Principal Bobby
  • Blog
  • News
    • IAA PSA
    • IAA Videos
    • Interviews
    • Awards & Recognitions
  • Professional Development
    • Staff Retreats
    • Publications & Presentations
  • IAA Arts Space
  • IAA Home
  • Data
  • About
  • Contact

In this we believe

2/17/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Four years ago when I took the helm at IAA we were a community in flux.  Amidst high administrative turnover we had redefined our core mission as a school, but still lacked direction as a cohesive unit.  Within my first month we began the process of creating a new way to work with each other and as a community.  It was more than typical norms, but a way that would define how we present ourselves to each other, students, families, partners and all those that enter our building.  Four years later we strive and continue to act on these beliefs and discuss them often; so much so that our professional goals are directly tied to these beliefs.  We follow the precept that we cannot function as a unit if we do not truly espouse these statements and own them.  We are responsible for both holding ourselves and each other accountable in carrying these beliefs out.  No one Administrator, Teacher, Para, Student or Family can carry this burden.  Together, through these beliefs, we  make our vision of the highest collaborative spirit a reality. It is an arduous journey holding oneself to such high standards, while also helping others meet the expectations embedded in these beliefs.  However, it is vital to reflect on such things and determine where we excel and fall short.  This reflection then defines how we move forward.  


I point out our belief statements as often as I can when talking about IAA or guests visit the school. I love sharing these belief statements for two reasons.  It keeps them in my consciousness so I have opportunity to look at them and reflect often. Additionally, they are applicable to more than just my time at school.  I hope that I can live these out in all aspects of my life; with family, friends, and in my larger community. 



I will post as often I can, a reflection around one of the beliefs and how, as a community, we are living them.  

0 Comments

Teachers are stars!

2/15/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
This  time of year is rife with award shows and celebrations of entertainment and sports industries' greatest.  The Grammys, The Oscars and this weekends NBA All Star game, all as examples.  It is unfortunate that we don't take the time to honor and celebrate teachers on such a stage.  I would venture a guess,  if you asked any one of the celebrities so visible this time of year, who influenced their life in a positive way; invariably a teacher would be mentioned.  Besides parents, and other close relatives, teachers exert an influence over a child's life like no other.  Teachers nurture, encourage, guide and act as nurse, confidant, advocate and surrogate.  All this while getting in some teaching of basic skills, academic content and at IAA, the arts.  I am deeply grateful for, and in awe of,  the relationships and classroom community built at IAA.  It is so vital to connect with students and IAA does it so seamlessly.  I am not holding my breath, but I long and hope for the day when I can turn on the television during the award season and see teachers honored in a way that holds up to their extreme worth.  Our teachers don't hear thanks often enough.  So please warm their hearts this cold winter and let them know, by way of thanks,  when your child expresses excitement about their day, when they help your child grasp a concept or show growth academically, socially or emotionally,  I know the teachers at IAA don't do their jobs for the accolades, or money, but for a love a children and teaching.  However, a small thanks will sustain the efforts of what I believe is the one of the toughest jobs on the planet.  I took the easy way out and became an administrator.  I hope this post, in some small way, can express the gratitude I feel for the commitment and effort of IAA teachers.    
0 Comments

Power of Partnerships Part 1

2/13/2015

1 Comment

 
I label this part 1 because I will often speak of our amazing partners and the impact they have on our students and community.  Today's video depicts the recent work we have done with Young Tradition Vermont.  They have supported our Monday Morning Drumming Circle, our choral group, the Ukulele lessons, contra dance residency and many performing artists.  The video above really depicts the joy of these connections for students, but also the joy it imparts on our whole school community.  How can you not love a school like this when the halls are so alive!  
1 Comment

Encouragement

2/12/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture

Today I told a story at our Monday Morning Meeting about a couple of frogs who fell into a deep hole.   The other frogs peered down into this very deep hole and decided it was impossible for them to jump their way out.  They kept hollering down to forget it, it was just too deep to get out.  One frog eventually gave up.   The other frog fought on, jumping,  grasping, and persistently trying to get out.  He did!  In the end he did the seemingly impossible.  When the frogs at the top asked him why he didn’t listen to them and just give up - the valiant frog told them he was hard of hearing and thought they were cheering him on and encouraging him.    What a lesson!  The value of encouragement in the face of what seems impossible can be the difference between success and failure.  

At the IAA we strive to encourage all of our students and we strive to create an environment in which our students encourage each other.   This week we had some beautiful examples of this; our 4th graders created a geodesic dome together that required hard, collaborative work.  When it collapsed, the groups encouraged each other to solve the construction problems.   We also had a group of 5th graders at Friday Town Meeting perform a beautiful dance they create.  It was a dance that highlighted their unit on human rights and showcased some basic human rights they felt all people should have access to.  The students needed to create together, and then needed to encourage each other during their very public performance.  These are just two examples of how even a little encouragement makes a huge difference.   

A
rtfully,                                                                                                 

Mr. Bobby  



0 Comments

    RSS Feed

    Mr. Bobby

    I was principal at IAA for 9 years and employed there for 18.  I loved every minute of the journey. We were all about community, the arts and positive vibes.  Now I am in my first year as the District's Alternative Learning Program's Principal. Learning new things and applying my experiences to a new setting. 

    Archives}

    April 2020
    August 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    September 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015

    Tweets by @brileyvt
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.