The use of Growth Based Assessment, Communicating Student Learning, and Reporting continued to be part of the focus during the 2019-2020 school year. As a staff, we also started a journey of exploring our shared beliefs and values. This work tied in nicely with the school district theme of "Gratitude" and helped to guide the staff exploration of beliefs and values. However, the staff focus took an unexpected turn in March, when we needed to learn how to operate during a global pandemic.
During our staff meetings, there was a continued and collaborative focus on using Growth Based Assessment and Communicating Student Learning. We also used this time to explore the theme of gratitude and to deepen our shared beliefs and values. In January, this exploration started a process of developing a staff vision statement. Unfortunately, this work was halted in March, when we shifted our school focus to learning how to educate during a global pandemic.
In early October, we had an opportunity to challenge our beliefs and values by spending Implementation Day working with our district's Autism Spectrum Disorder team. The day focused on learning more about Autism Spectrum Disorder and exploring practical strategies that could be used to the benefit of all children. It was very evident that the staff firmly believed in being inclusive and were very eager to implement these new strategies.
In March, we entered an unprecedented time in education when a global pandemic was declared. This forced us to shift our focus and energy into learning how to educate students from a distance, how to safely work together as a staff, and how to maintain and foster a sense of belonging and connection with staff and students.
Although this was a very trying time, a lot of positives emerged. The staff gained a lot of confidence in being flexible and learning to adjust to a changing landscape. Confidence was also gained in using various forms of technology, including new programs, in order to provide remote learning opportunities to students. This work aligned well with the ongoing collaborative process of becoming more adept at Communicating Student Learning. Some of the new technologies will continue to be used and become part of the practice of some of the teaching staff moving forward.
Ultimately, the team at BHE became even stronger and more united through the pandemic. Many hurdles were cleared in learning to safely work together in the building. Some students were welcomed back to the building in June 2020. They were welcomed back to a safe and inviting classroom environment. The staff is commended for all of the effort put into creating a safe environment that students wanted to attend, even in the midst of the uncertainty of life in a pandemic.