and I.  Since the time she was able to comprehend the idea of toys Grace has made cell phones her favorite toy.  I'm not sure why this is but it makes me wonder what the world will like when she is my age?  What kind of tools will she have?  What will she know how to use?  How much cheaper and more efficient will technology (cell phones, computers, etc.) be? 

The Internet is probably the most revolutionary change that has happened in the last 5000 days.  Believe it or not, the Internet has only been around just over 5000 days .  This equates to 13.6 years.  Imagine back to the old bag phone that you maybe used to have, an old radio, TV, appliance, or even vehicle?  Now think about the new cell phones available, new iPods, flat screen TV's, digital appliances, and vehicles that are almost all dependent on computers.  The world has drastically changed since the Internet in the last 13 plus years.  Scary and exciting to think about the next 13 years and how the Internet and technology will shape our world?

Dr. Scott McLeod, professor at Iowa State University and director of CASTLE, calls the integration of technology in society is a disruptive innovation.  He defines a disruptive innovation in one that changes society because it is cost effective and good enough for the majority of people.  He sites cell phones, iPods, and computers as recent disruptive innovations.  All of these devices have gotten cheaper and cheaper while their functionality has gotten better and better.  Obviously the average person has made the decision that they are "good enough" and cost effective because so many people use these innovations on a daily basis.  How would your job be different without a computer?  What disruptive innovations will change our lives in the next 5000 days like the Internet has?

Week 24-Crazy weather equals a crazy school week.

The crazy snowy and blowy Iowa weather this week led to a 2 and 1/2 day school week.  We now are scheduled for school until June. 8th.  However, our superintendent and school board has said they will consider options to make up some of our missed school days due to weather.  Other districts around the state are also considering remedies to make up for missed school days.  Some options include extending the school day, using Saturdays, using spring break days, or accepting June 8th or later as the end of the school year.  Please respond to district administration or board members with your preferences?

This past week over 3/4 of the high school staff visited BCLUW and South Hamilton.  Both of these schools are first year 1:1 schools that welcomed us to come visit.  Our visits were both educational and informational.  Speaking for the high school staff, we continue to reconfirm our motivation to get technology in the hands of students.  In a recent staff survey 92% of the high school staff supported moving forward with the 1:1 laptop initiative.  We look forward to a school board vote on this topic on Feb. 11th.

Students were recently surveyed about the technology they have at home (among other things).  The below chart signifies what we learned with 89% of our high school students reporting that they have a working computer at home.  74% of students reported having Internet access at home.  As we continue to explore the 1:1 laptop initiative this information will become helpful in understanding the resources students have at home and look forward to.

Week 23-Into the semester we march.

Hopefully good old Iowa weather will cooperate with us this week and allow for a routine week in the second semester of the school year.  Although the last day for seniors has not changed, and I'm sure they are disappointed by this, the last day for the rest of us will be June 7th at this point.  I hope students that have worked hard and been able to enjoy academic success continue to pursue their goals and engage in the studying and work habits that have helped them be successful.  On the flip side, if students have not been able to enjoy academic success the hope would be that they change their work habits, study skills, or other necessary things so that they can enjoy academic progress and success this semester.

This week over half of the high school teaching staff will be traveling to BCLUW and South Hamilton. Both of these schools have the 1:1 laptop initiative which means that every one of their high school students have their own laptop to use 24/7.  Fifteen schools in Iowa currently have this initiative with almost 20 considering it for the 2010-11 school year including Hampton-Dumont High School.

Week 22-Reminders all around us.

Download Mr. Winkle Wakes

As I sit here in a hospital birthing room awaiting the arrival of my second child I can't help but notice the new and improved technology that is used.  Computers are all over.  The IV bags are each hooked to a computer that monitors how much fluid enters the body.  Another bigger computer monitors the babies heart rate, my wife's blood pressure, and the strengths and intervals of contractions.  A different machine requires the nurse to scan the patients bracelet bar code to whatever medicine being administered.  The nurse says this is to ensure that the right patient get the right medicine and the right amount.  Yet another machine acts almost like a vending machine and requires the nurse to put in a code to get out medical supplies.  These technologies all around me were not all in this hospital room 13 months ago when we had our last child. 

I'm certain it did not take the hospital 5 years to decide to go to improved technology.  They probably weighed the pros and cons of new technology and made a decision to try it or not.  There is risk any everything but some newer technologies are designed to help minimize this risk to patients.  I'm thrilled that the medical field can adapt and change with improving technology.  For the sake of our health, I think we would all agree, we want the best doctors who have the best technology at their disposal.  So, if we expect the medical field to keep up with changes why too wouldn't schools want to stay current?  Why does it take school so long to change and adapt to the world around them?

I suspect that schools are slow to change in-part because the adults in the building go on with business the only way they know how.  This is the way they were educated and took classes.  We are all guilty of this.  Education obviously worked for educators or they would not choose to go back into the profession.  Furthermore, the lack of change in schools could be attributed to lack of resources, administrative supports, vision, or other factors.  The below graph shows a recent study conducted by Dr. Scott McLeod from Iowa State University.  The study depicts what his research finds about reasons that schools are not progressing related to technology.

I'm not suggesting that schools should jump on whatever bandwagon comes along.  I'm not suggesting that schools should spend overwhelming money on technology verses teachers.  I'm not suggesting that our current model of public schools doesn't work for most kids.  What I am saying is that most public schools today do not even know what type of future they are prepare students for.  Furthermore, most public schools today try to shove more content down to students rather than give them the knowledge about resources and skills to use these resources to be successful in any changing world.  The reminders are all around us, the world is changing.  Are we setting students up for success in this changing world?  How do we know?  What should we be doing differently?

Week 21-Simon Estes is coming to HDHS!

I'm happy to announce that Simon Estes will be coming to HDHS on Thursday, March 4th to address students and staff.  This Iowa icon has quite a story to tell.  A minority who grew up in Centerville, IA has went on to sing in front of presidents, kings, queens and others.  Currently, Simon teaches at Wartburg, Iowa State, and other univeristies while continuing to travel and put on concerts.  Mr. Estes will share his story, perform, and field questions from students and staff during the assembly.  HIs story is sure to serve as a great example of an Iowa role model for our youth.  To see more about Simon Estes visit to Franklin County visit the webiste: 

http://simonestes.hamptoniowa.org/index.htm

 

Week 20-A time of need and the opportunity to help.

As most people have already heard, a family in our district lost their home in Dumont last Sunday.  Losing a home would be bad enough but this same family lost their wife and mother last January and is currently battling health issues with their teenage daughter.  I am thrilled and proud that the H-D community of teachers, students, and community people have come together to support the White family.  I have done interviews on KIMT News and KGLO Radio lately to tell the story and ask for continued supportt for the family and their needs.

Though the tough economic times are still obvious people have gracious given donations of clothes and money.  I'm happy to report that HDHS was able to raise over $1000 in just two days to give to the White family.  Furthermore, they were given five large bags of size specific clothes.  Mr. White was overwhelmed by the generosity of the people who have helped out their family.

Not only has this been a great opportunity to help a family in need but it has also served as a reality check for all of us.  We could very quickly lose our material possessions we have worked so hard for.  We could quickly lose evidence of memories, pets, or other valuable items.  I am proud to lead a school where Character Truly Does Count!  It is obvious in this tragedy that others are willing to pitch in and take advantage of the opportunity to help others.  Thanks for helping out a family in need and modeling good character!  There are opportunities all around us to do what is right, help others, and be great model of good character.  Do the next generation a favor and take advantage of those opportunities.  The life we live is truly the life we teach.