WORLD SAVVY

Global learning is no longer a luxury, but is essential preparation for a changing world. #WorldSavvy @danamortenson @nkces.org  

Check out WorldSavvy.org

http://nkces.org/news-release-commissioner names program review task-force/

Today, Commissioner of Education Stephen Pruitt named a task force to study Program Reviews and consider solutions to address challenges related to the Program Review process. ​

Those among the named to the Commissioner’s program are NKCES Executive Director, Amy Razor and Jay Brewer, Superintendent of Dayton Independent Schools.

See news release​ for more information.

NKCES NEWS

http://nkces.org/nkces-teachers-for-visually-impaired-take-show-on-the-road

TOP Ten #SandlinStrong

The following TOP TEN list is in memory of a great educator who positively impacted many students, colleagues and his community.  As I reflected on Thanksgiving Day, each memory made me smile and even laugh aloud through the tears. This is simply a few of my memories put into a format Dave would appreciate. I'm sure you could add your own memories to this # list!

#SandlinStrong

 

 

TOP TEN #SandlinStrong

 

10   #LittleThingsMatter

Dave has a memory like an elephant:  I was Michael's second grade teacher during my fourth year of teaching. Dave would share explicit details from that year (from stories Michael wrote to our Nutcracker Production) that most people wouldn't have remembered....but he knew the little things mattered. If you began a conversation with Dave on one of his beloved topics such as family, Campbell County Schools, Reds or the Bengals…you can be assured he would know the dates, names and other key facts like no one else!

9 #WhateverItTakes

Dave was always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.  You can see that by all of the posts as past students are telling their Mr. Sandlin stories. Sometimes it was extreme:   At one conference, we were in a glass elevator and without notice Dave hit the ground and began doing the army crawl. It's a long story but at that time he felt like it was a "whatever it takes" moment and he embraced it!  How else do you blend in while riding a glass elevator?!?  Those who have heard the story are saying, “Only Dave”! 

8  #LaughterAtAllCosts

If you were ever around Dave for long, you couldn't help but end up laughing.  Probably the funniest memory was the time we were at a CCS Retreat and the guest speaker began singing with a recording that had back-up singers.  He thought it was Connie and I singing and tried to get us to stop.   Needless to say, it was a moment that you had to be there....to this day I still get random mailings and references because of Dave's retelling of the event. He would go a great lengths to make others smile....I am sure we could crash FB if everyone posted a Dave's Humor Story!

#FallMulching


7  #TemperaturePrank #NeonFlashlight  #mulching
        (Only a few of you may get number 7 but I am confident that you are smiling! I had to add the recent text for effect for those who understand that Dave can remember an inside joke 8 years plus!)  @Dan.Razor @Mark.Hegyi  @Scott.Melton  @Renee.Boots @Julie.Hubbard @Tony.Mazzei @Kim.Visse @Pam Cade 

6   #InTheFight

 I have never witnessed anyone fight illness more than Dave Sandlin.  He put 110% into fighting his battle and always found the positive.  He even tried to help others who were battling cancer.  In order to keep his body as healthy as possible, he began making juices (with Anne's recipes) to provide the best nutrition for himself.  We even had a juicing “gathering” at my house where he taught others how to make Kale and Banana Drinks.  I think I had more fruit and veggies in that 3 months of juicing than I had in my entire life!

 5  #CardinalTOCamel

Many of you know that Dave is a loyal Camel but did you know he was also a Grant's Lick Cardinal?  As a past GLE student, teacher and principal, I loved sending our students to the middle school where they would be in the hands of a leader who understood the value of their elementary school. Each year he would come to our 5th Grade graduation and tell the story of making his first shot off the wooden backboard into the basketball hoop in the gymnasium.  He would also surprise them by knowing "Cardinal Pride" and promising to flash them the "pride" symbol when he passed them in the hall.  How lucky was it to have this kind of historical view and dedication to Campbell County Schools?

4    #Loyalty

Webster’s dictionary defines loyalty as a strong feeling of support or allegiance. Dave's friendship knew no distance or time (or situations).  No matter where I was in my career, I could count on Dave to always be a cheerleader. Out of the blue, I would receive random texts, messages and even songs written on the current educational topics.  He found creative ways to make sure you knew he was supporting you in good or bad times. Loyalty is definitely a word that describes who Dave was to many who had the privilege of receiving one of his texts or phone calls to let you know he was cheering for you!

3  #Family1st

Dave was always so proud of his kids (and now granddaughter)...One night we were out together celebrating one of his milestones and he got a call that one of his kids needed him.  Without hesitation, he jumped up and ran out. Anne had just met all of us but we promised him we would get her home! He also talked non-stop about being able to walk his daughter down the aisle for her wedding—this became a milestone for him as he was recovering. These memories stick out in my mind, despite all that he was dealing with—his family came first.

2    #Educator Impact   

As educators we often talk about giving 100% or putting students first but Teacher Sandlin, Counselor Sandlin, Principal Sandlin....gave 110%.  He was consumed with being a Camel and this impacted students beyond belief.  His strength wasn't curriculum (sorry Dave)....his strength was something even more important. He knew the value of relationships.  Remembering names, stories and checking in with students and past colleagues was his strength....he did this better than anyone! Follow Dave's example....you never know what impact you are making. I hope he is able to see all of the posts from past students and colleagues that show how great his impact was throughout his career.

1  #Unwavering Gratitude
Despite many hardships, Dave truly found ways to focus on what he was grateful for in his life.  Each time another obstacle would come around the bend, he would set another goal or make a new plan to fight the battle.  When he received his transfusion he had a birthday party at the hospital and the walls were covered with posters, cards and letters.  He focused on those messages and not the procedure that was about to occur.  He never held on to the negative that would make his heart bitter, instead he focused on the positive and to those watching him(take a look on the Sandlin Strong Page….a grateful heart was evident.

 

WHY NKCES?

#NKY~TheBestPlaceToLearn




 

 

 

#NKY~TheBestPlaceToLearn

As an educator, many positive opportunities have allowed me to use my skills and talents to  impact students and student learning. I have served in various roles that include teacher, instructional coach, principal and assistant superintendent.  Each position has played a key role in who I am today as a leader. Recently, I have accepted the position as Executive Director of NKCES.  I believe my past experiences have prepared me to lead in this regional position to support all 17 Northern Kentucky Districts.  I plan on using this blog to highlight NKY Educator and student successes, some of my professional learning opportunities and, of course, the impact on student learning. Most importantly, I am a "Kids First" educator and believe that if decisions are based on what is best for students--their voice can be heard the loudest!

As I begin my work as the Executive Director of NKCES, the word that I have been sharing is "synergy": two or more things working together in order to create something that is bigger or greater than the sum of their individual efforts. As a region, we have the challenge of preparing students from an early age to be college and career ready and to build capacity as educators through professional learning opportunities. We want to be your partner and help connect, grow and serve your professional learning needs. I believe that the educational talent and passion for impacting student learning is exceptional in Northern Kentucky. I hope you join me in creating synergy for our region that makes a significant impact on student learning.
Excellence in teaching and leadership is a career-long process. The NKCES Team is your partner in professional learning to focus on individual learning, to foster collaboration for school improvement, to impact program implementation by coordinating opportunities for sharing and providing feedback all for the purpose of moving students toward success. Please contact the NKCES Team to request additional support or suggestions for professional learning. We are committed to building the capacity of educators in Northern Kentucky and we want to start by helping you.

    

 I would love for you to check out our NKCES webpage that highlights the events, opportunities and general information at our NKY cooperative: http://nkces.org/   

Also, as I begin a new journey, I have created a website @ http://www.portfoliogen.com/arazor_kids1st/   --feel free to check it out!  

 

 

EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING @ INSTRUCTIONAL ROUNDS

Instructional Rounds introduces educational leaders to the key principles and practices of an effective, classroom-oriented approach to observing, analyzing and improving teaching and learning.
Cost is free for NKY member districts.

Be sure to check out our next Instructional Rounds training:
December 10th, 2015, 8:30am-3:30pm at Gateway Community and Technical College Convening Center
December 11th, 2015, 8:30am-3:30pm at Lindeman Elementary School












To register click Instructional Rounds Training
 

Thank you to Dr. Pruitt, Commissioner of Education, who visited NKCES to share his vision with NKY Superintendents.

NKCES “Kick off” Event September 21, 2015

Thank you to everyone who attended our “Kick off” event.  It was a great success as we work to build synergy in Northern Kentucky Schools!       

                                               Link to:  NKCES “Kick off” Pictures

  Amanda Ellis, Associate Commissioner & Karen Kidwell,
Division of Program Standards
Kentucky Department of Education

Northern Kentucky Schools Districts and Partners Celebrating
 a New School Year and Vision for NKCES



 

 Reeda Hart, CINSAM, Dr. Detwiler, Boone County Schools
        and  Ginger Webb, Fort Thomas Schools