Setting and Context at Lesher Middle School
The first time I walked around Lesher Middle School, it was apparent to me that this school has character in its walls. The school focuses on community involvement and doing what they can do have each student be successful. Part of their efforts in challenging individual students comes from their basis of being an IB School. IB (International Baccalaureate) is a global educational foundation that is founded on developing "the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world." With this, Lesher has several programs in place that have specific expectations that the staff and students should meet.
Lesher is considered one of the most "urban" of the PSD Middle Schools, located in an older, relatively quiet neighborhood. The school has seen some rough days regarding their numbers in attendance and reputation. But in the past 5 years or so, Lesher received a new principle who turned the school around with his knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be successful. The staff is fully engaged and progressive with their teaching. I personally appreciate the fact that the facilities aren't extravagant, but well taken care of and used with intent. It's a statement of their objective to be resourceful and deliberate with what they're providing for their students.
The student population is quite diverse considering Fort Collins' demographic. Interaction between students is refreshing and basically what's expected for the age level. There's a humble, but confident nature in the community that I feel I can relate to easily. Within Miss Knips' Design Technology class, which is where I was placed, I felt very comfortable and respected by all. Although my usual content area is art, I chose to be placed with Miss Knips because I was curious to learn about possibilities to teach with current technology. Specifically with her 6th grade Web 2.0 class, we've gone through several units creating infographics, learning photoshop, and 3D printing. Students are engaged within her lesson plans. She utilizes the creative qualities of technological design, and allows her students to truly learn through experience. Regarding her classroom management, she has built respect from her students, but has a very laid back feel about her classroom as well. Students feel like they have potential to share their thoughts, learn from each other, and be creative. Which runs parellet to how I intend to operate my classroom.
The student population is quite diverse considering Fort Collins' demographic. Interaction between students is refreshing and basically what's expected for the age level. There's a humble, but confident nature in the community that I feel I can relate to easily. Within Miss Knips' Design Technology class, which is where I was placed, I felt very comfortable and respected by all. Although my usual content area is art, I chose to be placed with Miss Knips because I was curious to learn about possibilities to teach with current technology. Specifically with her 6th grade Web 2.0 class, we've gone through several units creating infographics, learning photoshop, and 3D printing. Students are engaged within her lesson plans. She utilizes the creative qualities of technological design, and allows her students to truly learn through experience. Regarding her classroom management, she has built respect from her students, but has a very laid back feel about her classroom as well. Students feel like they have potential to share their thoughts, learn from each other, and be creative. Which runs parellet to how I intend to operate my classroom.