A second journey begins...

After Model Schools last summer, I was very interested in looping. Certainly there is a lot of documented research full of benefits to students... But honestly, it is a selfish reason which is paramount for me. Relationships are something I thrive on-- personal, social, and within my career. My favorite part of Rome City School was when I moved from 5th grade to middle school language arts. I had some of my 5th grade kids for four years! Talk about heaven for me! I love getting to know the kids and their families--think about how well I knew that bunch!? Even today, I write scholarship applications, proof essays, and keep in touch with this special group of kids. The growth I have seen is AMAZING! They have become remarkable young adults full of pride! And now, I will get that chance again! And what a group to begin this journey with! I look forward to the classroom community part of looping...having these same kids in the same community. Structures and processes and even simple terminology--we all created it and will continue it. And the journey has already begun! My benchmarking this spring is so much more meaningful! Already I'm creating strategy groups and guided reading group changes. I am annotating at the bottom of the record sheets in such a specific way. And the matrix we plan to try next year? Already trying it!!! Instead of easing out of 4th grade, we are easing into 5th grade. Behavior is fabulous...work is rigorous, and no one is giving up. I've never had an end of the year like this. Heck, I'm not sure how many days we have left!:)