Howard Middle School Site Team Meeting
As this school has become an AVID Demonstration school, it's shared decision making meetings are called site team meetings. In attendance are the school principle, the core academic department heads (math,science,social studies, and language arts), elective teachers for band, choir,art, physical education, and AVID coordinator for the school. There is also one parent present as it is taking place very early in the morning. The main topic being discussed is how to best offer support to AVID students in an effort to help them to continue success.
The one thing that really has my attention is how open everyone feels in respect to sharing his or her opinion.There was some kind of scheduling issue that was predominantly affecting the elective teachers, but with the principle present and after a discussion on what direction would be best in solving it, it was able to be resolved right then and there.
Student Museum
The structure was built in 1902, and resides at 301 West 7th St Sanford, Fl 32771.Looking from the outside in, the first aspect to catch my eye was the architecture style. It caused me to visualize what old southern Florida must have been like; from visiting places like Blue Springs, I found I was focusing on whether or not the windows had long eves built on to them. I had once read that the long eves aided in air circulation and in helping to keep the temperature cooled inside the building. Inside I could not help being amazed at the colonial room and the Indian room. What a clever way to show case what the time period living environment was like at one point. The gardens surrounding the building were brilliant, just like those at Lou Gardens.
As it was explained to me, the school still has academic classes take place within its walls. Through out the academic school year it plays host to the local elementary school students. Teachers have lesson plans that get to come to life in the geography lab and demonstration gardens on property. Students also receive a clever lesson on self reliance via Grandmas Attic, where they experience churning butter or washing clothes on a washboard. I really enjoyed myself in the old school room. It felt like I took a trip back in time, and reminded me of how much our civilization has come in such a short time.
