Blog Posts

Empowering Students Through the arts

5/26/2015

Above you will find an two examples of writing from an IAA first grader and third grader. Every year we use the arts to express issues around social justice, civil liberties and basic human rights. We've seen classes compose Social Justice Songs, conduct Civil rights Dances or create visual arts representation around basic human needs.

Students can express the change they want to see. They can facilitate what our community values and goals are. Through the arts this comes out seamlessly. We are creating myriad ways for students to consider their communities and its' needs, using the arts as a catalyst. More importantly, we are fostering leadership and confidence that gets students up in front of their community sharing their views and asking for change.

Pretty amazing stuff happening through the arts.

Artfully,
Mr. Bobby

0 Comments

The Art of Acknowledgement

5/26/2015

0 Comments

At Monday Morning on the 18th of May, 2015, we acknowledged and celebrated the work of one or our awesome partners, the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival and their artistic Director Soovin Kim. Soovin, Dr. Kim, was recognized for his notable contributions to society by the University of Vermont over the weekend. His distinguished work in the field of music, and his philanthropic spirit, were acknowledged by UVM in the form of an Honorary Doctorate. Dr. Kim has used his abilities to serve a greater good for this community. He has been “instrumental” for developing and guiding our ONE Strings program for IAA 3 - 5th graders.

Monday morning seemed like a perfect time to recognize one of our amazing community partners. We typically use Monday to celebrate student success through our student of the week readings. Each week a different student, in every classroom, is celebrated for their contributions to our community. Recognition of student success is vital in developing an environment that is steeped in respect and celebration of each other. By making a point of acknowledging students each Monday morning, with very descriptive teacher narratives, we demonstrate the value of the action in our everyday lives at school, and hopefully beyond. Taking time to celebrate those that positively influence us is a powerful exercise. Also, finding these great attributes in each student demonstrate everyone one has the ability to impact their community in positive ways.

Artfully,
Mr. Bobby

0 Comments

SBAC might be a struggle, but its all good

4/3/2015

2 Comments

I recently told this story at a school wide Monday Morning Meeting.

A man was walking along a path in the woods and he noticed, from the corner of his eye, the gentlest of movements coming from a low hanging branch. He squatted toward the earth to examine the source of the movement and saw before him the last stage of a transforming caterpillar reading itself to emerge from its chrysalis as a butterfly. The man decided to enjoy one of nature’s miracles so he sat and prepared to watch. He was there for a long time and he could see that the butterfly was struggling to emerge. As he was running short on time he decided to help. He removed a small pocket knife from his backpack and with a surgeon’s precision he lacerated the chrysalis to allow for an easier exit. The man then went on his way believing he had done a good deed. Unbeknownst to the man the butterfly needed no help. Because of the man’s “assistance” the butterfly would live a very different life than nature had intended. For you see, the butterfly required the struggle and difficulty inherent in the act of exiting the chrysalis. It is during the struggle that the fluid in the Butterfly’s body is pumped into the wings, thus preparing it to take it’s first flight. Because this butterfly didn’t experience the tribulations of independently emerging from the chrysalis, it spent the rest of the it’s life walking the earth with crumpled wings, unable to fly.

This is an important story for children. Struggling with schoolwork, friendship issues, family conflict, can all be uncomfortable. However, it is necessary for growth. We learn so much about ourselves when something is difficult. At IAA we support and nurture the children through their struggles and help facilitate those learning experiences.

This is especially important this week as we prepare to start the SBAC testing. Both I and the staff and teachers at IAA have sent a positive message about the test. But more importantly we have sent a positive message about the children.

My story connects to this message and we convey it to the children of IAA this way:

For many the test may be a struggle. It may be uncomfortable. But that struggle is okay, embrace it. More importantly, the SBAC or any test for that matter, does not define you. This test does not dissuade us from celebrating all that is you. Your test results don’t change the love and joy we feel in your presence. This test, this struggle, is a small part of a much larger school and life experience. So don’t let it affect your ability to fly.

Artfully,
Mr. Bobby

2 Comments

Creative Self Expression

3/24/2015

0 Comments

Students performing a poetry break. One of the many ways we help our students find their voice.

I have seen an amazing transformation in our students over the last 6 years. While improved test scores are nice, what I have really noticed far surpasses a test score's importance! Part of our mission is creative self expression, emphasis on the self expression. The arts in our community has created a confidence and demeanor in our students that I never expected. We are equipping our the children of IAA with a vital skill, the ability to share their ideas. More importantly the willingness to take the risk. Because students inherently are comfortable with the arts, they initially don't even realize they are sharing ideas and expressing their thoughts in deep ways. Through amazing teaching and continued exposure they become so comfortable at taking risks in front of their peers and in their community, that it comes naturally.

I often relay this story. A couple years ago we were conducting hiring for several classroom teaching positions. Because we were conducting our interviews over the summer we had each candidate perform an arts integration demonstration lesson at the district (student from all over the district) summer school. This district program serves our struggle readers, writers and mathematicians and assists them on their journey to meet standard. During the demonstration lessons we quickly noted that two groups of students emerged. The self-conscious, unsure group that struggled with idea of acting or dancing a concept and the the other group. The latter group was almost entirely IAA students. They felt confident and secure in expressing their ideas creatively and unconventionally.

I think I know students well. Because of my career trajectory, I feel I know especially well, students that are often from disenfranchised demographics and communities. Due to this knowledge, some students are particularly amazing to witness. I am fairly confident some students at IAA, in other settings, would not have as many opportunities, nor would the be as successful in expressing their ideas with such passion and confidence. They truly amaze me every day.

Differentiating the curriculum in one of the most difficult tasks a teacher faces. The arts is the great differentiator. It gives everyone the opportunity to speak their mind and take risks in front of their peers. The arts breathe life into a school community that, in my opinion, is unparalleled. If you have even one student you rarely hear from, its one student too many. Try a different approach, whether its the arts or not doesn't matter, that engages and impassions a student to take the risk and share the beauty that is in them.

0 Comments

A little dance can go a long way

3/16/2015

0 Comments

This Monday Morning a large group of staff members performed a dance for the IAA community. The song we danced to sang the line, “we fight with nobody, we respect everybody.” We danced to express these ideas to our students.We don’t ask our students to do anything we ourselves as educators wouldn’t do. We constantly collaborate, negotiate and navigate our ideas with each other. We reflect on our practice and make improvements and adjustments to better ourselves and our community. The dance today was a metaphor for these skills. We had to compromise, reassess and work collaboratively to create a final product. Our dancing also demonstrated that we can’t do these things alone. We had a parent, Lois Trombley, lead us and facilitate the artistic process. We all need help and its important students see us relying on each other.

Today students saw a group of educators having fun, learning and working with each other and building a positive community. They look to us for these things all the time, not just when we are on stage. The quiet conversations we have with a colleague, the collaborative teaching we do, how we interact with our students; kids are always watching. It is important students learn the prescribed curricular standards. But just as important are the skills they learn from watching us work. It is through our example that they will incorporate these tenets into their own lives. I feel so lucky to work in an environment where the professional community gives so much effort to give the students these skills in a variety of ways and always with love and laughter.

Artfully,
Mr. Bobby

0 Comments

In this we believe

2/17/2015

0 Comments

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

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

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.

Artfully,
Mr. Bobby

0 Comments

Forward>>

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