Hi all. Welcome from snowy Fairfield Center, Maine. Not many schools are in session today because of the weather.
I spent yesterday (12.08.09) with the high school math department chairs of Newark, New Jersey. What a great day I had. This year all 16 (I think) high schools in Newark are implementing SIMMS as their only math curriculum. I spent a week in July with 75 or so high school teachers. What an outstanding group. The enthusiasm and and commitment were contagious.
Their chairs asked to spend a day with me in order to figure ways to further support their respective departments. We shared things about the curriculum, what to expect when you step into a SIMMS class, the best ways to facilitate professional learning communities that include SIMMS, how to communicate with parents about the curriculum, and just a tiny bit about my grandchildren. Well, what did you expect for a nickle?
At the end of the day the kids on Newark are going to be the ones who benefit the most from this wonderful group of people. It seems that whenever you hear the word Newark negative comments come up. It is time to realize what positive things are happening in this city. I have really enjoyed my time there, and look forward to returning many times. It is leaders like these math people who make it an up and coming community. Go in peace. Jim
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