On next Tuesday, December 11th, we will be opening our doors to the students and parents of the South Shore. Prospective students, parents, alumni and neighbors will be joining us, starting at 5:30 pm, to find out what a vocational high school education is, what we do and why we do it. Are we ready for company? In addition to have answers to those questions, there are few things that you can do to make sure that we put our best foot forward on Tuesday.
Start by looking around your shop or your classroom...everything in place? Invite a neighbor from your hallway in to look at your shop or classroom. What do they think? Perhaps they could offer some constructive feedback? They may notice something that you don't because you look at it every day.
Now, step out into the hall. How are the bulletin boards in your vicinity? Neat? Up to date? Does something require a staple or an extra piece of tape? Now is the time!
We have a great opportunity on Tuesday night. We have the opportunity to educate the public on the "best kept secret" on the South Shore, SSVT! The opening paragraph of our new view book talks about students having the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and a technical performance certificate. Let's make sure that we focus on that message on Tuesday night. South Shore Vocational Technical High School is the only school in our eight communities offering high quality Chapter 74 technical programs. We are the place to educate students who are curious, engaging, and want to fully participate in their education.
Best Teaching Practices are Alive and Well at SSVT
One of the things I enjoy most about visiting classrooms is watching the interaction between students and teachers when best practices are in place. One of the disadvantages of the teaching profession is that you often don't get to see your colleagues in action, so, in an act of "collegial sharing" I will share some highlights with you!
- Bell to Bell planning and instruction
- Classes/shops routinely beginning with bell work/warm up activities
- Classes/shops routinely ending with time cards
- Daily agenda posted on the board
- Standards for the day posted on the board
- Homework assignment for the day/week written on the board
- Equity sticks
- Jigsaw activities
- Cooperative group work/presentations
- Instructional technology as part of routine instruction
- Word Walls
- Lesson planning that begins with the end in mind (UbD)
Keep up the good work!
Have a great week-end,
Margaret
