"We Weren't the Only Kids" [Dance On Film]

This is a beautiful dance piece about Bullying. It was choreographed by my dear friend. All young people need to watch this and reflect. Extremely moving and eye opening. Enjoy!

Digital Citizenship: Are WE Teaching or Assuming & What the Heck is it?

Aaron B. teaching me how to blog

How many of you know what the term, "Digital Citizenship" even means? Let's back up, how many of you have even heard the term before? Many of you remember when we were in school or even today in elementary schools, CITIZENSHIP programs? They could be in the form of grades, ratings, stars or whatever other symbol that was chosen to provide students, parents, and the school community with an idea of what "great citizens" our schools were teaching us to be. We were taught about trust, honestly, caring, and the "golden rule". Well many things have changed in our current school system, and the digital age of technology has integrated into our homes, schools, and hands.


Young people are now faced with challenges that we never would                                               have dreamed of, when we were in grade school or even high school!

In my high school, we didn't have to worry what was on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat, we wrote notes and got film developed at Wal-Mart, we did not "post" anything. Now within seconds a picture can be shared with thousands of people around the world. I thank God everyday that my friends and I didn't have Smartphones! I would have either been dead or jail. I am proud to say that I was a dinosaur! lol

We expect or ASSUME our young people to behave or act properly while using social media or technology as a whole, yet we aren't telling or teaching them what our expectations are. We are hoping and wishing that our young people or even some adults don't do anything to harm their reputations on the Internet, yet we don't provide appropriate behaviors, examples, or boundaries. We are being reactive instead of proactive this the growing issue. We are all taught manners either in our homes or for some, they needed to learn manners at school. Either way, WE WERE TAUGHT!

We need MANNERS on the Internet too, people. I know it seems strange, but we know that it is true. Wonder what the queen of etiquette, Emily Post to say about some of the posts, opinions, or pictures that people post?

Kindness project at the Alt. School

As an educator and leader, I know the importance of embracing technology to enhance learning, yet I feel that we all need to be sensitive in what we put on the World Wide Web for the ENTIRE WORLD to see! We must be aware of our words and actions and how it might effect you, your loved ones, or complete strangers.

In my current role as a High School Assistant Principal I had a tough week with social media. Some of our students posted a "Burn Book" on Instagram with grotesque and derogatory comments of some of our most beloved students. It was sad and hard for me to read. Although, this was a terrible incident, I took SOOOOOOOOOOOOO many positive things from it.

1. Once students saw this, they contacted Instagram and it was removed, not once, not twice, but three times.
2. Within an hour two accounts were created called, "Love Books" to counteract the hateful things that were said on the burn book pages. The LOVE books spotlighted all of the positive and beautiful attributes of our students.
3. We started a grassroots effort of "KINDNESS"
4. Our students were challenged to say nice things to at least 3 people! It has truly had a ripple effect.
5. It taught a valuable lesson to MANY of our students

Good Choice Bracelets #WWMLD
We are ALL in this together! 

One student commented," Ms. Ragsdale, the LOVE Books gave me faith in the humanity again"  another stated, "it made our school stronger and more positive".


Long story short. We ALL need to learn was is appropriate and inappropriate behaviors online and continue to respect others. We NEED to educate our young people and remind them on as constant basis to be aware of the damage that they can do if they don't "THINK" before they hit send.


I am sure that I will continue to post about "Digital Citizenship" and it's important in our school systems and society.

My former kids, because I miss them like crazy!

HAPPY Friday ALL, and remember to be KIND to one another! Just BE NICE!

Innovation Wednesday Challenge
#TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork

xoxo,

Ms.Leigh M. Ragsdale

We are in the Business of Kids!

There are always so many changes occurring in the education world on a daily basis, but through all of it, one thing still remains the same...KIDS! I could go on and on complaining about the changes in testing, grading, programs, technology, discipline, and whatever else we complain about, but at the end of the day it is simple, KIDS. Kids should ALWAYS be the center of everything. Every decision we make, every time we walk into our schools, every time we greet them at the doors, every time they fail, and every time that they succeed. THEY are what is important. If we continue to FOCUS on KIDS, and only kids, everything else will fall into place. 

When you reflect back on your positive experiences in school, what sticks out to you in your brain? Is it how well you scored on your unit tests or state mandated assessments, all of the work sheets that you turned in or didn't, or how about all of times you raised your hand to use the restroom? If you said yes, you are a freak, we love you anyway, but that is just bizarre. I think it is safe to say, that it is the wonderful teachers that that come to your mind. The teachers that taught you things about yourself and life and were constant role-models and cheerleaders for you. A certain teacher that took time to invest in you, get to know you as a person, and also allowed you to form a relationship with them. A teacher that saw something in you that no one else had noticed, pushed you to be better, or inspired you to be a risk-taker. The moral of the story is that YOU remember the relationships, challenges, celebrations, victories, or defeats, not the content. 

I am not saying that content isn't important. Content will come once the teacher-student relationship has been formed. If we teach our students to be problem solvers, knowledge seekers, risk takers, power thinkers, and creative leaders, the content will follow and our kids will excel. 

As educators we are professionals. It is our job and duty to grow, change, excel, change again, and repeat. WE are in the business of KIDS. That is our responsibility to show up everyday as EDUCATIONAL WARRIORS for our kids. We must fight for what is best for them and NEVER give up on them. Kids have changed, that translates to, WE MUST CHANGE WITH THEM! 

If you have children ask yourself this question:

1. What type of teacher do you want your child to have?

       a. An Educational Warrior

       b. An advanced worksheet pusher

We must all remind ourselves that we are in the business of KIDS. They are our future, we must love, encourage, and support their dreams and passions on an hourly basis! 

Every time we make decisions, I ask myself this, "Is it what is best for kids?" If the answer is no, then I seek a more fitting solution. 

Kids and learning, growing and changing, living and laughing...all beautiful things! 

Happy weekend folks! 

#KidsFirst

#TeamRagsdale

Leigh

My Grandma Pallo and all of her grandchildren "KIDS"