RCSD Educator Blog

Message from Jamey Schrey A few weeks ago, I shared about permission slips. This week I would like to mention another permission that every teacher should have posted. Every teacher needs to write out a permission slip to focus on the essential standards in your grade level or content area. You are not face-to-face with children 180 days during this school year. The standards were not written for distance learning nor a hybrid model, and therefore, it is impossible to do it all. Continue to focus your work on the essential standards and content skills, and use a post-it or a note that to remind yourself, “ I have permission to do my best and know that students are learning the critical skills and content in my classroom .” So much learning! I have felt so many personal struggles and frustrations and then chalked it up to #2020. However, I have also seen and had so much learning and growth. My children have learned to advocate for themselves using email. I have learned to cook more food

Message from Jamey Schrey Happy Thursday! Thank you to all of you who wrote letters to the Board advocating for both yourself and your students. All voices must be able to be heard and acknowledged. It was clear how much you all care about your students and are working hard to provide the best education for them in these uncertain times. It is often uncomfortable to send such a letter, but they made a difference! Through all of the obstacles, we must continue to smile, laugh, and cry. Today I thought I would share a few things that brought me some happiness this week: Unexpected Wedding Crashers Hey Brother Let’s Stand -former Jesuit student Love Me a Flashmob Have a great week! Jamey _________________________________________________________________________ Ed Services K-5 Rubrics and Advanced Assessments in Otus An email went out this week, with an informational document ,  on the Rubrics and Advanced Assessments (Benchmark Unit Assessments and EMESIT Math Unit Assessments) you now ha

Message from Jamey Schrey At the heart of my core values is my commitment to children and the disparities in education that I have seen within my 29-year career. I remember a question in my RCSD interview, and it was what was my non-negotiable as a leader? My answer: As a leader, I expect that educators will act, with every child, as if that child can learn and achieve at the highest level, even if the educator does not believe it. I have found that when children are provided with cognitively challenging opportunities, provided with support and educators to guide them, they rise to the occasion. I have also found that educators take pride in these moments and should celebrate the success of not only the achievement of children but the value they have added to both children as well as our future generations. I myself have many things to learn and am trying to continue to grow to improve our system. I thank you for the work that you do each day, and especially in an environment that pose

Message from Jamey Schrey Happy Friday! I have always loved being an educator. I may have had some tough days here and there throughout my career, but most days, I have found joy working side-by-side with fantastic colleagues, seeing smiles on children’s faces, and feeling like what I did made a difference. Honestly, there are many challenging days right now. Every decision in our system, a schedule change or planning a new phase, makes many people upset, some people excited, and some people, who are so overwhelmed, to not react. I talk to many people each week, educators, parents, and colleagues who are all just trying to find their way during a strange and vulnerable time. I try not to judge, take things personally, but some days are slightly rough. I came across this video that provided me with a little perspective and permitted me to feel what I am feeling. I know that every person has a story and is going through this tough time, but this video helped me realize that we all get a