#UnBULLievable

Last week, a team of RMMS teachers visited Philidelphia to take place in an #Unbullievable experience at the #DPVILS convening and #ISTE2015 Conference. Rancho Minerva was invited to present on our 1:1 Journey, where teachers shared about our year-long experience. Here is a recap of our time in Philidelphia:

Our Journey Continues

I recently spoke at the National University National Board P20 Leadership Summit.  Amongst the fine leaders at the summit were teachers and leaders from all over the country.  I was greatly humbled to share a bit of the #RMMSFAM story, as we have come so far in such a short bit of time.  In closing the 2014-2015 school year, I'd like to share some of the thoughts shared at the Summit:

Where we have come from:

• 2 Years ago Rancho Minerva topped the charts with discipline incidents.  RMMS was the school with the most suspensions, referrals and argueablly the most disengaged group of students in the district.
• 2 Years ago, Rancho Minerva had a computer lab that could be checked out by 1 teacher per period.  Computers were an event where students would access from time to time.
• 2 Years ago, Rancho Minerva was known for being the school up the hill with the tough kids, discipline problems and interventions in lieu of electives.
• However, 2 Years ago, we began down a journey encouraging everybody to take risks.  To be innovative and challenge one another to grow as we move to 21st Century teaching.  We asked teachers, administrators and staff to work together, move beyond their comfort zones and create an innovative environment that not only challenges students, but embraces each unique student that we have.

Through hard work, strategic moves and driven teacher leadership; we are proud of where we have come as a school family.  We have reduced our suspensions by over 85%, we have created a true #RMMSFAM with our students, families, faculty and staff.  We have created an environment where students want to be, where students thrive and where students overcome many of the challenges they face.  Along our way, we took 3 steps that have helped us grow as a school tremendously, as we have continued to pursue being THE model of excellence in innovation.

1. We are Building Relationships
We asked each other to champion our students.  To build relationships, listen, show genuine interest and concern.  We asked our seek to understand our students, to empower our students and to show them that they matter.  To that end, we have seen a dramatic reduction in our school behavior issues. Students feel like family.  Students are empowered to rise above the noise and obstacles that may come in their way.

2. We are Empowering our Faculty/Staff and Students
We align the right staff at the right time, challenge them and then get out of the way.  We are seeing teachers and staff lead professioal development, share experiences good and bad, lead critical conversations that are driving change at the school.  We are empowering our students to step up, take the lead and change as well.  We redesigned our offices, where students, faculty and staff may come and collaborate in the "bull pen".  A collaborative environment where we work togther everyday.

3. We are Taking Risks
If you want to innovate, you have to be comfortable with taking risks.  These last 2 years we have asked each other to embrace technology in the classroom and try new ways of teaching.  We created plans were teachers had weekly access to devices in every subject area, every week.  A year ago, we were noticed and asked to apply for a 1:1 iPad grant.  Through the generous donations of Digital Promise and the Verizon Foundation, we became 1 out of 8 schools that would go 1:1.

This year, we have seen continued growth and have been blown away by the way the RMMS teachers, staff and students have embraced our 1:1 program.  Many feared this project may be too risky.  But what we have found is that both teachers and our students have risen to the occasion.

Looking forward, we are excited to continue our journey as we are taking the lead as one of the VUSD Personalized Learning Challenge Schools. We are excited to see how we as a #RMMSFAM can create a school community which embraces every learner as an individual, creating a personalized learning pathway for everyone.

Through the hard work of everyone at Rancho Minerva, we are on the pathway to wonderful things.  As we continue to build relationships, empower all stakeholders and take risks, the future of Rancho Minerva is looking bright!

I am excited to see what next year brings!

Positive Behavior at Rancho Minerva Middle School

According to the California Department of Education, there has been a significant decline in suspensions of students at Rancho Minerva Middle School approximately 78.5% from 2013 to 2014.  What has caused the drastic decline in suspensions?  As the previous blog discussed a significant aspect has been building positive relationships with our students. Rather than approaching discipline from a punitive model, we have begun positive behavior programs at Rancho Minerva Middle.  Teachers, the counselor, and administration participated in a two-day workshop that focused on increasing positive behaviors on campus. One system we have in place is our Rancho Rewards Program.  When students demonstrate positive behaviors, (i.e., helping others in class, picking up trash, or following directions) teachers, administrators, and support staff gives the student a Rancho Reward card.  Students turn in their Rancho Rewards cards in the main office.  Every Friday, we draw names for Rancho Rewards.  The weekly winners can opt for various prizes such as front of the lunch line tickets, free snack from our student store, or an opportunity to spend their lunch in our game room, (where students can play on any of the game consoles such as the Wii, Play Station, and Xbox).  A team of teachers, counselors, and administrators visit the weekly winners in class and recognize the students in front of their classmates. The program is a true success. Students who are selected reflect pride and increase confidence.

            Some tips you could use may include the 4:1 ratio. For every negative comment made, four positive comments are given in return.  It can be something as simple as: “Great job today in class, Good job in participating in class.”  Small yet powerful comments can truly make a powerful difference. 

The Power of RMMS Students, iPads and Digital Photography

Spring has sprung at Rancho Minerva. Here are some of the beautiful spring sightings around campus, captured by our AMAZING students. These images were photographed on their student iPads. For most, this is their first and only device. We are so proud of them! Enjoy!!

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7 Lessons I Learned This Week From Our 7th Graders

This week, I had the wonderful opportunity to watch some of our 7th grade ELA students give speeches in Mrs. Haus and Ms. DiPaolo's class.  Students were given the assignment to give collaborative speeches on "What it Takes to be Great". As I sat listening to our 7th graders, I was really blown away by some of the inspiring words and slides shared by these students.  Here are 7 lessons I took away from some very inspiring students this week.

7 Lessons I  Learned This Week From Our 7th Graders

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I Don’t Know How to Do That

Let’s face it, Sati Aviles was far more familiar with technology than the average bear. On the other hand, Donna Hamilton had a flip phone, circa 2000. What were the odds that these two teachers could have a successful technological partnership? Fast forward eight months, and what do you see? Two teachers who coexist with iPhones, iPads, Google Chromebooks and a home theater where they present lessons via the doc cam.  

At first, fear was the underlying emotion.  How does one give up the comfort of their flip phone? When given the option several years prior, Donna tried the Smart phone and declared it, “stupid” and gave it back for the old reliable flip phone.  How does one change that mindset? This was a similar mindset that our eighth grade students had to overcome as we became a 1:1 site in the land of Digital Promise.  As time moved on, the flip phone teacher, as well as the eighth graders, became increasingly confident and comfortable in the world of of technology.  What was once a novelty idea for a lesson or presentation, became part of the daily curriculum.  Every teacher wants to feel that they know more than their students. This is what gives the teacher a feeling of safety and authority.  Part of Donna’s initial hesitation was she did not like to “look stupid” to her students. Part of the journey was releasing that fear and understanding that her students did not judge her.  It became a cooperative learning experience as students got to “help” their teacher.  Their kindness, and lack of judgement,  made it a true team experience.  With the purchase of an iPhone 6, the transformation was complete. Feel free to send us a text.

Digital Learning Day at Rancho Minerva

How amazing to see the Vista Unified School District featured on the virtual field trip as part of the Digital Learning Day.  Rancho Minerva was honored to be part of the VUSD spotlight during the event.  Although today looked very similar to a regular day at Rancho Minerva, here are just a few of the over 35 classrooms engaged in digital learning today. Quite an amazing day!

Students watched book trailers via Aurasma

Many students interacted with ebooks throughout campus

The throw back tech display was a hit with students in our library.

Google Classroom, Notability were seen in Mrs. Paradee's Classroom as well as many others!

Students creating PSA's via Educreations with Mrs. Rust and Mrs. Harrison (Tech Coach)

Students creating digital maps via Adobe Ideas with Mrs. Blake

Students researching and presenting Historical information via Padlet with Mr. Prieto

Students creating Augmented Reality Aurasma iMovie book reviews with Mrs. Wilson

Students app smashing in Mrs. Hollowell's class