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The Tip Sheet Today's Informed Principal
Feb. 9, 2021
Supporting with Feedback
Whether virtual or in person, school leaders often find themselves balancing the everyday leadership tasks with visiting classrooms to observe and give feedback. Our primary role is to ensure continual growth and progress for teachers and for students, and this is predominantly done through classroom observations followed by consistent feedback. 

At this point in the year, school leaders are in various stages of engaging in observations and feedback. You may be gearing up for your yearly evaluations, so this week’s featured leadership content is focused on Providing Effective Observations and Feedback in Various Learning Environments, courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education. In it you will find highlights of effective observations and feedback practices within in-person instructional settings and within virtual instructional settings.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” Observations and feedback provide that growth opportunity. So we leave you with this question: whose classrooms will you be visiting today? Remember, your visit and feedback will impact the improvement, achievement and success of that teacher and the students they serve!
Principal Spotlight
This week we learn more about Classical Academy High School Principal Stacey Perez and her experience leading during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How long have you been a principal?
I have been the principal for 6 years. I have been with Classical Academies for 15 years; 1st grade and 8th grade at Coastal Academy, 3rd grade and middle school at Classical Academy Vista.

What is one aspect of your school you are proud of?
Classical Academy High School's Personalized Learning Campus has an amazing culture that embraces students, families, and an incredible team of educators. I am proud that we can remain flexible, provide quality academic options and rigor, as well as personalized learning and mentorship for all students. 

How is this experience of leading staff through distance learning making a positive contribution to your (personal or professional) development?
I have the most amazing team who support one another in every aspect of distance learning. Based on our approach to education, we easily transitioned to distance learning and we found that based on our mentoring program, students were eager to participate. Distance learning has solidified that building relationships and communication are integral components of student success. As a leader, this has helped me navigate through the challenges of distance learning by being an active and intentional communicator.

What personal or professional values do you hold true to, in tough situations?
I am very honest and transparent, while being reliable and consistent. When confronted with an uncomfortable or tough situation, I find that picking up the phone and having a personal conversation almost always ends with a positive outcome.

What supports from / collaboration with colleagues have been useful during this time?
I am very lucky to work with other site principals and administrators in the Classical Academy organization who provide support, feedback, and guidance. We are able to meet to collaborate, communicate, and celebrate! The camaraderie provides a safe place and group to discuss ideas and my, often, out-of-the-box thinking. 

How are you reimagining what's possible for your school system moving forward?
Classical Academy High School's Personalized Learning Campus has been constantly reimagined since its inception seven years ago. Creating and maintaining a personalized learning program ebbs and flows with the student population, parent partnerships, and available space. We offer various program options, including a virtual and/or workshop blended model, full independent study, articulated courses, dual enrollment, and a pre-college business program with UCSD. Providing additional course offerings, a variety of clubs and activities, as well as on campus and virtual support will be at the forefront of our planning and updates. 

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
Eleanor Roosevelt.

What would you do (for a career) if you were not an educator?
Before becoming an educator, I was a corporate accountant and obtained a business degree. However, I had always wanted to be a teacher and have a passion for teaching and serving others. If not an educator, I believe I would explore counseling and working with families.

What is your most treasured possession?
Memories with my mom.
Coming Up
Principal Community Forums

Please join us on Feb. 23 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for our next Principals Community Forum.

The forums are designed to provide leaders an opportunity to have open dialogue about current issues faced out in the field. Principals will engage in a learning component on suggested topics or themes, followed by facilitated discussions for meaning-making and application to school leadership. You can register for any of the monthly sessions below:
  • Feb. 23
  • March 30
  • April 27
Develop Your Targeted Feedback Skills

Giving targeted feedback is a powerful skill and an important tool to support teachers as they grow their practice. It can help leaders give immediate feedback to a specific learning goal or area of focus. The San Diego County Office of Education partners with the nationally recognized University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership to offer the Targeted Feedback InstituteLearn more and register for the next institute, which will be March 17-19 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Tips for School Leaders
Resources to Support School Leaders

Grant Opportunity

Title: Brave of Heart Fund Grant 
  • Funding Source: New York Life Foundation and Cigna Foundation 
  • Funding Amount: Up to $75,000 (Initial: Up to $15,000 Second: Up to $60,000) 
  • Direct Link: www.braveofheartfund.com
  • Description: Grants to individuals to support family members of healthcare workers and volunteers who died from COVID-19. 
  • Deadline: May 15
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