AMHS Annual Winter Retreat
by Leah Sadykov, English Teacher
On January 30, 2010, 53 August Martin High School staff members
participated in the AMHS Annual Winter Retreat, which took place
in the Aviator Complex in Brooklyn. This is the second consecutive
year that AMHS held a retreat. The goal of the retreat is for staff
members to brainstorm ways to improve school culture and
implement novel strategies. This year’s topics ranged from
academic success to social/ behavioral goals. The topics focused
on improvements within six categories: graduation rates, Math
Regents scores, English Regents score, RCT Scores, attendance,
and school environment.
Many new ideas were introduced. Some ways for improving
Regents and RCT scores included incorporating data driven
lesson planning and investing in technology for the classrooms.
Clear expectations and consistent consequences were as seen
crucial in improving student attendance and school culture. Some
teachers suggested that a greater reward system, not only
disciplinary repercussions, will improve student and school culture,
thus standardized test performance. Teacher, Mr. Robert, was a
member of the group discussing attendance. Mr. Robert said, “We
hope to share [the ideas] with those who were not present.”
Carmen Russo, an independent educational consultant hired by
AMHS, oversaw the brainstorming sessions. Russo was smiling
throughout the discussion. She verbally expressed delight with the
innovative and intelligent thinking evident in the conversations,
which lasted over three hours. The staff was enthused about
presenting and sharing their ideas.
The conversation was a true example of democratic teaching;
teachers, school aides, guidance counselors, assistant principals
and the principal all partook in the events, each contributing ideas
that will aid the greater AMHS community.
Some ideas have already been implemented. In an attempt to
bolster student performance and success, many after school
programs offering tutoring and credit attainment have been put
into place. A rigid policy concerning student lateness and
attendance includes limiting hallway passes during certain periods
of the school the day. The ease of implementation proves that the
retreat’s goals were met, defining the retreat as a success.
The second portion of the event focused on team building: all
participants got a chance to get physical. Shedding coats and
sweaters, the participants began with a game of Tug-of-War. Mr.
Herman and Ms. Cordero, the team captains, chose their
respective team members. Herman’s team, which included
Principal Cromer and AP Frank, won the first round. After the
opposing team challenged the victor to another round, Herman’s
team won again, leaving Cordero’s team primed for an aggressive
round of relay races. Cordero’s team, which included some agile
members, won the relay race. It seemed that Cordero’s team was
not satisfied with only one victory, for during Dodgeball, Cordero
and teammates bulldozed their opponents. Ricky Davis was the
last man left standing, giving Cordero’s team another victory.
For the final activity, the staff participated in a game of soccer.
Much to Cordero’s team dismay, Herman’s team won with 4 to 2.
Mr. Gulotti scored two goals, making him the MVP.
Overall, everybody enjoyed the event. Principal Cromer stated, “It
was fantastic. We did a lot of team building. We look forward to
building on to the ideas discussed today and achieving our goals.”
by Leah Sadykov, English Teacher
On January 30, 2010, 53 August Martin High School staff members
participated in the AMHS Annual Winter Retreat, which took place
in the Aviator Complex in Brooklyn. This is the second consecutive
year that AMHS held a retreat. The goal of the retreat is for staff
members to brainstorm ways to improve school culture and
implement novel strategies. This year’s topics ranged from
academic success to social/ behavioral goals. The topics focused
on improvements within six categories: graduation rates, Math
Regents scores, English Regents score, RCT Scores, attendance,
and school environment.
Many new ideas were introduced. Some ways for improving
Regents and RCT scores included incorporating data driven
lesson planning and investing in technology for the classrooms.
Clear expectations and consistent consequences were as seen
crucial in improving student attendance and school culture. Some
teachers suggested that a greater reward system, not only
disciplinary repercussions, will improve student and school culture,
thus standardized test performance. Teacher, Mr. Robert, was a
member of the group discussing attendance. Mr. Robert said, “We
hope to share [the ideas] with those who were not present.”
Carmen Russo, an independent educational consultant hired by
AMHS, oversaw the brainstorming sessions. Russo was smiling
throughout the discussion. She verbally expressed delight with the
innovative and intelligent thinking evident in the conversations,
which lasted over three hours. The staff was enthused about
presenting and sharing their ideas.
The conversation was a true example of democratic teaching;
teachers, school aides, guidance counselors, assistant principals
and the principal all partook in the events, each contributing ideas
that will aid the greater AMHS community.
Some ideas have already been implemented. In an attempt to
bolster student performance and success, many after school
programs offering tutoring and credit attainment have been put
into place. A rigid policy concerning student lateness and
attendance includes limiting hallway passes during certain periods
of the school the day. The ease of implementation proves that the
retreat’s goals were met, defining the retreat as a success.
The second portion of the event focused on team building: all
participants got a chance to get physical. Shedding coats and
sweaters, the participants began with a game of Tug-of-War. Mr.
Herman and Ms. Cordero, the team captains, chose their
respective team members. Herman’s team, which included
Principal Cromer and AP Frank, won the first round. After the
opposing team challenged the victor to another round, Herman’s
team won again, leaving Cordero’s team primed for an aggressive
round of relay races. Cordero’s team, which included some agile
members, won the relay race. It seemed that Cordero’s team was
not satisfied with only one victory, for during Dodgeball, Cordero
and teammates bulldozed their opponents. Ricky Davis was the
last man left standing, giving Cordero’s team another victory.
For the final activity, the staff participated in a game of soccer.
Much to Cordero’s team dismay, Herman’s team won with 4 to 2.
Mr. Gulotti scored two goals, making him the MVP.
Overall, everybody enjoyed the event. Principal Cromer stated, “It
was fantastic. We did a lot of team building. We look forward to
building on to the ideas discussed today and achieving our goals.”
| August Martin High School 156-10 Baisley Boulevard, Jamaica, New York 11434 Phone: (718) 528-2920 Anthony Cromer, Principal © 2007 August Martin. All rights reserved. |
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