Oct. 21-22 Class Meeting

I really enjoyed listening to the panel of educational leaders that spoke at the beginning of our class meeting.  Each one of them brought in their own area of expertise, as well as advising the class of issues that will arise and how to handle those in a professional manner.  It was very nice to see one of our own district’s representatives there because I learned insights from him that I wouldn’t have learned by having an everyday conversation with him in Sanger.  It was very interesting to hear the differences and challenges that each of those school districts face, but also great to hear how they all work collaboratively with their colleagues to reach the ultimate goal of student learning and achievement.

            I felt Dr. Hauser’s presentation on holding effective meetings was very useful.  Her discussions on making sure there is an agenda given out in advance, documentations of meetings held, and copies of the minutes were very helpful and can be used to ensure efficient meetings are taking place at our sites.  One key theme that I was reminded of during this presentation was the need to be very organized and thorough when conducting meetings with your staff.

            Dr. Torosian’s presentation on Child, Welfare, and Attendance was very beneficial for me.  In the future as a school leader, it is crucial to be knowledgeable in the many different aspects of student discipline, educational codes, and no tolerance policies.  Working with my principal at times during student discipline issues, I see how often they rely on our district’s CWA official, Dr. Wiechmann.  I am very grateful that our district has this leadership position who we know we can discuss any student issues that may requires suspensions or expulsions. 

            The discussion on writing a FRISK letter was very helpful to me as well.  As educators, we all want our school staff to succeed in a professional manner.  I know there will be times where staff may engage in unprofessional conduct that will need to be immediately discussed and reprimanded.  I feel the purpose of a FRISK letter is to make it very clear to the employee what was done wrong, what the consequences will be, and how to support them if they should need it.