NHES NEWS
LEARN · LEAD · LOVE
Five years ago, when I interviewed for the the principal position at New Hope Elementary, I asked the parents on the interview team what they felt was most needed in a principal at the school. Two requests were loud and clear. First, New Hope parents wanted stabile leadership that was committed to the New Hope community. Second, New Hope parents wanted their children to receive an education that included skills that would allow their children to compete in a 21st century world: communication, technology literacy, critical thinking, etc.
This past week it was my honor to present at the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference. As part of my journey to ensure that our New Hope students have access to 21st century skills, I've spent the past year investigating the latest in technological advancements, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence and the potential impact these tools might have on education. I was cautiously optimistic as I watched companies like MagicSchool.ai develop tools that allowed teachers to personalize and differentiate education in ways that were previously difficult or even impossible to do.
As part of my presentation, I modeled how an AI chatbot could be used to engage a group of students in Socratic dialogue while deepening their understanding on any topic. I then introduced a room of educators to some of the more powerful tools New Hope Elementary educators were using to improve teaching and learning. Since presenting on Thursday afternoon, educators from across the country have reached out to learn more about how AI tools are being leveraged by our New Hope Elementary teachers. I've also been asked to present to a much larger audience next year. This is what is means to be a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence; we are meant to be a model of excellence in education and I'm proud to say that we are living up to that expectation, not just locally, but nationally as well.
Following my presentation, it occurred to me that now may be the time to share with parents some of these free and powerful AI tools. Parents and guardians remain our most important parters in the education of our children. For those interested, starting in January, I would love to show off some of these powerful tools. Let me be clear, these tools do NOT replace skilled teachers or involved parents. What they do is allow knowledgeable teachers and parents to support children in ways that were previously not possible. Let me know if you're interested in learning more.
Before I close, I have some fantastic news to share. The CARE Center received the grant that allows our school to continue to be a 21st Century Community Learning Center site. Although this program runs separately from our school, this partnership does allow our New Hope students to have access to high-quality after school activities. As the name implies, this program is designed to enrich and extend learning in ways that support 21st century skills.
Sixth grade is selling Holiday Grams this week to raise funds for grade-level activities. Grams will be $1 each and include a personalized message and treat. Students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 may purchase grams for anyone in the elementary school. Money is due no later than Friday, December 8th. Supplies are limited, so grams will be sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. Grams will be delivered on Wednesday, December 12th.
To order: For our youngest students (K-2), these students can bring the money to their teachers with a note. For our older students (3- 6), these students can come to Ms. Connor by the main office in the mornings to purchase. Our sixth graders will take care of it from there!
About us
Email: jburton@mcssk12.org
Website: https://www.mcssk12.org/newhopeelementaryschool
Location: 5300 Main Drive, New Hope, AL, USA
Phone: 256-851-3260
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newhopeelementaryschool
Twitter: @NHESPK6