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Superintendent's Thoughts

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Artificial Intelligence

AI can be a valuable resource to enhance learning experiences and engage students in new and innovative ways. I know the idea of using AI can be frightening for people, but it can also be a very exciting and helpful tool. 

Here's a quick guide: 

  1. Tools for Instruction: AI tools like ChatGPT can be utilized to create tests, quizzes, homework and save teachers’ time. 

  1. Extra Help for Students: Think of AI as a helpful sidekick. It can provide personalized learning experiences, adapting to each student's needs and learning speed. 

  1. Differentiate Instruction: AI can be used to differentiate tests, quizzes, etc. to meet students' learning needs and instructional levels. 

  1. Fun Learning with AI: Explore AI applications that make learning exciting. Virtual assistants, language tools, and educational games with AI can make your lessons more interactive. 

  1. See How Students Are Doing: Use AI analytics to understand how your students are doing. This data can help you identify areas where students might need more support. 

  1. Encourage Thinking: Get your students thinking critically. Teach them to question and analyze information from AI tools, helping them become smart digital thinkers. 

  1. Talk About Ethics: Discuss the ethical side of AI with your students. Chat about things like fairness in AI and how to use technology responsibly. 

  1. Learn Together: Stay in the know about AI in education. Attend workshops and training sessions to boost your confidence in using AI tools. 

AI is all around us and our students are using tools on a daily basis.

First Responder Mentality

We have received great feedback from Duncan Kirkwood’s presentations to students and staff on Wednesday. One of my most important takeaways from the staff presentation was the idea that school staff are first responders. We are working with students and families every day on way more than education, but what are the critical parts of adopting a first responder mentality in a school system?

 

  1. Vigilance and Preparedness: We need to ensure staff and students can identify warning signs, report concerns, and respond appropriately to potential security threats. We need to always be mindful of doors, windows, visitors, etc. to keep the building secure.

 

  1. Training and Education: We are working to provide all staff members with first aid, AED, and Youth Mental Health First Aid training to provide our staff with as many tools as possible to help our students. Additionally, we are developing a plan to provide CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) training to everyone, which will focus on de-escalation techniques to help defuse a situation.

 

  1. Creating a Safe and Nurturing Environment: Beyond the practical emergency response procedures, the first responder mentality emphasizes creating a safe and nurturing environment for all students. The importance of relationships with students can not be overstated. We will not have the same relationship with every student, but we must have personal interactions with every student we work with in school. The hunt the good stuff strategy is a quick and easy way to learn about our students and is a great tool for checking in with kids. The three minutes spent on students' mental health with yield tremendous academic dividends.

 

For anyone who was not able to participate in the presentations, This Moment Counts is a sample video of Duncan’s presentation.

One of the other important lessons in the presentation to staff was to remember your fun. Use the weekend time to have fun to rejuvenate from the week.