February 6, 2012

In their book, In Search of Excellence, Tom Peters and Robert H. Waterman, Jr. highlighted a management practice that was labeled, “management by walking/wandering around” while they were working at United Airlines and Hewlett-Packard. Since the late 1980’s I have utilized this technique to monitor instruction, classroom management, student engagement and student discipline. Thus far, my experiences in Pittsylvania County Schools’ classrooms have been interesting, enlightening and engaging. Although my visits have resulted in “snapshots” of what is taking place in the classrooms, there are certain fundamental instructional practices that I am focusing on during these “walk-through” visits.

• Do the students know what they are learning?

• Are students activating their prior knowledge?

• Are students provided think time?

• Do students actively participate in their learning?

• Is the learning objective posted and understood by the students?

• Are measurements being used to assess learning?

• What is the engagement level of the students?

• Does the classroom environment contribute to student learning?

Is the use of technology being successfully integrated into the instructional program?

During my walk-throughs I have asked these questions to several students: “What are you working on?” “Do you know why you are doing this assignment?” and “How do you know if you have completed quality work?” I am pleased to report that most of our students are on-task in classrooms that are well managed by professional educators. The academic focus has remained at a high average to high level. I am particularly pleased to note that at most schools the use of technology used in the delivery of instruction has dramatically increased over the years. This week I have the pleasure of visiting:

• Chatham High School on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon.

• Gretna Middle School on Thursday, February 9, 2012, from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 p.m.

The Pension Enhancement Plan (PEP) is a one-time incentive for Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) eligible employees of $5,000.00 per year for full-time certified and classified employees with an effective Virginia Retirement System (VRS) retirement date of July 1, 2012, August 1, 2012, or September 1, 2012. If approved by the School Board, Pittsylvania County Schools (PCS) will pay this pension enhancement amount until the applicant either reaches the age to receive full Social Security benefits or for seven (7) years, whichever comes first. The School Board will take action at its February 14, 2012, meeting. Should the PEP incentive be approved, applications will be received from February 15, 2012, until March 2, 2012.

If approved by the School Board, informational sessions regarding the PEP are scheduled for Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at the locations listed below. Of course, should the School Board not approve the PEP proposal, the meetings would be cancelled.

• Chatham Middle School Library 3:30 p.m. Mr. Don Johnson

• Dan River Middle School Library 3:30 p.m. Ms. Clarissa Knight

• Gretna Middle School Cafeteria 3:30 p.m. Mr. James McDaniel

• Tunstall Middle School Cafeteria 3:30 p.m. Dr. Lillian Holland
  Mr. Rickey Parker

The Budget Committee is scheduled to meet again on March 8, 2012, with the School Board to follow on March 13, 2012. At each juncture, the Board and/or the Budget Committee may make revisions to the budget. Final action on the 2012-2013 budget is expected after the public hearing on March 27, 2012, at 6:00 p.m.

The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Student Art Show is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at Dan River High School. Each school division has been asked to enter three (3) pieces of student art (one elementary school, one middle school, one high school) into the competition. The student art will be judged at the forum with ribbons for the winners and certificates awarded to all entrants. Winning student art will be framed and displayed in the offices of the Secretary of Education, Department of Education and the VSBA. Ms. Tonda Finney, Executive Administrative Assistant for Instruction, and Dr. Lillian Holland, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, will be providing more detailed information to the building administrators at the schools.