Toepfer Talk

You may have heard your child mention "Bobcat Pride" groups or CAT Tickets in the past couple of weeks, so let me share some information on a new program we are implementing for this school year. I was at a principal's meeting this summer ( side note - it's a true fact that teachers and administrators don't actually have 3 months vacation in the summer:) and I overheard a couple of colleagues talking about a program they use in their school to create positivity and teamwork amongst students.  I was very intrigued and politely inserted myself into the conversation to learn more.  This conversation and idea are what sparked my interest in starting a similar program at Blue Hill Elementary School (side note - it's okay in the education world to steal ideas).   Thus, Bobcat Pride groups have been formed and activities are in place to promote that positivity within our school, and hopefully outside our walls as well. P ositivity R espect I ntegrity D etermi...

I was encouraged by our superintendent, Mr. Ruybalid, to start a blog to communicate about activities and programs that are going on in Blue Hill Elementary School.  Although I have never spent time writing down my thoughts and ideas, I look forward to the opportunity to share some insight on all the great things we have going on at Blue Hill Schools! I want to talk today about our elementary music program.  Last year, we began the process of requiring all fifth and sixth-grade students to take part in instrumental music.  In the past, only vocal music was required and instrumental music was voluntary.  So, you may ask - why require students to play a musical instrument now? I will defer to Plato who stated: "I would teach music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all the arts are the keys of learning." Often, when we think about the important things students should learn in school - core subjects such as math,...