Welcome to a new school year, Jamestown Family!
Earlier this summer, my wife, Tami, and I had the pleasure of attending the 46th annual Fools’ Rules Regatta at the East Ferry Beach. As we walked around, observing small groups working together to bring their nautical visions to reality, I was reminded of our purpose as educators. If our collective goal is to prepare students for an ever-changing 21st century workplace, they must be able to think critically on their own and work collaboratively with others.
You are probably asking, how in the world does an event like the Fools' Rules Regatta cause Mr. Raleigh to reflect on how we educate kids? Great question! I will do my best to help you make the connection.
The regatta displayed many of the characteristics I expect to see in the classrooms of our schools. To begin, a performance event was established that was relevant to the lives of the participants. A rubric (scoring guide) was provided ahead of time so the participants knew the objective, expectations, guidelines, and rules, including various classes of vessels for the event allowed for choice and differentiation. Finally, there was a culminating performance event to assess mastery of the objective.
While the instructional components referenced previously are vital to deeper learning, the magic took place once the cannon was fired and construction of these non-traditional sailing contraptions began. Each group had two hours to create a sailing vessel using only non-nautical materials. Seeing all the various items used and how each vessel was constructed was certainly a demonstration of critical thinking. As I observed each group, I was impressed at how well they communicated and worked collaboratively to achieve the common objective. To me, the competition was secondary to the project-based learning that took place during the construction phase. Most importantly, they were having FUN! Yes, learning can and should be fun.
As we begin a new school year, I look forward to being in classrooms, observing the deeper learning experienced by our students, and the great instruction being disseminated by teachers and staff. Like the Fools’ Rules Regatta, I want the school year to be meaningful and fun!
I am extremely excited to begin my tenure as superintendent for the Jamestown School Department. It is a privilege and honor to have been selected as the next leader of this amazing school district. No matter where I go in the great state of Rhode Island, when I tell people where I will be living and working, they are always complimentary of the Jamestown community and schools. Tami and I are extremely excited to become members of your community and get to know students, families, and staff on a personal level. If you see us out in the community, please stop to say hi and share with us about you and your families.
Life is good!
David
