Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Congratulations, Hilary Squier, META/LM Teacher of the Month

Homer Brink teacher, Hilary Squier is the March META/Liberty Mutual Teacher of the Month. 

Fellow META teacher Lynn Ross nominated Hilary for this honor because she is an inspiration, "I have witnessed over and over again how one person with energy, enthusiasm, and a beautifully kind soul can make the world a better place for many,” said Ross. “Hilary sees the potential in all of us. I find her moral compass inspiring.”

Hilary is an important co-director of the HB Morning Program. She uses her cheer, intuition, and determination to make many Morning Program initiatives successful, such as the Pajamas and Blankets program, the Veterans Day event, and Grandparents’ Tea.

Hilary also runs the HB talent show. She established the “Squier Choir,” a vocal performance group of over 50 children from HB and MM. Students have weekly lessons and perform for the community.

“The songs chosen and environment created by Mrs. Squier in her children’s choir are a shining example of how to effectively teach character education outside of the classroom,” said Ross. “For its members, the choir is a venue for building self-confidence and acceptance.”

Liberty Mutual representative David Harding presented Mrs. Squier with a gift certificate, and a certificate of recognition. Liberty Mutual will engrave her name on the plaque presented to the district. 

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Clean out for a good cause!


Image result for garage sale

Spring cleaning? Looking for a good time?
Donate gently used items 
(please no electronics, stuffed animals) to the
META Garage Sale

    Saturday, April 25th 

        8-9 set up
      9-1 SALE      1-2 clean up

              High School Cafeteria

MS, HS teachers respond to grading policy

Middle School teachers and High School teachers respond to how the grading policy affects students, teaching and school climate.

Click here for the Middle School responses

Click here for the High School responses

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Dr. Cashin (NYS Regent) comments on tests' tie to evaluations




“As a Regent of the State of New York, I cannot endorse the use of the current state tests for teacher/principal evaluation since that was not the purpose for which they were developed. It is axiomatic in the field of testing that tests should be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. They were designed to measure student performance, not teacher effectiveness. The American Statistical Association, the National Academy of Education, and the American Educational Research Association have cautioned that student tests should not be used to evaluate individual teachers. Nor should these tests be used for student growth measures until there is clear evidence that they are valid and reliable. The Board of Regents should commission an independent evaluation of these tests to verify their reliability and validity before they are used for high-stakes purposes for students, teachers, principals, and schools. How can we criticize people for opting out when the tests have not been verified? We need to cease and desist in the use of these tests until such time as we can be confident of their reliability and validity. If tests do meet those criteria, the tests must be released to teachers and to the public after they are given, in the spirit of transparency and accountability.” Dr. Kathleen Cashin

Friday, April 3, 2015