http://modshare.local/middlestart/index.php/site/index/ en info@mod-lab.com Copyright 2012 2012-01-09T15:13:51+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi360_pso_bulletin_-_january_9_2012/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi360_pso_bulletin_-_january_9_2012/#When:15:13:51Z Hello Principals, I hope that you had a restful break. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and set up times that I could come and visit your schools within the next week or so. I am very excited to be your network leader and look forward to getting to know each of you and your schools. Establishing our working relationship is my first priority coming into this position. Having been a principal for over 12 years, I realize just how difficult your job can be. To that end, it is my hope to support your work with the common goals of bettering instructional practice, increasing student outcomes and building upon our current network/school support system to further develop human and organizational capacity. For the time being, I can be reached at either mselkis@fhi360.org or 1-518-879-1112. Please do not hesitate to call or email me anytime with questions, concerns and/or ideas that I can assist you with. If you have time this week and would like to meet, please let me know and I will make it to your school. I am hoping to make it to all of our network schools this week. Later this week, I will be sending you preliminary agendas for the January principal meeting and for the February retreat in order to get your feedback prior to finalizing it. We want this time to not only be a constructive medium with which we delve into various educational strands that impact your work, but also a celebration of your accomplishments as well as an opportunity for us to increase our cohesion through open dialogue in a somewhat social and open context . Again, I hope you had a great break and I look forward to hearing from you and to visiting your schools. Happy New Year and be well. Best, Michael Selkis Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2012-01-09T15:13:51+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi_360_new_york_office_has_a_new_address/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi_360_new_york_office_has_a_new_address/#When:15:20:23Z Our new location is in the same neighborhood near Union Square: 71 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor New York, NY 10003 Tel: 212-243-1110 Fax: 212-627-0407 Middle Start News, AED PSO, Middle School Leadership Project (MSLP) 2012-01-01T15:20:23+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/introducing_our_new_fhi360_pso_leader/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/introducing_our_new_fhi360_pso_leader/#When:19:56:12Z Dear FHI 360 PSO Principals and CFN Colleagues: I’m pleased to report that Michael Selkis will assume the role of director of the FHI 360 school support network this week. In this position, his primary responsibility will be to support you and your schools in your efforts to improve teaching, learning and students’ healthy development. As senior director of FHI 360’s school development and support team, he’ll also have the opportunity to apply the learning of other FHI 360 programs to the PSO. Michael brings strong experience to our network. He worked in urban schools in the San Francisco and Albany areas, where he was a middle school teacher, founded an alternative middle-high school for disengaged students, and was an elementary and middle school principal. Most recently he has been lead talent coach with the NYC DOE, overseeing a team of coaches and leading the implementation of the Department’s pilot teacher evaluation and teacher development program in 75 schools. He’s also taught in Mexico and served in the Peace Corps in Poland. He has a masters degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and is completing a doctorate in urban education at Teachers College, where the focus of his study is implementation of Common Core standards. I want to thank all of you for assisting us in this transition—for recommending candidates and participating in review and interviewing. Special thanks to Robert Mercedes, Dolores Peterson, Linda Rosenbury, Brian Kaplan, the FHI 360 Middle Start team, and to others who offered help. Kudos and thanks to Judi Aronson who assumed the role of interim network leader for these past two months, and who ensured that support for your schools would remain constant. We’re also grateful to Gail Gaines, Risa Sackman, Sara Panag, Oni Hutchinson, Viviene Verstandig, Christine Newkirk, Aurelia Enache, Maud Abeel, and the CFN team, who helped us all stay on course. In the next two weeks, Michael will be reaching out to all of you and will be visiting with you soon. Please welcome him to your schools, our network and the CFN. Best wishes to your and your colleagues and students for a peaceful holiday and a cheerful start to the new year. Patrick Patrick Montesano Vice President and Director, Center for School and Community Services FHI 360 | 71 Fifth Ave., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10003 Main: 212.243.1110 | Direct: 212.367.4573 | F: 212.627.0407 | pmontesano@fhi360.org Please note the new address of our New York office, effective December 10. We’re in the same neighborhood near Union Square, on the corner opposite our previous location. Our phone and fax numbers remain the same. Middle Start News, AED PSO, Middle School Leadership Project (MSLP) 2011-12-22T19:56:12+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/youth_create_media_project1/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/youth_create_media_project1/#When:18:58:55Z Newark Middle Start is pleased to introduce the AED Newark schools’ students to Youth Create Media Project, an exciting and powerful tool of creativity and expression……….. The timeline of activities is as follows: AED in Newark Public Schools 2011-04-01T18:58:55+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi360_pso_bulletin_-_december_2011/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi360_pso_bulletin_-_december_2011/#When:19:32:27Z It has been a pleasure to serve as interim network leader during these past 5 weeks. I look forward to continuing the work I have begun with some of the schools in my continuing role as Senior Consultant for fhi360. I have visited schools in our network and have been thoroughly impressed with the hard work and dedication that I have encountered. At our retreat, I got to spend some time with some of you, and your teachers. Your feedback and input will be used to plan the next retreat (February 3-4, 2012) at the principals’ meeting on December 14th at our new location on 71 Fifth Avenue. Sincerely, Judi Aronson, Interim Network Leader judivarnai@aol.com; 917-834-7938 Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2011-12-09T19:32:27+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi360_pso_bulleting_-_november_20111/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi360_pso_bulleting_-_november_20111/#When:18:45:18Z Dear Colleagues, Many thanks to all the principals who met with the FHI360 PSO Team recently to discuss next steps in our plans for network leadership. We appreciate the partnership we have with you and your schools and want to assure you of our continued support. • Judi Aronson, a long-time member of our PSO team and a former Empowerment Network Leader, principal, and superintendent, began serving as our Interim Network Leader on November 8. She can be reached by email at judivarnai@aol.com or 917-834-7938 (cell). Many thanks to Judi for stepping into this role again while we search for a permanent new network leader. • Gail Gaines-Savage and Risa Sackman, Senior Coaches on our PSO Team who are known to most, if not all, of you, will back up Judi and help us make sure that our PSO support remains highly responsive and focused on the goals of both the whole network and each of your schools. • Sara Panag, Onifa Hutchinson, and Viviane Verstandig will continue as Special Education Achievement Coach, Math Instructional Leader, and Literacy Coach, respectively. Christine Newkirk will continue to shepherd the Indicators for Success (ISIS) work. They, along with our office-based administrative/associate team, including Aurelia Enache, will work closely with Judi, Gail and Risa to ensure continuity of support to your schools. • Brian Kaplan remains the Deputy Director of the network and Senior Director of Operations Support of our CFN (511) Team, and can be reached at bkaplan@schools.nyc.gov or 917-543-2055 (BB). Brian’s entire CFN Team remains in place and ready to serve you. He and Judi are meeting regularly to review any urgent matters that need attention. • FHI 360 has posted a job description for the Network Leader on its employment website, and we have already begun to get inquiries and a few applications. We are also circulating the job description to various networks. • Our objective is to have a permanent new Network Leader in place before the end of December. Please let Judi, Brian, me or any member of our team know if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks very much for your continued partnership and hard work. Patrick Montesano and the FHI360 PSO Team * * * * * * * Dear Colleagues, I am eager to work with the FHi360 team to offer you continued support as Interim Network Leader. I plan to visit your schools during my tenure to get to know you and your school communities’ needs and how our team can work best to meet them. If you have any questions, concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to me, or to anyone on the FHI360 team. Judi Aronson, Interim Network Leader judivarnai@aol.com; 917-834-7938 Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2011-11-14T18:45:18+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi360_pso_bulletin_-_october_20111/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi360_pso_bulletin_-_october_20111/#When:21:10:21Z Dear Colleagues, I look forward to seeing you on the 19th of October at our Principal’s Meeting where we will engage in a working session related to our use of the Teachscape Data Collection Tool. We will also fine tune the plans for the upcoming FHi360 PSO Retreat. I look forward to seeing you all soon. In Partnership, Calvin Hastings and the FHI360 PSO Team Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2011-10-12T21:10:21+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi360_pso_bulletin_september_2011/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi360_pso_bulletin_september_2011/#When:20:55:38Z Dear Colleagues, My colleagues and I in the Center for School and Community Services at FHI 360 welcome you and your entire school communities back to another school year – those of you who have been working with us for several years, and those new to our network. We’ve all been grateful for the productive partnership we’ve had, and for the opportunity to work closely with you on behalf of the students for whom we’re collectively responsible. As most of you know, we and our former AED colleagues have moved to a new home in FHI 360, another non-profit organization committed to the development of under-served communities in the U.S. and abroad – through education, health, economic development and environmental programs. Calvin Hastings and the entire PSO team remain your primary contacts, of course; they and the network continue to be backed up by the same CFN team and the other central service supports we depend on. FHI 360 is a good home for us and has expressed its unequivocal commitment to the work of the PSO, your network, and your school communities. We are the same team, in the same location, with a renewed partnership with the network and your schools. Calvin Hastings and I continue to welcome your feedback about ways to strengthen our work and support for your schools. Please let us know your observations and suggestions. In Partnership, Patrick Montesano and the FHI360 PSO Team Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2011-09-22T20:55:38+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi_and_aed_sign_asset_purchase_agreement/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi_and_aed_sign_asset_purchase_agreement/#When:21:07:50Z FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Liza Morris (202) 251-8287 LMorris@fhi.org Misha Galley (202) 884-8388 mgalley@aed.org FHI and AED Sign Asset Purchase Agreement Washington, D.C., June 8, 2011 —Albert J. Siemens, PhD, FHI Chair and Chief Executive Officer, and Gregory R. Niblett, AED President and Chief Executive Officer, together announced today that FHI and AED have signed an asset purchase agreement for FHI to acquire the programs, expertise, and other assets of AED. In March 2011, Niblett outlined AED’s intent to pursue a single, qualified acquirer. After an extensive review and exploration process, AED’s Board of Directors and senior management have agreed that FHI is the right organization with which to move forward. The two organizations will work toward completing the acquisition within the next month, ensuring that projects continue uninterrupted. Additional details will be announced after the transaction is complete. “We believe FHI provides the right fit for the continuity of our work in health, education, civil society, environment, and social and economic development in the U.S. and around the world,” said Niblett. “We are confident that AED’s diverse programs and staff, and our reputation for service to society built over the last 50 years, will continue to flourish under the leadership, management, and fiscal stewardship of FHI.” FHI, a global health and development organization, plans to employ substantially all AED staff after the asset acquisition. “It is reassuring to know that we will be able to continue our programs in collaboration with our partners, donors, and funders for the benefit of the people and communities we serve around the world,” said Niblett. Over the last 40 years, FHI has been dedicated to improving lives around the world primarily through its work in health. Four years ago, FHI expanded its strategic focus to other sectors of development. The acquisition will enable FHI to expand its evidence-based approach to a broader set of social challenges – including education, health, science, research, civil society, and economic development – improving lives in the U.S. and abroad. “FHI and AED share similar missions, strong mutual histories of partnership at every level, and a commitment to foster sustainable development in communities in greatest need. Creating lasting change in the communities we serve is at the center of our work,” said Siemens. “The opportunity to leverage our collective expertise, programs, and partnerships will amplify our efforts to implement solutions to critical social problems around the globe.” ### For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 210 KB). ABOUT AED: AED is a nonprofit organization working globally to create enduring solutions to critical problems in health, education, social and economic development. Collaborating with partners throughout the world, AED develops and implements ideas that change lives through more than 100 programs in all 50 U.S. states and more than 50 countries. http://www.aed.org ABOUT FHI: FHI is a global health and development organization whose science-based programs bring lasting change to the world’s most vulnerable people. Since 1971, FHI has worked with 1,400 partners in 125 countries, forging strong relationships with governments, diverse organizations, the private sector and communities. By applying a scientific and evidence-based approach to programs, FHI is helping countries make measurable progress against disease, poverty and inequity—improving lives for millions. http://www.fhi.org Middle Start News, AED PSO, Middle School Leadership Project (MSLP) 2011-08-29T21:07:50+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi_360_has_acquired_the_programs_expertise_and_assets_of_aed/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/fhi_360_has_acquired_the_programs_expertise_and_assets_of_aed/#When:18:58:17Z FHI 360 has acquired the programs, expertise, and assets of AED. Visit us at http://www.fhi360.org. Middle Start News, AED in Newark Public Schools, AED PSO, AED New School Development, Middle School Leadership Project (MSLP) 2011-07-01T18:58:17+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_june_3_2011/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_june_3_2011/#When:21:21:51Z Dear Colleagues, On May 23rd I had the great pleasure of watching teams from six of our schools participate in the first annual AED Gamestar Mechanic Game Jam. Using game design skills that they had acquired during the semester, teams were given ninety minutes to create and publish a two dimensional online game based on a design challenge. A team of gaming experts provided feedback on the finished products. What I observed was a strong example of what relevant and engaging, performance-based learning and assessment looks like. As AED expands our work with Gamestar for the coming year, I would encourage all schools to participate. I admire the work that everyone is undertaking to maximize student engagement and learning during the final weeks of the school year. I look forward to convening on the 22nd at the Riverdale Diner to begin to map out our plans for next year’s work. In Partnership, Calvin and the AED PSO Team Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2011-06-03T21:21:51+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_may_7_2011/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_may_7_2011/#When:18:54:38Z Dear Colleagues, I am looking forward to our Principals’ Meeting next Wednesday at Science and Medicine Middle School. We will have the opportunity to meet with Doug Knecht from Tweed to discuss instructional expectations for next year as well as work through a dilemma of practice that Ingrid will be presenting. Finally, we will be discussing upcoming summer professional development opportunities including a two day literacy common core planning institute for teachers on June 29th and 30th. We recognize that Canarsie is a distance, but hope that all of you will be able to make this important meeting. In Partnership, Calvin and the AED PSO Team Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2011-05-07T18:54:38+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_april_7_2011/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_april_7_2011/#When:21:54:54Z It was a wonderful affirmation of all of our collective hard work to see the AED Network ranked 21 out of 69 networks for last year in terms of performance. As we gear up for this year’s round of state tests, I am more confident than ever that our students are better prepared to succeed than they have ever been. You and your team’s tireless attention to teacher development, use of evidence to drive improved teaching and learning and commitment to support the success of every child is evident when I and other members of the network team visit your schools. I had the good fortune to attend the Amercia’s Promise Grad Nation Summit several weeks back in Washington D.C. and left proud to know that our network is working successfully every day to build the pathway to high school graduation and post secondary success for our over 3,300 students. Please consider the PD offerings this spring. AED would like to add a few more workshops, but would like your input on what would be most useful at this time. Please send me your suggestions or tell me when I visit your school. In Partnership, Calvin and the AED PSO Team Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2011-04-07T21:54:54+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_march_11_2011/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_march_11_2011/#When:14:02:41Z Dear Colleagues, Today I had the opportunity to attend a presentation on the Common Core Standards where I learned more details about the assessments being developed by the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). The presentation reinforced the tremendous importance of the focus that we all a placing on the development of nonfiction reading skills. I know many of you are deeply engaged in the work of Stephanie Harvey and will be sending staff to tomorrow’s session. I look forward to sharing more of what I learned when I see many of you at Wednesday’s Principal’s network meeting at Cypress Hills Community School from 9:00 -12:30. In Partnership, Calvin and the AED PSO Team Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2011-03-11T14:02:41+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_february_7_2011/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_february_7_2011/#When:18:55:52Z Dear Colleagues, It was wonderful to spend Friday evening and Saturday with those of you who were able to attend the AED PSO Winter Retreat. Across the AED Network, there continues to be powerful work underway to support the academic, social and emotional development of our children. I am particularly impressed with the progress schools are making in systematically improving reading levels and the plans that are being developed, refined and implemented to assess year long growth in student writing skills. One of the most significant characteristics of our collective work is that it is being undertaken with a direct concern for supporting the success of ALL our children. Although the challenges are significant, I am more confident than ever, that with your continued strong leadership we can successfully address the very urgent need to raise the level of literacy across our network. In Partnership, Calvin and the AED PSO Team Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2011-02-07T18:55:52+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/congratulations_to_the_selected_second_cohort_of_aed_partners_in_leadership/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/congratulations_to_the_selected_second_cohort_of_aed_partners_in_leadership/#When:15:01:26Z This year, AED has selected the following middle school principals to participate in the Middle School Leadership Program (MSLP): Carol Carlsen, PS/MS 20 Donalda Chumney, Jonas Bronck Academy Dominic Cipollone, MS 219 New Venture Academy Serapha Cruz, MS 331 The Bronx School of Science and Inquiry Tomasz Grabski, MS 45 / STARS Preparatory Academy Nancy Rodriguez Lewis, PS 360 Linda Rosenbury, MS 22 Jordan L Mott School Meisha Ross Porter, Bronx School of Law, Govt & Justice Chrystina Russell, Global Technology Preparatory School Middle School Leadership Project (MSLP) 2011-02-01T15:01:26+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/congratulations_to_the_selected_third_cohort_of_aed_leadership_fellows/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/congratulations_to_the_selected_third_cohort_of_aed_leadership_fellows/#When:14:45:48Z This year, AED has selected the following assistant principals to participate in the Middle School Leadership Project (MSLP): Iris Aldea-Pollack, PS 360 Marla Aviles Lopez, Bronx ALC Giselle Fortiche-Ocampo, Jonas Bronck Academy Jasmine Gonzalez, PS 65 Edgar Lin, Henry School for Int’l Studies Eric Lincoln, MS 223 Beth Shimkin, MS 391 Sekinah Smith, The Essence School Christopher Williams, Jonas Bronck Academy Brian Zager, Castle Middle School MS 45 Middle School Leadership Project (MSLP) 2011-02-01T14:45:48+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_january_11_2011/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_january_11_2011/#When:20:22:19Z Dear Colleagues, I am looking forward to the year ahead as we work together to continue to improve the social, emotional and academic outcomes for the students in our network. I hope that you have put January 24th and 25th in your calendars for the continuation of our work with the New Teacher Center and January 19th for our Principals’ meeting at 381m. I look forward to meeting with many of you and your teams over the next few weeks to explore evidence of student learning to date as we approach the mid-year point. In Partnership, Calvin and the AED PSO Team Bulletin, Middle Start News, AED PSO 2011-01-11T20:22:19+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_leadership_fellows_program_20111/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_leadership_fellows_program_20111/#When:14:43:11Z If you still plan to apply to the AED Leadership Fellows Program, please do so. The application deadline has been extended until Monday, December 13. Middle Start News, Middle School Leadership Project (MSLP) 2010-12-06T14:43:11+00:00 http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_december_3_2010/ http://middlestart.org/middle-start-news/detail/aed_pso_bulletin_december_3_2010/#When:15:10:48Z A recent New York Times article by Peg Tyre, entitled A’s for Good Behavior, explores the contentious debate occurring in many schools across the country over what classroom grades should and should not reflect. See entire bulletin and article below. Bulletin, AED PSO 2010-12-03T15:10:48+00:00