Let the School Year Begin

I can't believe that the 2011-2012 school year went so fast, and it seems the summer of 2012 went even quicker.  Roehm's school year ended on a positive note with the school hosting a 5K run and 1 mile walk on May 5, 2012.  The 1st Annual "Dash for Dignity" brought out well over 300 runners/walkers, over 100 of them were 7th and 8th graders from Roehm.  A combination of 40+ teachers/BCSD employees, family members of Roehm's staff, and Kiwanis Club of Berea members volunteered their time to mark the course, check in runners, register new runners, set up post race refreshments, and cheer participants at the start, on the course, and at the finish line.  All proceeds from this race went to Chardon High School ($1000), and The Eleonore Rocks Foundation ($3500).  Eleonore Rocks matched Roehm's donation and will be purchasing rocking chairs for South West General Health Center.  We are very excited about being a part of the dedication ceremony, early this school year, at South West. 

I've spent a great deal of time thinking about my goals for the new school year and I've come up with the following:

1.  Use technology/social media to measure student progress and provide a transparent classroom.
2.  Provide opportunities for students to read often, write more often, and publish their writing regularly.
3.  Hold students to high standards and allow them opportunities to "achieve dreams they never imagined possible."

I'm entering this school year with an approach to teaching that is different from past years, but hopefully the students will find a love for reading, writing, and life long learning.