Welcome to the 2015 -2016 School Year

The Green River Reservoir, where I paddled and camped this summer. Image source: Vermont State Parks.

I hope you have had a wonderful and adventurous summer! I hiked Mount Philo, paddled and camped in the Green River Reservoir, and spent a week at the beach in Maine. These activities were adventures for sure, but I also participated on other adventures. I took a class on writing digital textbooks and produced two chapters of a Vermont History eTextbook that I will be sharing with you soon. I also attended meetings to design student personal learning plans (PLPs) and to design the next steps in the FWSU Action Plan. Our action plan is what guides our learning at GEMS and the other FWSU schools. Its principles shape our experiences as teachers and learners - and we are all teachers and learners!

One aspect of the Action Plan is leadership. Who are our leaders and what do leaders do?  Are leaders a small group of chosen people? or can anyone step up and be a leader? This was  a real discussion in our meeting this summer. Here are my takeaways:

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Leaders:

• Challenge themselves and others
  
• Ask questions and push the limits
  
• Respond to challenge with increased effort (growth mindset)
  
• Take charge of their own learning and help others learn
  
• Contribute ideas and actions to create a positive impact
• Set goals and take steps to meet them 

Anyone can be a leader, not just the select few. Not just adults, not just athletes, not just elected officials. Anyone!

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Will you be a leader this year?  I know you will have opportunities and be able to make choices. How will you respond to challenges? Will you take charge of your learning? What are your thoughts and ideas on this concept of leadership? Feel free to comment here. I look forward to the discussion. I am also looking forward to an awesome year and many learning adventures!


Sincerely,
Mr. Hadd
8th Grade Social Studies