Surfing USA - Riding The Wave Towards Idea Street

"Unfortunately, many people are in the same trap—and not only in academia. We are influenced by our teachers and parents to the extent that we spend our lives trying, as best we can, to mimic them, and all too often we end up being second-rate replicas." Bernard Roth

Since the unveiling of Idea Street, our innovative learning environment, there has been an overwhelming amount of questions that have come my way. Yet, the most frequent questions:

"You have surfboard bars in your school?  What are they for and where are they?" 

Yes, we have three 8 foot "made from scratch" surfboards. Two will be bars and one will be the official sign of IDEA STREET. Why do we have surfboard bars? Well...WHY NOT! 

Our school is located in a small town that prides itself on many things, including being "The Gateway To The Shore."  

IT Director Aleng Phommathep (@Alengman)

Interim Superintendent Bob Garguilo (@Rgarguilo60)

First coat

Frog tape works wonders

Bulletin Board Removed

Rollin, Ted, and Robert measuring it up

Goodbye hallways and Welcome to Idea Street!

Dry erase board, surfboard bars, and stools are on the way!

 Learning anywhere, at anytime!  

Building The Foundation, One Brick At A Time

"When our self-worth isn't on the line, we are far more willing to be courageous and risk sharing our raw talents and gifts.  One way to embrace creativity is to let go of comparison." Brene' Brown.

This past winter, I had the opportunity to attend the executive summit at FETC in Orlando, Florida. During this great experience, I was able to collaborate with many great individuals and hear their stories.  Yet, it was Diana Rendina's (@DianaLRendina) story that stood out the most to me. She shared how she transformed her classroom into a place that embraced flexibility, innovation, and something untraditional.  Her classroom had a Lego Wall! Need I say more? 

As I mentioned earlier in Goodbye Hallways and Welcome to Idea Street, we created our own Lego Wall in the 5th grade section of Idea Street! Thanks to the help of Janice Dye (JaniceDye22) and Andrew Humphries, we were able to lay the very foundation of our new innovative space.  As it went up piece by piece, we laughed, shared stories, and couldn't help to wonder what the future holds when the students and staff get the opportunity "play/create/inspire." Just the thought of them sharing their talents and gifts with each other during class on Idea Street, or during passing, is exhilarating. 

The Cornerstone 

The Foundation

Alignment is Crucial 

Patience is a Virtue 

MORE TO COME AS IDEA STREET MOVES FORWARD....

Goodbye Hallways and Welcome to Idea Street!

When someone enters your building or classroom, is it inviting them to be innovative or does it bring out a sense of something else? At our Middle School, we are about to embark on a remarkable journey. 

Welcome To Idea Street! 

Last January, I took a risk and placed a Makerspace in our hallway because our students deserved something better! (http://connectedleadlearner.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-ones-who-see-things-differently.html?m=1). This was a massive success, as it created a movement of makers (students and staff), while improving the climate and culture in the building. 

Take a moment and think about the hallways in your current learning environment. Lockers, open space, bulletin boards, and student work come to mind as it depends on the grade level building that you work in. As you walk down your hallways, does it create a sense of invitation of excitement to students or does it scream traditional, institutional, boring where discipline issues occur? More than likely, it's the later of the two. Yet, I have to ask, "Why do we continue to ignore this"? This ladies and gentlemen is where I draw the line. 

What our "hallways" used to look like. 

After reading David Jakes blog post last year, The Importance of Words in Education (http://davidjakes.me/?p=1602) and having him brought in for a full day of design PD (http://blogs.ncs-nj.org/daedalus/2015/07/17/our-piper-at-the-gates-of-dawn/) I couldn't help to think about our learning space more. 

The conversations that took place truly pushed my mindset to make a change. Why? Because, we are in preparing our students to excel in today's world, instead of the past. 

Statistically speaking, hallways in a school building make up to 30% or more of unused space. For the past year, I toyed with the idea of creating something different. Anyone that knows me, knows that I don't believe that all learning takes place in the "classroom" and we need to be different for our students. I even joked from time to time about making it look like Google, or Ron Clark's schools instead of just a boring space. 

So what did we do???? 

-All bulletin boards have been replaced by writable whiteboards. Other open areas have also been covered.  Yes, they can even use the windows overlooking the library and outside as dry erase boards too! Can anyone say d. School? 

-Stationary bikes have arrived. Yes, we have 5 stationary bikes on Idea Street. Imagine reading a book or just simply exercising while having a class on Idea Street?

-An 80in. by 80in. Lego wall is going up near the fifth grade wing. Creativity anyone?

-We constructed (yes, designed and cut) two bars for the idea wall/genius bar for our tech squad, in the shape of surfboards since we are a shore community. 

- 7 tall round bar tables with multicolored, raised chairs are on on their way!

- 10 Hokki stools are on their way! 

-Yes, we even have an aquarium going in on Idea Street!  A trophy case built into the wall, will be the home for our terrapin turtles that Mr. Law (6th grade science teacher) is receiving in a grant. 

-The students upon returning will be painting the aquarium area walls to resemble the turtles natural habitat. 

After putting the bikes together, a few tech squad students, Janice Dye (@JaniceDye22), our Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, and I went for a ride.  These will be positioned on Idea Street, overlooking the outside courtyard.

        LEGO WALL coming soon!

Our amazing IT Director, Aleng aka @Alengman is always around to assist when it comes to bettering our school!

Our goal is to create an "experience" for our staff and students to promote learning anywhere at anytime. Also, with the additional 10 tables going up outside, thanks to our PTO, we are creating an innovative environment that strongly supports our goal of implementing design thinking, hands on making, and being empathetic centered learners. 

Taking the advice of David, we changed our wording and renamed our hallways to "Idea Streets". 

As we move forward, I leave you with the very same question David Jakes presented to me. 

"Before you purchase or change anything for the sake of changing, what is the experience you are trying to create?" 

MORE TO COME....

The Great, The Good, The Sad - ISTE Weekend

ISTE 2015 weekend was an absolute whirlwind!  I had the opportunity to attend Tomorrow's Classrooms Today, an invite only pre-ISTE party, and ISTE2015.  To attend all of these events, I am beyond fortunate to work for a district that strongly believes in investing in our students, teachers and our community. Yet, more importantly, I am blessed to have an amazing wife and son who understand my passion to better their lives and the lives of others.

However, I must admit that this post will not be completely positive, as I have done in the past. Don't get me wrong, there were SO MANY outstanding ideas and conversations that took place this weekend, however, I was disappointed as well. 

My thoughts from ISTE weekend:

The Great: Tomorrow's Classrooms Today was a big success for the great guys, Evolving Educators, who put it together. I was greeted at the registration table by Jerry Blumengarten, aka @Cybraryman, who quite honestly said the most humbling words that I have heard in a while: "Glenn, why can't their be more principals like you." Honestly, it completely caught me off guard and I was at a loss of words. I still am, but I do know that I am only as good as the people around me. Then I had the opportunity to meet so many passionate educators for the first time face to face as I had known them for over a year or two thanks to Twitter. The conversations were AMAZING, as they were real, authentic, and focused, as if nothing else mattered in the world at that time. What's not to love when passionate people come together to share ideas/stories to improve the lives of students, teachers, and community stakeholders. 

The Good: With only one day to fully "conquer" ISTE, I walked the entire expo floor, sat in on a few sessions, and had some great face to face conversations with PLN members. Yes, I would have loved to have had more than one day, but I didn't. However, when I left, I had an incredible, positive headache. On the expo floor some vendors provided  interesting ideas/products to take back to my staff, while others were mediocre. 

Personally, my main focus was updating learning environment furniture (trying to not say classroom), yet there was very limited furniture there to sample. 

The Sad: Without mentioning names, I was disappointed by the actions of some "edustars".  This is by no means a gripe session, or pity me, but a hopeful wake up call to them. When I tried to speak with these individuals, I couldn't help to feel judged, deemed unworthy, and looked down upon. Perhaps they were having a bad day, were tired, or just didn't care. Yet, I couldn't help to think, has this "connected celebrity status" gone to their heads? I found it sad that the mindset of "look at me" overruled "we practice what we preach, and make a positive difference in all lives." Are we not educators who preach to our students to be respectful, don't judge a book by a cover, and don't forget where you came from? 

Yes, being "connected" is creating "edu-celebrities." Yet, I can't stress it enough: remember back to your college days when you wanted to be an educator. You wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, instead of seeking personal glory. 

Just my thoughts... 

A true champion of education and remarkable scholar, Jerry Blumengarten aka @cybraryman1 

A true gentleman, passionate educator, and outstanding father/blogger, Jon Harper aka @jonharper70bd 

Jeff Bradbury aka @teachercast setting up for his intensive ISTE2015 podcasting schedule. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of it. 

Outstanding session lead by the amazing Matt Miller aka @jmattmiller

My great friend and tech wizard, Aleng Phommathep aka @alengman being interviewed by ISTE TV.

True Leaders Are Everywhere In Our Schools

"To lead people, walk beside them. As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence ... When the best leader's work is done, the people say, 'We did it ourselves!'" – Lao Tsu, Chinese philosopher 

As the sun sets on another school year, promotion exercises and graduation ceremonies are upon us. It's the time of the year when principals, superintendents, distinguished guest, and student speakers are placed in front of large crowds to offer a message for others to hopefully remember.  They are the ones that are remembered for their powerful speeches and all that they do for the school. Yet, the ones that truly deserve the recognition, are often the ones hidden in the crowd.

Think for a moment of who sent out all the invitations, ordered the diplomas/cap and gowns, organized the website for live streaming, set up the student seating charts/walking procedures, and placed the chairs/tables on the floor. Who labored through an entire year dealing with various questions, and specifications for that one special night? Was it just the superintendent or principal? No, it is the numerous other leaders in the building that make these magical nights happen.  Yes, I am talking about the teachers, secretaries, custodians, and IT department!

Each year, I am blessed to work in a school that is clearly, OUR school.  These individuals put their blood, sweat, and team pride into their projects to make US have one of the best ceremonies around.  They do it, because the students deserve nothing but the best. And at the completion of it all, they all look around and say, "Wow, that was great, but how can we make it better next year?" This is true staff leadership/voice at its finest, as they have such a strong desire to imagine new innovative ways to better each other.

I am very grateful for those that I work with, and appreciate how we all have respected voices in the process.  We all make each other better, which in turn creates an incredible place to work.

THANK YOU TO ALL THAT MADE OUR YEAR COME TO A FANTASTIC END! I am beyond proud of all of you! #NCSPRIDE

If you are interested in watching an HD 1080p broadcasting of an 8th grade promotion ceremony, please watch the following.  Thanks @Alengman 

Streamed Live and Recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tT_U_NjlAk&feature=youtu.be 

My Speech for 2015:

Good Evening 

I would like to a take a moment to thank our mayor, Erland Chau, Assemblyman Mazzeo, our distinguished guests, our amazing parents, Mrs. Vaccaro, Mrs. Dye, Board of Education members, and our outstanding staff who make our school one of the finest in the state. 

I would also like to take a moment to thank my mentor, and our interim superintendent, Mr. Robert Garguilo for his relentless dedication, support and leadership to our great community.

Tonight, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to present to you the class of 2015.

For the majority of you, the past nine years, our school, has been your second home. I am sure that it probably felt like it was just yesterday, when you walked into your kindergarten classroom for the first time. Through good times and rough times, our staff and your classmates became part your family.  Yet, little did you realize, that as you grew, the staff in the school grew with you. Their desire, and passion to see that you received nothing but a top notch education became stronger, because of who you were becoming: young future leaders who want to make a positive difference in our world.  

Albert Einstein once stated,  “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning.”  I ask that you never stop embracing the notion of Wonder. It is your curiosity, imagination and willingness to challenge status quo that will truly change the world.  In your days ahead, I promise that you will be asked numerous times, what do you want to do for a living? Yes, this a question that will not escape your future. Even as you sit here tonight, I am sure that some of you are probably wondering this very question right now.  However, the question that I wish to instil upon you is, What problem in the world do you want to solve? Think for a moment of all the times you watched the news, read about your social media pages, and wondered why does that happen.  Yet, it continues to happen over and over again.  With wonder, curiosity and imagination, you all have an opportunity to make a difference, and leave a mark on this world that could always be remembered.  Yet, as you grow older, these traits begin to shrink, because of tradition and status quo. I urge you to never surrender these traits as they may be the key to unlocking some of the world’s biggest mysteries.  

No matter where you are in the future, you will be faced with many challenges, and I encourage you to look into your years of education at NCS and remember how much you have grown and who you truly are. Ignore negative people, and lean on your true friends who stand by you through trying times. Even when you are questioned as to why you are challenging the notion of status quo, do not forget that in order to solve our problems, you cannot use the same thinking that created them.  

Continue to make us proud, and always remember that you are ready for any situation that presents itself to you.  

Yes, the speech my be short, but as my mentor, Robert Garguilo always says, "Be brief, be bold, be gone." 

Congratulations to the Class of 2015!

Who Do You Appreciate...Fake Assembly

Have you ever been to an assembly that didn't turn out the way you thought it would go? Sure, we all have! Yet, let's take that question a step further where the Lead Learner lied to the entire staff about the presentation? I'm sure many of you are now questioning why would such a thing ever happen, and what type of person would do such a thing? 

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I lied to my entire staff and did it to them on the first day of Teacher Appreciation Week! 

Ok, seriously, what kind of a leader does that to such a valuable group of individuals whose sole purpose in life is to improve the lives of young children? 

This Lead Learner did, with the help of the entire student body! Yes, we faked an assembly and it was AWESOME!

Two weeks ago, I called our student council officers into my office and asked if they would be willing to help me pull off a crazy idea.  I explained to the five officers that I needed them to interview students through the school day, before or after school without being caught. They were instructed to ask each student if they'd be willing to share a "Thank You" to a teacher that made a difference in their lives this year or in the past. Then they had the toughest job in the world to do: telling their own classmates (grades 5-8) that they couldn't say a word to any of their teachers. YES, A MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HOLDING A SECRET IS TOUGH. THE THOUGHT OF ASKING SO MANY OF THEM TO DO IT WAS SCARY, BUT EXTREMLY TRUSTWORTHY. 

After much stealth work by our officers, they reconvened in my office where they downloaded each video clip and created a short video that would be shown at the assembly. They even called in one of their tech squad friends instead of our IT department to help finalize the video. Yet, we still needed a way to make the assembly seem so real that no one would know that it was fake. As a big believer in student voice, I asked the officers for their ideas, and wow, they were great!  

They came to an agreement that the beginning of the video should have an two anti-bullying slides, followed by static. Then after 30 seconds of static, the video transitioned to: THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR TEACHERS, followed by each student's thank you. BUT...

We still needed to add some dramatics. We planned that I would lead the assembly by explaining that I was able to bring in a top anti-bullying speaker last minute. Then, while explaining what the assembly was about, I was to take a fake phone call at the podium. I was to walk out in frustration and say I'm so sorry but I need to take this. I would then say that maybe our student council officers could assist me while I was talking to the missing speaker. The officers then would walk in as I walked out of the gym and take over. They would pretend to lead the assembly and try to fix/play the video. After 30 seconds of faking it, they would sit down and I would come back in. When the video made its way to the static, I was to act frustrated again to them. Then the magic would begin!

Yes, the student body and I lied to the staff, but it was worth every second of it! As the video played, the emotions that I felt from seeing their facial expressions were priceless. At the conclusion of the video, I took the mic and asked that each teacher stand. Then the entire student body gave them a huge round of applause which they so deserved. 

Thank you to all of my staff as they constantly strive to enhance the lives of our students! Thank you to all the great educators that I had in my life!

Here is a link to their video: http://youtu.be/86BuXG_dryo 

Grateful To Be A Connected Educator

This past Sunday, I was contacted by a good friend, colleague, and member of my PLN, stating that he was nominating me for the Middle School Principal #bammyawards http://www.bammyawards.org/nominations/index.php/component/content/article/57-middle-school-leader/1668-glenn-robbins.html  The person who went out of his way on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to nominate me was none other than Steve Santilli (@SPSantilli). 

I am very much humbled and honored by his nomination as he a remarkable Lead Learner and Bammy award recipient that I am proud to call him my friend. 

Being a connected educator has opened my eyes to innovative ways to improve my school that I never knew were possible. It allowed me to connect with outstanding educators who were willing to share their success stories as well as their failures, all in hopes that someone would build off of it to make their school communities better. 

You would think that in our highly competitive society, individuals would not be willing to "share their secrets" to success without compensation in return. Yet, I believe I speak for many of us that it's about bettering each other, our teachers, our schools, and most importantly our students! No egos are needed if you want to make an impact in a student's life. 

There are so many amazing educators in our country and they all deserve to be nominated. All you need to do is simply go to www.bammyawards.org and provide a voice for someone who deserves it. If you're still unsure as to who to nominate, you can still vote for others. Stand up and let someone know what they mean to you. 

Personally, my "award" is seeing the dramatic transformation that my school has gone through in my three years there. To have staff and students smiling each day as they enter the building means everything to me. As with any new position this was a challenge at first, but the hard work was certainly worth it.  The process of placing people before programs through trust, respect, empathy, encouragement of autonomy, and transparency has been an "award" for all at our school. Students and staff are given a voice, which resulted in outstanding ideas. They are trusted and respected to utilize a BYOD program when many schools in our area still collect electronics from students and staff are written up for having their devices out. The cultural transformation, while developing a 21st century learning environment that strives on teacher pedagogy of risk taking, and not being micromanaged or yelled at has been an "award." Everyone is as good as those around us. I am grateful for the team of teachers, students, families, and all community stakeholders who make OUR school better. 

Nothing makes me more proud than having our ambassadors (staff and students) bragging to their familes and friends about how incredible their school is. No piece of hardware could ever triumph the joy of teachers and students learning in an educational environment that strives to be better each day. 

Lastly, I am whole heartedly grateful for the votes being submitted to me. The words being shared about me to the Bammy community has been one of the most powerful, emotional forces to ever "hit me." The words, thank you, cannot be said enough! Those votes/statements are the best "award" that I could ever receive. As I mentioned earlier, everything that I do, is to enhance the lives of all of those around me. 

I can certainly promise everyone that I will work harder than ever to ensure that I will not let anyone of your words go to waste. 

My vision and goals each day are to provide an educational environment that truly prepares our students for their future and not ours.