I would have never imagined a trip to Denver to work with the Learning Alliance and Share Fair Nation would leave me so inspired and action-driven.
At Vero Beach Elementary, we believe in every child, every day, no exceptions.
It's a philosophy that I don't just state, but one that is the essence of every single decision I make as a Principal and Lead Learner at our school. It's deeply embedded in all facets of my decision making. But, it's not enough to just utilize this as our mantra, it must become part of our belief system in our curriculum and delivery to our students. With 90% of our students living in poverty, it's essential that we give them the framework to become happy, collaborative, creative, inspired, and independent members of our community.
I want our kiddos to thrive!! I can see how this is a necessary paradigm shift that is needed for our Little Indians at VBE.
I've wanted to start a Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics program- and have been told, by some, that my dreams are too big or the vision just isn't possible. Our Superintendent, Dr.Rendell, however has supported this lofty vision and has encouraged me to take creative steps to change our environment at VBE. We integrated a " choice and voice" elective program into 5th grade and we have seen incredible gains in our kiddos emotional intelligence and math scores! By adding robotics and art, a full Band program, and a student run media production elective option- our students have learned to become independent decision makers and choose their pathway for learning. It's time to take it a step further!
I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to work with Share Fair Nation, the Learning Alliance, and other passionate advocates this weekend that have come together with a common goal, pushing towards more student independence, creative processes, and personalized learning. Yesterday, I visited two schools that set my heart on fire. The students at these schools are loving the learning process and are passionately solving real world problems in a setting that also demands standards and accountability.
Our students at Vero Beach Elementary deserve this problem-based, real world learning approach and our teachers deserve an environment that will foster this creative process that allows them the safety to take risks.
I can't wait to see what our partnership with the Share Fair Nation brings to our students at Vero Beach Elementary School
Denver will hold a special place in my heart for bringing me together with so many passionate leaders striving for change in our system.
You have no idea how incredible this will be for our Little Indians
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