February 2016

 

From the Desk of Dr. Cotton

 

Have you started? Jumping outside of our comfort zones to enhance the daily practice of educating students can be daunting. If you haven't started exploring ways to make your daily service to Henry County students just a little better than it was the day before, start today. Talk with your colleagues about something great they've done...and share your own successes. We have so much to learn from the experts practicing just down the hall - take advantage of what they have to offer you this month.


 

Several HCPS teachers have been nominated by students, colleagues, and community members for the Life Changer of the Year award. Each nominee has a chance of being recognized as one of the Top 15 LifeChangers of the Year and is eligible for the LifeChanger Spirit Award – which also means a chance for him or her and their school to receive cash prizes.View the nominee's profiles here and congratulate Michael Gregory, Carolyn Long, Ashby Pinkard, Robert Stout, Jennifer Terry, and Phyllis Warrick on their VA Life Changer nominations!

Reflective Practice

 

Deborah Netolicky, an educator, school leader and researcher with 16 years of experience in teaching and school leadership roles in Australia and the UK says that

'Good Enough' Teaching is Good Enough. What do you think? Share your thoughts by commenting on the newsletter blog or Tweeting @hcps_va #goodenough.

You're including technology in the classroom and making it part of your lessons...but is the lesson innovative and leading students to true redefinition and transformation? Alan November says there are 6 questions to ask yourself when determining whether you’re technology rich but innovation poor.

In Dr. Fuller's small group session at #reigniteHCPS, she shared that mutual respect in the classroom is key for truly engaging students. One of the tasks with which she challenged each member of our school community is to reflect on what that really looks like for us. In a fall article for Edutopia, Julie Baron shared

Teen Engagement in Learning Starts With Respect. How are we doing in this area?

 

For Your Information

 

The HCPS School Board is hosting a Public Hearing on the FY2017 budget in the Summerlin Meeting Room of the Henry County Administration Building on Tuesday, February 2 at 5:30.

Starting your New Year's Resolution again today? Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with WSLS10 to help. Visit BiggestLoserCommunity to learn more.