Estableciendo los Fundamentos (establishing the basics)

This past week was a very exciting week in Independent Study and Mentorship. Throughout this past week, students met with Mr. Spiece to have a conference with him and go over how the year is going. Another thing that students did this week was begin going on mentor visits. Many of the ISM students have successfully gained a mentor in their field of study. Students were encouraged to begin mentor visits and make progress in the original work.

In the middle of the week, I had my conference with Mr. Speice. My discussion with him went very well and we talked about everything that I am struggling with this year in ISM and the aspects that I am most excited for. After speaking with him about my largest struggle, my website, he gave me advice that has relieved some pressure and stress. Although the conference was an important part of my week, the highlight was definitely my first mentor visit with Mrs. Raquel Matney. On Wednesday morning, I had my first official mentor visit over at Christie Elementary. Although I did not get to have actual experience in the classroom with the students, the conversation I had with Mrs. Matney made me even more excited for the upcoming year. We went over the mentor handbook and basics for the Independent Study and Mentorship program. We also began talking about my original work and brainstormed different ways to make it happen. Mrs. Matney suggested that I use the same survey I made for the Early Childhood School Parent Night and send it out to the third grade parents. She was positive that I would get a great turn out in responses. Also, we began brainstorming what the handout would look like. I will include information from these classes: math, reading, and writing. These are the classes that give homework, therefore the parents need more help in these sections. I set up the format for the handout and I am excited to begin adding in the curriculum.

This week was very successful in terms of original work and mentor progress. I am excited to move forward into next week, as I will be going on my first mentor visit where I observe an actual third grade bilingual class. This week established the foundation that will carry on for the rest of the year. The basics that I established with my mentor this week will help bring success in the future.