Living and Learning in Central Oregon

Today is a tech training day for admins. Up on our screen is a slideshow that asks the question “A day without technology…” Each slide has an answer to that question that highlights just how we use technology and don’t even think about it.

Example:

A day without technology is…

…a day without phone systems.
…a day without online learning.

What are your thoughts? Please add your comments below.

Last Friday we had a discussion among our district leadership around the concept what being a world class school district really means. It was one of those times where we could share our thoughts in a very honest, non-threatening way. We did not come up with an answer but generated many ideas that will be revisited over the course of the year. So what does world class mean? Here is one idea that a small district in TN:

• At Home with HomeLink: Free Internet Access Connects Families and Schools | Edutopia

  how one small town is trying to make their schools world class

  tags: BLPwordclass

  • The Greeneville City Schools system has a logo that features a compass, a globe, and two phrases that aren’t often uttered in the same breath: “small town” and “world class.” In this context, at least, the words aren’t a paradox. They’re an expression of a community’s commitment to educational excellence.

    The 15,500 residents of Greenville, nestled in the foothills of Tennessee’s Unaka Mountains, support their 2,726 K-12 students with uncommon fervor and focus. Parents, philanthropists, taxpayers, and teachers all pitch in to ensure excellent programs, top-notch instruction, and a state-of-the-art learning environment, despite the school district’s small-town budget.

  • “We honestly believe that if we’re not preparing our students to effectively use technology, it’s the same as if we’d never taught them to add, because the world of technology for them is like a hammer for a carpenter — it’s just ubiquitous,” says Larry Jones, the lead technician and network administrator for Greeneville schools.

July 31st 2008 – Happy Birthday to me!

Today I turned 43. To celebrate my birthday I rode my bike down to the river, went for a run and then worked out at the gym – just my way of proving to myself that I am not old. There aren’t many things better than running along the Deschutes river. It is awesome and so is the city of Bend, Oregon. So here I am, 43, one year older and ready to take on a new position in a new district. For the past 5 years I have worked 14 miles north in Redmond. I
enjoyed my time in Redmond and take away some great memories and some
wonderful experiences. The teachers and administrators there are
wonderful people. But change happens and I am looking forward to
working in the district where I live, where my kids attend school, and where my wife teaches. As the principal of Buckingham Elementary I am in a position to help keep my school district strong and help make Bend one of the best places to live – my little contribution to society. I feel a little bit of pressure to perform but that’s because I care about what I do and want to my new school to be the best it can be.

Tomorrow is my first real day in the district – wish me luck. Stay tuned for updates on how my year is progressing.

Ciao!