Debates, Documentaries, and Science Fair Projects - Learning is Alive at Bayside!

In the last few weeks I have observed students engaged in debates and presenting documentaries  and science fair projects at Bayside Middle school.  Students were assigned to read and analyze the book The Outsiders from different perspectives.  On the day of the debates, the students were dressed as either greasers or socials and they debated from their assigned perspectives.  In another activity,  students had an assignment that required them to research a specific historical event or person and develop a documentary, utilizing  technology to develop the videos.  Students used primary and secondary sources to develop the projects.  Last week students presented their science projects at an event that was held in the gymnasium.  The development of an hypothesis, the use of data and conclusions were very interesting.  In all three of these activities there was a lot of higher level thinking that required students to use the content in an authentic way.  There is a great amount of learning going on at Bayside on a daily basis and these are just some examples. Kudos to the faculty, staff and students on a job well done on these projects.

The Culture of the Fox Point –Bayside Schools : The Traditions, Celebrations, Rituals and Ceremonies

     If I were not a Superintendent of Schools and could have any occupation, I would want to be a Cultural Anthropologist.  I would want to study the values demonstrated in organizations like schools.  That is, what is important to the people in these organizations?  I would observe and study the traditions, celebrations, rituals and ceremonies that take place that tell the story of what the organization values. During the month of January I observed four different events in the Fox Point – Bayside Schools that really illustrate the culture of the organization: Community Night at Stormonth, the 5^th grade Music Concert at Bayside, the Bedtime Stories event at Stormonth, and the Bayside Students at Camp Maclean.

     On January 16^th, Stormonth Elementary School held it’s annual Community Night.  Parents of incoming students for the next year were invited to learn more about the school.  What was impressive about this event was that in addition to parents, many staff and students also attended.  As a matter of fact students, from each grade level made a short presentation and 4^th grade students gave tours of the school.  The pride the students and staff had for their school was so evident.  Over fifty parents attended the event.
 

     On January 22^nd, Bayside held their annual 5^th Grade Music Concert.  The Orchestra, Band and Choir all performed.  It was so nice to see so many young students participating in music.  The gym was filled with parents, brothers, sisters and staff.  It was very apparent that the school, staff, parents and community value music very much.   The performances were impressive.  Students introduced each piece that was to be performed.  Students were dressed up, well behaved and seemed to be enjoying the event.  Several parents were taking pictures and recording the performances.  It was a cold night, but there was a lot of warmth in the gym.

     On January 29^th Stormonth held the traditional Bedtime Stories event for first graders.  All of the first grade teachers and several other staff members volunteered to wear pajamas and read to the students, who were also wearing pajamas. Each reader selected an age appropriate book to read to the students.  After the students were in three different classrooms with three different readers, they went to the cafeteria for a snack.  It was evident that staff and parents value reading and care a great deal for the students.
 

     On January 29, 30 and 31^st the Bayside 7^th graders participated in an overnight camp experience at Camp Mclean in Burlington.  I visited the camp and it was great to see the students actively involved in learning activities.  Much of the activities were focused on team building.  Several staff members and parents attended the event and stayed overnight as chaperones.   It is truly a special event for the students. 

     All of these events have some common themes:  there is a lot of student learning taking place.   All of the experiences extended the learning beyond the classroom, an opportunity that is not common in every district. All of the events had staff volunteering beyond the school day to provide these experiences for their students.  All of the occasions had a large amount of parent involvement.  The experiences showed that the FPBS Schools value a wide range of learning including, the arts, extended learning and a high level of student engagement. 

     As an anthropologist, I observed a great deal of student and teacher interaction and a value of providing students with rich experiences.  The culture is student centered and the adults take great care for the students to learn and grow.  As a superintendent, I take great pride in the fact that our students are engaged in incredible learning experiences and that the staff, parents and students are working together to provide a great education. That is the story I take out of my experience observing and participating in the four events.