Virginia Capitol Connections Winter 2019

Thoughts From The Classroom Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-11th) spent some time substitute teaching in Virginia Schools. These are his notes.

Patrick Henry High School (4th of 24 Roanoke City Schools )

We had a mild surprise with a lock-down drill. We had to lock the door, turn off the lights and huddle in a corner. I kept thinking it only takes one upset child to give away that we are in the classroom. During the drill, someone comes around and shakes the door to ensure it is locked, and I know would be tough to keep 19 third graders calm during a real incident. I am so thankful for:

My latest visit took me to subbing ninth grade English. Upon checking-in, I was told to go up one flight of stairs, take a deep breath, and then go up one more. Without saying the words, people were preparing me for a fun ride. Patrick Henry is a good school with very nice facilities, and the layout has administrative offices on each floor. This helps spread out administrators around the school, which is vital for a school with around 1900 students! It was clear that the teacher I was substituting for has a good relationship with the students and has earned their respect. He is finding a balance by providing certain concessions so long as the students are good. For example, he provides a large cell phone charging station for students but they are not allowed to become distracted by playing games. Unfortunately I had to change the lesson plan again. The first student who walked in asked “Are you a sub?” Then he went straight to the door and announced that to each person who walked in, as if to say “time for some fun!” So I came up with a deviation, which kept their attention for the most part. They do love testing us...just as I did in school. (wink!) Teachers have to spend so much time dealing with behavioral issues; it is clear why they struggle with so many standards to teach to. I believe Virginia should do the minimum we need to do to please the Feds for education funding, and the rest of our time needs to be focused on the holistic socio-emotional growth of a child. A renewed focus in this direction will help with mental health, self-confidence, and teamwork, not to mention helping the teachers focus more on teaching! Thankful for all of the teachers who work so hard to breakthrough in challenging environments! Heroines and Heroes. Fairview Elementary (3rd of 24 Roanoke City Schools) Friday’s adventure took me to Ms. Sweet’s Third Grade Class. Across the street is Greenvale School where I went as a child. Life coming full circle in a way. I have volunteer taught Junior Achievement here in the past, but the student body has changed a good bit in recent years with many refugees and immigrants living near by. Several students who fled war-torn regions and some ELL students were in this class. I imagine this makes it hard on teachers trying to plan lessons for students who read on very different levels. They all love Ms. Sweet and were sad to see her go. A great group of kids and well-behaved. The class does not have a discipline corner or seat, rather she has them go back to their seat and reflect.

• So many teachers and staff who really have a “village” approach at Fairview Elementary. • Having water fountains in the classroom! (It’s the little things when you are trying to make sure one of the 19 has not escaped.) • Healthy weekend snacks that are given out on Fridays. Lincoln Terrace Elementary (2nd of 24 Roanoke City Schools) “Make it a great day, it’s your choice.”–young female student closing morning announcements I was very intimidated going into Ms. Shelor’s Fifth Grade Classroom. I was not a great 5th grader, so I felt karma was coming back around. My saving grace: Ms. Shelor left meVERY well prepared and a neighboring teacher, Ms. Thorpe, who has been teaching for 39 years, offered excellent guidance and support. Ms. Shelor also wrote in the lesson plan that we could discuss government. They wrote a journal entry on a bill they want to introduce and the class then voted on the idea. Much like the real world, classmates kept track of who voted for whose bill. The lesson plan was extensive and written completely to the SOLs. I had three class rotations, and I did not complete the plan in any class. When the kids took to something, we spent a few more minutes on it which took away from something else. This was a tougher assignment as much of the time I was working on classroom management. The fact that I was a sub, coupled with that age, made me appreciate further the struggle teachers go through trying to balance a firm hand and a compassionate mind. I would like to formally apologize to my 5th Grade Teacher Ms. Lori Anne Hall for all I put you through.

Roanoke Academy For Math & Science (1st school of 24 Roanoke City Schools)

Substituting took me into pre-k special education. Funny, my first gig is where my mom has done most of her substituting. My three- year-old class was awesome!

The lead teacher, Ms. Jamison, knew everything about these children. It helps she was involved in the initial evaluation for many of their placements. Clearly, there was a big disparity in the children’s development, which can be difficult for teachers to plan for. My main duty was to assist the lead teacher. As I watched her interact with the children, I was amazed to see how she knew exactly what each child needed in every moment. Happy to see this kind of work happening in our Star City! Delegate Sam Rasoul is a Democrat who represents the 11th District, which includes part of the City of Roanoke.

chipdicks @ gentrylocke.com 804.225.5507 gentrylocke.com/chip CHIP DICKS Legislative Counsel

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V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2019

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