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Sharing The Hub!


Last week I was given the opportunity to share with the vice principals of my school board a couple of projects I took on this year, thanks to the wonderful work and ideas of Brent Coley (see earlier post).  This year I create a Staff and Student Hub - "digital drive-thrus" if you will - one-stop-shops for all information items that can be accessed anytime, from any internet accessible device.

The Staff Hub essentially replaces every paper memo that was ever once issued, but no longer is. It also houses a series of online resources and links, making this an interactive document.  There has been a very positive response from staff because they can access information when they need it. Staff have also been very forthcoming with the fact that they have read MORE simply because of the digital format. Staff have also expressed appreciation of the fact that The Hub is live and always up-to-date and have liked having their input and feedback shape the look and function of this frequently-accessed resource.

The Student Hub is equally and perhaps even more so dynamic, and effectively replaces the age-old student agenda/handbook  that no one ever read but one could find a copy on the floor of nearly every locker in the building. In addition, The Student Hub features a number of online resources for students and parents pertaining to mental health, various board programs, and community resources. Our Parent Council was especially please because parents have direct access to this document through our school website and they too, can access it anytime, anywhere for themselves.

This all began as projects I created for myself. School leaders identify a need and find useful and efficient solutions. Thanks to Brent Coley and his sharing, I was able to bring to resources to my school community that has allowed information to be share efficiently using tools already at our disposal. I especially like the time that I am now spending with colleagues from other schools in helping them to establish their own digital environments. In most cases, I've simply shared mine and have helped other administrators to tailor the documents to meet the needs of their staff. There are no original ideas, just re-purposed and transformed ideas. I'm happy to share and receive feedback. It makes us better and it certainly motivates me to continue to search for ways to help administrators do their jobs more effectively and efficiently and to empower students and staff to seek the information they need when they need it.

Here is a copy of my presentation. Enjoy!






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