Posted on June - 23 - 2011
We have been discussing the issue of tracking in high school, particularly the standard system of regular (or general), honors (or advanced) and Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses. Parents in Fairfax County are resisting the school district’s elimination of honors courses, leaving only a choice between regular or AP classes. I suggested the district get rid of the regular and leave only honors and AP, because research shows that the college skills taught in honors classes are also important for students who want to get a good job or go to trade school right out of high school.
This generated much comment from around the country, including the two responses below from high school administrators who share the belief that they are not giving all of their students the enriched education they need. I think they provide a useful perspective from inside schools. What do you think of what they are saying?
Mike Musick is the principal of Conifer High School in Conifer, Colo. A
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Posted on June - 23 - 2011
Skyline’s Kasen Williams was named the Gatorade Washington Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year Thursday.
Here is the press release:
CHICAGO (June 23, 2011) — In its 26th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPN RISE, today announced Kasen Williams of Skyline High School as its 2010-11 Gatorade Washington Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year. Williams is the first Gatorade Washington Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year to be chosen from Skyline High School.
The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the track, distinguishes Williams as Washington’s best high school boys track & field athlete.
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Posted on June - 22 - 2011
I am now seven weeks into a MBA with the Open University Business School and it is clear that the challenge of combining full time work with part time studying is not to be underestimated. I am not advocating that a full time MBA is an easy option, however, the discipline, time management and dedication needed to succeed in a part time MBA programme is worthy of note. For me the key to success, and I must caveat that statement with the obvious observation that I have only just started, is foresight and flexibility coupled with a positive outlook.
However, from my perspective the benefits of studying for a MBA whilst being in a full time job are obvious. First, I am able to continue with my career. Second, the impact on my family is minimised by no dramatic change in personal circumstances giving up work although it is fair to say that studying part time requires considerable support from family and friends.
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Posted on June - 22 - 2011
Foran scored a run in the first, second and third innings and Taylor Harkness pitched a three-hitter as Foran won its first Class L softball title since 2002, 3-0, over top-seeded Bacon Academy at West Haven Monday afternoon.
Makaila Kowalsky of Bacon Academy is looking for a call from the umpire as Sage Esposito of Foran safely steals second base during their Class L championship game at West Haven High School Monday afternoon. Photo by JOHN WOIKE | .
Brooke Phelan scored the first run on a fielders’ choice in the first inning for No. 3 Foran (22-4). Rebekah DeRosa tripled and scored on a double by Dayna Finch in the second inning and Rachel Booth doubled, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Marissa Bruno for Foran’s third run.
Foran also t
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Posted on June - 22 - 2011
I began my administrative career as a principal 9 years ago and can still recall how I felt on my very first day.
The sun was out. Not a cloud in the sky. I recall a slight breeze out of the southwest.
It was the perfect school day. 
There wasn’t a student or teacher in sight (it was summer).
I walked into the office and plopped down at my desk.
And that was it.
I didn’t have a clue what to do next.
So, I just sat there.
In a puddle of my own sweat and fear.
In summary. New principal. Scared to death.
My gut told me I was unprepared and in way over my head.
My gut was right.
And a little nauseous.
I felt like two cats were wrestling in my lower abdomen.
As I look back, I realize how thankful I was for two things.
1.) What a lucky break I didn’t eat the night before. This
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