Bus Safety Is NOT an Optional Activity

In a very timely manner, the Iowa Department of Education released the August issue of School Leader Update, including some great information about how we ignore school busses.  This is directly from that publication (less the fancy layout), and my great thanks to Max Christian, who ok'd the use of this information as he continues to do a fabulous job of leading the school transportation of our state.

The actual survey was backed by NASDPTS – National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services - and we thank them for their efforts.

School bus stop arm violation survey Earlier this spring, Iowa school districts were urged to be part of a
nationwide school bus stop arm violation survey. A school bus stop arm violation occurs when another motorist passes a stopped school bus while the bus is either loading or unloading students. This is illegal in all states, including Iowa, and is a very serious trend.
With that in mind, Iowa joined with 27 other states, and on May 11
conducted a statewide stop arm violation survey. The nationwide results were released recently by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), organizers of the nationwide survey. NASDPTS will be working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) to strengthen the pass-by laws across the nation and to bring some much-needed attention to this alarming issue.
Go to http://www.nasdpts.org/StopArm2011/index.html to view the nationwide survey results. For more information, contact Max Christensen at 515-281-4749 or max.christensen@iowa.gov. Survey results in Iowa: Number of buses participating: 2,295 (about 46% of the buses in Iowa) Number of violation incidents: 327 (the number of times a vehicle passed the stop sign of a stopped school bus) Number of violating vehicles: 393 (the number of vehicles that passed those stopped school buses – some incidents in-volved more than one violating vehicle) Percentage that occurred during a.m. routes: 46.2% Percentage that occurred during mid-day routes: 3.6% Percentage that occurred during p.m. routes: 50.3% Percentage that passed from the front of the bus: 63.9% Percentage that passed from the rear of the bus: 36.1% Percentage that passed on the left: 97% (the road side of the bus) Percentage that passed on the right: 3% (the side where the door is located)

Here is link to the NASDPTS website where you can find more info on the stop arm violation survey.

http://www.nasdpts.org/StopArm2011/index.html

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A Little Good Ink in The Globe Gazette Too

Earlier this year (June) I posted about a summer lunch program that Belmond-Klemme was kicking off.  Since then the community, families, and students have seen wonderful results from the dedicated work of many individuals.  The Mason City Globe Gazette has included this program in an article that incorporates similar fantastic efforts of other area schools.  This is worth a look for so many reasons, but one that I would like to point out is the statistic column beside the article.  We are fighting a losing battle with finance, economy, and basic needs.  Thanks to the MANY people that have done a great job of making this work for the kids in our area. 

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What WE Do Affects Our KIDS

Moving forward isn't as easy as it may seem at times.  Especially when mired in the routines and expectations that we have grown up with, the status quo is a comfort zone that we can find in a quickly moving world.  The question is what that means for our kids.  After I am gone, what is the environment that my kids will find to be their comfort zone?  How about grandkids and generations after that?  Although I still love the concept of Iowa values of hard work and caring for others, there is clearly a global impact that has penetrated our corn fields.  We can either fight it or embrace it.  I fear the results of a fight.  This is the 5th video in a series that has explained some of the direction that technology has enabled us to access.  It is worth the look if you haven't seen it.  If you have, it's worth a second or third look. 

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What is a Milestone?

Last night we just happened to be in Busch Stadium in St. Louis when Albert Pujols got his 1999th and 2000th hits.  It was a bit like being there for "history in the making" but it also made me wonder what those milestones really mean.  Not taking a thing away from Pujols, one of the most positive representatives of the game of baseball, his 2000th hit was nothing overly electric or amazing in and of itself.  Bottom of the 8th, the Cardinals held a 9-2 lead and had played a very solid and error free game against the Cubs (yes, another “plus” for Cardinal fans).  As he strode to the plate you could feel the excitement and energy build.  The inning could have ended earlier with another strikeout, pop fly, or such, but it did not.  A brief meeting on the mound created speculation that with first base open, Pujols may be intentionally walked, but the classy decision to pitch to Pujols was made, and the drama continued.  Essentially the entire stadium was excited to see another attempt at history.  "Robbed" earlier in the game by an alert, quick, and able Alfonso Soriano, Pujols had his final chance in this game, and the crowd wanted to see it.  Sure enough, Albert Pujols delivered a hot smash down the third base line that caromed off the wall in left field, leaving him standing safely and easily on second base.  The crowd responded immediately with the gasp as the ball rocketed from his bat, the anticipatory cheers of hope as it cleared the infield, and the culminating outburst as it bounced off the green turf of left field.  As Pujols stood on second base, giving his customary look to the sky with a gesture of respect and thanks, the crowd continued to respond to the moment.  A tip of the hat, another wave of cheers, and back to the game at hand.  The last Cardinal attack was short lived as the next batter, Matt Holliday swatted one to right field, ending it with a fly ball.  No, the hit wasn’t spectacular, but the consistent march toward a milestone is.  Congratulations, Albert Pujols, on reaching that milestone and for the opportunity to do it with your son in the dugout.

Here are two other quick milestones that I believe may be just as impressive when talking longevity, although neither of them will be recorded as prominently as hit 2000:

Chuck Berry, wearing number 84 (for his age) and “Father of Rock and Roll” on his back, threw out an opening pitch.  Berry still plays monthly at Blueberry Hill and had a statue of him revealed earlier in the day.  Not to mention that he ran off the field with the energy of a six-year old, Berry was having a great time and enjoying the thrill of the night.

Also celebrating her birthday, Nina Mcartor tossed out an opening pitch, just missing the strike zone low and outside with a fastball.  It wasn’t probably a pitch that even Pujols would have been able to do much with, but realizing the lifelong dream of tossing that ball at age 100 is certainly worth talking about with the grandkids…great grandkids…great-great grandkids…???

Even though I'm still not sure what defines a milestone, maybe I would speculate that it varies from person to person, and event to event.  Some we recognize...on to 3000, Albert; some we simply appreciate...thanks, Chuck, for the memories you have made for us all; and some just make us smile...oh, Nina, to be able to fulfill your own 100th birthday wish.

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School Counselors...Not needed?

An interesting and thought-provoking article, Katy Murphy from the Oakland Tribune questions both the effectiveness of School Counselors and the cost savings of reducing or eliminating the positions.  There is some fair support on both sides of this issue, but whichever camp you choose, an open mind is still going to be the best option. 

That was my unbiased introduction.  Now here's the opinionated "real" me.  School Counselors can be the most positive or most negative impact on students than maybe anyone else in the district.  The simple difference is how they see their position and even the title. 

I use the term School Counselor instead of Guidance Counselor because of what that person should be doing.  They are counseling a student through the process of school.  They are NOT the "lay down on the couch and tell me about your life" counselor.  Schools have used them for that, and there is typically minimal training in that area, but it is for simple, quick issues or for additional referral when done right.  When done wrong, it is ineffective and even damaging to the student that is there for the wrong reasons.  School Counselors work a student through the process of registration, college selection, assessments, aligning coursework with goals, and similar events.  When they aren't doing this, they aren't doing their job.  In addition, they aren't the principal or nurse of the building either.  Working closely and positively with these people is imperative, and each should rely on the other, but the jobs, responsibilities, and authorities are significantly different.

Do I see School Counselors as important, even essential?  Yes.  Let's just let them know what the expectation is, what they are and are not, and how they fit into the team in order to work on behalf of the students that they are serving.

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Financing School 101 by Larry Sigel

Thanks to Mr. Larry Sigel for creating a very simple and effective way of looking at school finance in Iowa.  It isn't smoke and mirrors, and there's no magic, but it is an overall effective system.

Talke a look at Larry's presentation, which is intended especially for potential Board Members.

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BK Summer Lunch Rocks

KIMT made the trip to the Belmond-Klemme Community School District to share what is happening with the Summer Lunch Program that began earlier this summer.  I had hoped that we could serve around 50 kids on a daily basis, and when our first day was 200 kids and 22 adults, we had some adjustments to make.  Thanks to our kitchen staff, who were initially volunteers, for all of the hard work and positive attitudes that they bring to these students in the summer months.  Also thanks to Ann Murphy, who really did the legwork to make this happen, and was able to serve those 222 meals on day one due to some good thinking.  Check out the video and story about how BK's Summer Lunch Rocks!

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What Truly Is Relaxation?

Today I had the opportunity to meet with a small group of excellent people, wonderful educators, and esteemed colleagues.  Three of us had the simple pleasure of sharing the pavement beneath our wheels as we traveled together yet independently through a few small towns and the countryside.  Along the way we talked with some others and renewed our friendships with them.  What a relaxing day.  Thanks Jeff & Christina and Mike & Sara for hosting us along the way...and to the half dozen new friends we made while out and about.

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CAS 3

Another opportunity, another thank-you, another rewarding experience.  This past Friday, I was able to meet with a group of aspiring superintendents through the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) program at Iowa State University.  This is the same program that I completed a few years ago, and it is in its third cohort, thus CAS 3.  When we started, there was no preparation on my part (or I believe on the part of the others either) and we had an opportunity to simply speak plainly about our experiences.  They were varied and from all segments of the spectrum in so many ways.  Our approaches and philosophies were also representative of a wide thought process, so it is my belief that the group had a good chance to hear examples of things they could do, things they liked, things they disliked, and maybe even a few items that they hadn't expected. 
One thing that I never really liked about this type of presentation is that it felt kind of like that - a presentation.  The discussion was "limited" to some degree, but the class had brainstormed a few questions that really did cover a lot.  What I prefer about the conversation style in this setting, however, is I didn't really know if we were able to answer the questions they were coming up with as we spoke.  There were a few, and the questions and scenarios were excellent. 
My thanks to Dr. Jan Beatty and Dr. Mike Book for inviting us to participate.  One of the best parts of the day was to re-connect with Cassandra Murra, one of the CAS 1 members, and talk about all of the awesome things that have been happening under her vigilant guidance as superintendent. 
Best of luck to all members of the CAS programs.

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Iowa Superintendent Pool Looking Strong

I had an opportunity to speak with a group of aspiring superintendents over the weekend.  What a chance to meet some excellent people and hear some of the same fears that I had at that time.  This is one of those positions that you really don't get the full appreciation for until you start the job.  The only thing that I wish is that we had more time.  I really enjoyed this group and they were thoughtful and insightful, but the part where I was involved was less than half an hour.  Not that I have all of the answers (or any even) but the exposure to the stories was something that I wish I could have had before taking my first position.  The one thing that I believe so much for any position, and we heard it over and over that day, is that the FIT is the key. That is even more true to the superintendency.  There are potential jobs our there, and sometimes things come together unplanned.  Getting into something that accentuates the strengths of an academic leader, however, is important because it affects so many people within the organization.  There was so much talent in that room that I just didn't want to leave.  Thanks to Troyce and Dan for the opportunity.

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Read (and Dance) Like a Bronco

One of the most interesting and exciting times for a student is when they begin to read.  One of the most powerful and useful times for a student is when they become a reader.  What other way to encourage this natural desire to learn than to get a bunch of elementary kids together in a gym, add some music and dancing, drop in an energized TV personality, and turn the Belmond-Klemme Broncos loose on KCCI's evening news.  Check out the ACTION HERE!


Thanks to KCCI, "Mr. Bob" and Marcus Macintosh for the opportunity to showcase some of what BK has to offer, our strong and committed faculty and staff, and especially the students of whom we are so proud.

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Trying some Old Things as New Things

As some of you know, Bronco Bits is my second shot at a Blog.  I will say that both have been a lot of fun, and I have learned plenty.  Unfortunately in my desire to change the name of my blog - that is a story in itself - I should have moved some of the previous posts.  They were good and had some excellent conversation in them.  Not knowing how this is going, I'll try to do that over time.  If you see some "outdated" information appearing in the next little bit, that may help explain my step back in time.  Again, I dont' know how it will appear here (remember that we are all continually learning), so let's give it a try and see what happens.

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Post-P/T Conference Reflection

Parent/Teacher Conferences can be a source for stress for teachers, parents, and students.  Many look upon these days with at least some level of concern.  Each group has their own type of worry and question:

• Parent:  "What will the teacher say about my student that I don't want to hear?"
• Teacher:  "Is the parent upset by the grade his/her student is receiving and believes it to be something I need to do differently?"
• Student:  "Will my parent be upset when they see my grades?"

These are normal and predictable feelings that each of us likely have in some manner.  If that is the case, why do we do this? 

• Why DO we go to hear about our children? 
• Why DO teachers prepare information to share? 
• Why DO we use hours of potential instruction time to set aside conversations between parents and educators? 

Does this seem productive, worthwhile, and efficient?

As a whole, I can answer that we DO it because it promotes the communication and partnerships that are essential to serving our students.  It brings teachers, parents, and students into a conversation that promotes the success of our youth.  It provides a mechanism for exchange among those who don't get naturally get the opportunity.

When done right, this is an opportunity for adults (and sometimes students) to share, exchange, debate, question, explore, and plan.  When done right, this is an opportunity that is meaningful and productive.  When done right, it is simply good for the student.

That said, it can be done wrong.  In that scenario, we tear down good communication and build defensive strongholds by issuing blame and responsibility to others and close our eyes and minds to possibilities for improvement and collaboration. 

Last night, I was thrilled to see a wonderful turnout at our schools, positive interaction among adults, and several students attending conferences with parents.  Not once did I observe any negative interactions.  For that I credit each of the adults involved, whether parent or educator.  As this is a conscious choice for people, the outcome is a direct result of the approach of both parties.  Although I obviously did not observe every interaction or sit in on every conversation, the atmosphere in our buildings indicated a mutually supportive tone, and that is what is most effective for enhancing student learning and growth.

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Negotiations Wrap-up

As a Superintendent, one thing you know is going to happen is the process of negotiating with local education associations.  It's not something that most people, on either side of the table, really look forward to starting.  As we near the last phases of the process here, however, I must say that it was a good process.  We laid the table effectively to start, planned our process, focused on "right" as opposed to "us vs. them" concepts, listened intently to each other, agreed/disagreed respectfully across the table, agreed/disagreed respectfully on the same side of the table, and generally communicated well.  Not that I am eager to start the process again, but if that is how we continue to approach a necessary step in the school year, you can count me in.  Much of this success, however, has to go to the members of the teams.  Two Board Members represented the school while meeting with two Representatives for the Education Support Association, and the same Board Members worked with three Education Association Members.  There were some tough decisions and conversations that were essential, and these seven people put their nose to the grindstone and were determined to make this a successful event, and it was.  Thanks to them for their professionalism and dedication to our school and ultimately our students.

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Impressive View

Oh how I wish this image inspired such musical memories as, "Our house...in the middle of our street...our house..." or maybe "she's a Brick...House...she's mighty mighty..." or "Doo doo doo, lookin' out my back door."  But alas, it does not, dear friend.  It inspires me, however, to vacuum the house...the ENTIRE house in less than a day!

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