What Do You Believe About Learning?

There are some questions that carry a lot of weight. When I am asked at a restaurant I want for dinner, I am generally able to answer that question pretty quickly, and even if I don't love what I ordered, I know the decision is of little consequence. However, when the Future Planning Committee and I were asked what we believe is true about deep and meaningful learning, we knew this required careful thought and consideration and that the implications of our answers would have a significant impact on the future of learning in Pleasantdale. When you pause to think about your own learning beyond the scope of school, often times learning revolves around topics that make you feel impassioned and purposeful. It was this sentiment that many of us were able to recall as we deliberated over what we believe about deep and meaningful learning. After engaging in spirited conversation, the committee came up with five belief statements that would guide us as we work "to create a community of inspired learners".

Belief 1: Students are passionately engaged in topics that examine world issues, where they feel a sense of purpose and in which they make a difference.

There was a perfect example of this belief statement in action this week at Pleasantdale Middle School. Our Student Council members immediately brought up the hard times brought upon Texas residents with the recent touchdown of Hurricane Harvey, and they wanted to help. They passionately wanted to help, so they established a quick two-day drive to collect clothing, toiletries, and a variety of other supplies that will be sent down to Houston. In addition, they came up with the idea to host "Hats for Houston" where students were able to donate $1 to benefit recovery efforts for Hurricane Harvey in order to be able to wear a hat to school on Friday, September 8. While this was not for a class, there was certainly learning that occurred as the students advertised, wrote announcements, and coordinated the collection of donations to ensure they will end up benefiting the victims of Hurricane Harvey. They felt a sense of purpose and know they will make a difference. Mrs. Driscoll and Mr. Ratcliff, the Student Council sponsors, facilitated and guided the students throughout the process, but the ownership belonged to the students, which is what leads to deep and meaningful learning!

Similarly, last year Mrs. Lauermann's (formerly Mrs. Carnes's) class adopted an alligator snapping turtle, an endangered species. The students felt compelled to save Spikey, as he was affectionately named, and other endangered species. They hosted fundraisers throughout the year to "Save Spikey" and wrote letters to other animal activist organizations to learn more about other endangered species and how they could help preserve these populations. Again, Mrs. Lauermann was a guide and facilitator of the learning, but the students were driven by their passions, felt a strong purpose and wanted to make a difference!

It is opportunities for these types of learning experiences that we want to create for Pleasantdale students, staff, and families on a regular basis as we strive "to create a community of inspired learners". We believe we can do it, and we are excited to have you all along for the ride. If you have ideas to get our community of learners involved in other ways which empower our learners to make a difference, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!