Dr. Holly Lane-

Trying something new this year: asking students to begin with a two-week choice read—with an emphasis on reflecting on their own preferences, habits, and "walls" as readers. We'll see how it goes!

"Indeed did indeed become / his favorite word, which, like the rest of his new life, / he never quite grasped: overused and misused often / to my embarrassment." Cannot wait to bring this poem by Richard Blanco into the classroom this year. It is remarkable.

Congratulations to Heyward Gibbes English Language Arts teacher Dr. Kamon Singleton on being named a 2025 Regional Teacher to Watch for the Upper Midlands region by the South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education. Read more: richlandone.org/details/~board… #TeamOne #OneTeam

. Crayton Middle ELA department chair, Mrs. Sakendra Turner, presented at #SCAMLE25 on “Shifting ELA Minds from the TDA to the TDW.” She spoke to a standing-room-only audience! Her session was informative, practical, and powerful. Be proud, Turner—you shined today! ❤️💙

Ready for a full day with the Secondary ELA Summer Curriculum Team! Sean Samon

Talking about PD is easy. Making it work for real teachers? That’s harder. On The Assistant Principal Podcast, I shared what I’ve learned: coaching cycles, follow-up structures, and building systems that support real growth and change. 🎙️Full episode: theassistantprincipal.transistor.fm/257

New year New goals If we want to improve last year's: Achievement Learning Behaviors Growth Scores Engagement Anything really, There's one sure fire way to do it... Fix Tier 1 learning. When Tier 1 is where it should be, all the other improvements come much more easily.

What unique flavor are you bringing to your lesson plans this year? Illustration by Julie Woodard

I know this seems simple, but bread-and-butter teaching: ⓵ have students write stuff that matters ⓶ read that stuff and take notes/leave feedback ⓷ design next lesson in response to what you notice Yes, this takes time. But it's worth it.

I enjoyed Paint and Punch with the Principal Dr. Robin L. Coletrain at W.A. Perry MS Eagles ! Thank you so much for allowing us to represent the Office of Secondary Education! We’re so happy to be a small part of the great things happening at Perry! #RisingTogether

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Ms. Albert-Hampton’s book tasting event at Heyward Gibbes ! Ss explored multiple genres, listed books they were interested in checking out, and took free books home!