leadership in high schools

I went to visit the local chapter of the Cornell Co-operative Extension with the intention of finding out more about 4-H clubs in our county.  As a result of this visit I signed up two middle school classes for Conservation Days at Long Point State Park on May 28th, 2008.  Our students will greatly benefit from learning about bee keeping, bears in Allegany Park, grape growing etc.  all taught by experts in the field who will cater short talks and presentations to the middle school student.    In addition, students will have the opportunity to intermingle with other middle school students from the surrounding area in a general setting. 

I put up an announcement in the school lobby asking for interest in 4-H clubs.  I thought surely a student or teacher would contact me and that I would have to ask for parents to be solicited.  I feel very fortunate – a parent called me up and asked to be selected for the position of parent advisor to our 4-H Club!  Yes, all parents want to play a part in their child’s school!

We at Hewes are still in the planning process of starting a  club on campus.  In June I will meet formally with the parent, giving her time to review all our 4-H materials.  We will try and plan a summer trip to the county fair in Dunkirk with the hopes of showing things at the Fair next academic year 08-09 when we formally register the club, incorporate its activities into our school day and projects with the hope of inculcating an interest in our students in all the myriad activities the club has to offer.  Club activities include all grades in the school and culminate at the county wide fair each summer.  

Will 4-H replace our Academic Fair? 

Two teachers have visited the Hewes Center Special Education programs this year.  One has been a middle school 12:1:1 teacher in an inner city school district and the other has been an elementary special education teacher within the Erie 2 School District.  Both teachers have brought the center perspectives about the work we are engaged in.  The middle school teacher recommended a BOCES placement for a 12 year old autistic boy.  She had come to get some impressions and begin some communication with our BOCES teachers around the issue of “best programming” and appropriate placements for students when the local school district is no longer an option.  This teacher, Audra toured both HEWES and our Boces classes at CLCS.   The elementary teacher came in to share best practices around the area of Brain Gym and its potential value to our K-2 classroom. 

These two visitations are examples of how teachers inform others in the field regarding best practices and advocacy for students with special needs.  A teacher can request an Alternate Assignment through the office of the Principal and go visit, tour and see in action programs that might be of professional interest to his/her current job or school.  This is one of the ways in which innovation and change come into the schools. We at the Hewes Center are always happy to host visitors and tours of our programs.  Student teachers and students in college intending to pursue a career in teaching are encouraged to seek invitations to schools and engage in conversations with practicing teachers, faculty and staff regarding best programs and practices.