MCDOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL learns about bats through books

Ms. Bochenek's kindergarten class at McDowell Elementary School has fun learning about bats through books and games!

KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL Eagle Newsletter is published

HOOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL NJHS names officers

Introducing the new Hoover National Junior Honor Society officers for the 2016-2017 school year.

The elections were held on September 21. The new officers (from left) include the Secretary, Historian, President, Vice President, Member-at-Large, and Treasurer.

KINYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL kindergarteners go bananas

The kindergarteners at Kinyon Elementary School are bananas for healthy snacks!

TOMMIE SAYLOR: Don't let the 'experts' deter good education

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” 

President Theodore Roosevelt

By Tommie Saylor

Kennedy High School Principal

Everyone is an expert when it comes to teaching. 

I’m not talking about Richard DuFour, Robert Marzano or Madeline Hunter – renowed educational researchers and recognized authorities in the field of education. 

No, I’m talking about the many common people who honestly believe that, given no other experience beyond once attending school themselves, believe that they know all they need to know about teaching. 

Given this logic, it’s like saying that because I once flew on an airplane, I’m qualified to be a pilot. Or I’m qualified to pass legislation regarding how to fly. Or I’m qualified to offer the pilot of an aircraft suggestions on how to more effectively fly the airplane.

Good teaching is 50 percent scientific. It is a step-by-step approach that yields predictable outcomes that enhance a student’s potential to learn.  This scientific facet is augmented by a professional learning community where daily practices are constantly monitored, data collected and reviewed, and adjustments made to maximize learning. 

Good teaching is 50 percent artistic, a process that both educates and entertains (or what I like to call “edu-tainment”). It is a process that makes learning fun and interesting. It is a process that when applied effectively by a creative, imaginative and inventive instructor, not only makes the learning relevant to the student, but also sparks something deep inside them, making them “hungry” to learn. 

This artistic segment is fueled by one’s passion for teaching, love for children and by an unyielding devotion to the cause – often at the detriment of one’s own family. 

But perhaps most importantly, good teaching is 50 percent relationships.  The old adage, “students don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care” is absolutely true. 

Getting to know your students, taking an interest in their lives and letting them know that though you may be hard on them, you truly care about them is perhaps the teachers finest tool.

Looking at the math, I realize that the above adds up to 150 percent.  But that is what good teachers give, a 150 percent effort each and every day.

So let the critics do what they do. Let the haters hate and let our detractors second guess, for we are the ones in the classroom. 

We do, when other do not. 

Our eyes are on the future, while our efforts are in the present.  We lift kids up where others wish to push them down. We may occasionally stumble, falter or fail.  A lesson may go wrong, a student may be disciplined or some outside influence may cause the school to take action to keep kids safe. 

Yet as the doers take action and our critics speak of in terms of would have or should have and could have, we are the ones “in the arena,” enthusiastically devoted to the cause of securing our students future.

So, let the critics speak without knowing. Let the lawmakers legislate without understanding. We will not be deterred, we will not be drawn from our course, we shall never waver.

Helping students to find their greatness. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence by design.

TAYLOR PARKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PBiS winners enjoy their awards

What a beautiful day for a PBiS celebration! 

All Taylor Parks Elementary School students who met the goals of positive behavior had a great time enjoying their rewards of extra recess and popsicles! 

Roadrunners ... Racing toward excellence.

KINYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL youngsters love their books!

It's "Book Box" time in Ms. Danaj's kindergarten class at Kinyon Elementary School. Can you tell that they love books?