Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 31

EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 1/27/2023

WORDS Grant Introduction: The WORDS Project (Workshops on Reading


Activity Description Development Strategies) is a research-driven professional development
(one paragraph; may program designed to support the state of Nebraska’s efforts to improve early
copy from spreadsheet) literacy skills among K-3 students. Falls City Public Schools has been selected
as a rural school to participate and be part of this grant. This conversation
discussed the need for training to implement and interpret reading
assessments and instruction required by law.

Having this introductory meeting allowed me to step back and listen to the
Reflection: What have discussion and conversations of the elementary teachers. As a leader, this
you learned during opportunity benefits students and addresses reading improvement needs by
this Activity? providing effective, practice-based support and professional development to
build capacity and prepare elementary teachers to deliver high-quality reading
instruction and assessments. It was important for me to listen to the teachers
(who will be immersed in this project) and hear their viewpoint. Having the
buy-in of the teachers is imperative. This project aligns with our district school
improvement and strategic goals as well.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 2/16/2023

Nebraska Science and Reading School Leadership Summit: Natalie Wexler


Activity Description discusses the latest research around reading, writing and engagement in
(one paragraph; may elementary school, along with the key findings of her book, The Knowledge
copy from spreadsheet) Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System- and How to Fix
it. Susan Lambert shares her research and knowledge related to the Science of
Reading and its impact on literacy instruction. Before this event, you will want
to tune in to Susan’s Science of Reading: The Podcast where she explores timely
topics in early literacy instruction.

With the current adoption of CKLA reading curriculum, this summit allowed
Reflection: What have me to understand the bigger picture of the Science of Reading. I was able to
you learned during listen to presentations that helped evaluate and implement high-quality
this Activity? instruction in the classroom. I understand and will be able to demonstrate the
capacity to evaluate, develop, and implement high-quality and equitable
academic instructional practices that support equity, digital literacy, and the
school’s academics. Understanding the Science of Reading research, allows me
to return to the district and support the instructional needs.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 3/14/23

CKLA - Elementary Round table: What makes a Tier 1 elementary ELA program
Activity Description truly powerful? Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts leaders describe the
(one paragraph; may reading success they’re seeing with their PreK-5 students as they build
copy from spreadsheet) decoding skills, academic knowledge, and confidence in their reading and
writing.

Understanding Tier 1 classroom instruction at the district level is an important


Reflection: What have component as an instructional leader and validates the financial costs of
you learned during purchasing a curricular program. Although this conversation was brief, I was
this Activity? able to gain a better understanding of what classroom teachers need to focus
on. As a superintendent I would not be evaluating the instruction of the
classroom teacher, but knowing what is being taught to students helps field
conversations pertaining to classroom instruction.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 3/22/23

C4K: Community Meeting (HeadStart, PCC, and North School collaboration): Falls City
Activity Description Public Schools has been working in collaboration with our Head Start. As we continue
(one paragraph; may to evaluate the programs, we are looking to merge our preschool program with Head
Start. To complete this district initiative, additional space is needed at our elementary
copy from spreadsheet)
building. This additional space has started a building expansion project. Meeting with
stakeholders to understand our district needs was the purpose of our meeting.

Each decision in education is centered around what is best for students while
Reflection: What have understanding the needs of the community. I have had the opportunity to have
you learned during a role in this process within Falls City Public Schools as we are looking to
this Activity? merge our preschool with our Head Start program. Due to space, this has
become a building expansion project.During this meeting, I was able to listen to
the needs and wants of this expansion project. Once the needs are shared by
stakeholders, a smaller committee is used to prioritize the needs. The
conversations were documented and collected.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 3/22/23

Head Start - Focus Area 2 Monitoring Meeting: Head Start requirements


Activity Description include stakeholder meetings. This meeting focused on the collaboration
(one paragraph; may between Falls City Public School and Head Start. The time spent during this
copy from spreadsheet) monitoring meeting discussed the role of each entity.

When establishing community partnerships I understand the capacity to


Reflection: What have collaboratively engage and cultivate relationships with diverse partners, and
you learned during other constituencies for the benefit of school improvement and student
this Activity? development. When working with Head Start, we are able to cultivate regular,
two-way communication with partners, and other constituencies.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 3/24/23

CKLA - Supplemental Reading Education: Hear from educators who are


Activity Description supplementing foundational literacy skills while making learning to read fun
(one paragraph; may for all students. Research based intervention and instructional materials.
copy from spreadsheet)

When working with curriculum selection, there are components needed to


Reflection: What have enhance the curriculum to ensure state standards are met at each grade level.
you learned during This meeting brought light to the options available that align with the
this Activity? curriculum Falls City Public School is using. I was able to engage in
conversation around research and evidence to propose designs and
implementation strategies for improving coordination and coherence among
the school’s curriculum.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 4/5/2023

Head Start Federal Monitoring Visit: This monitoring visit is to measure the
Activity Description performance and accountability of Head Start programs. It assesses grant
(one paragraph; may recipient compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the
copy from spreadsheet) Head Start Act, and other regulations.monitor implementation of categorical
programs operated by local educational agencies (LEAs). All LEAs are
responsible for creating and maintaining compliant categorical programs.

During this monitoring visit, I have a better understanding of the different


Reflection: What have assessments and documentation needed to support students who qualify for
you learned during Head Start. Within the collaboration at Falls City Public School, Head Start
this Activity? provides funding for some of the students. I have a better understanding of the
qualifications, requirements and assessments for this partnership. It is
essential to hold a positive relationship in this partnership and be aware of
Rule 11 and Head Start requirements.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 4/20/2023

ESSA - NonPublic Consultation: Under the ESEA and IDEA, the LEA or other
Activity Description entity that is responsible for providing equitable services is required to contact
(one paragraph; may private school officials to begin the consultation process on key issues that are
copy from spreadsheet) relevant to the equitable participation of private school students and, as
applicable, their teachers and families in federal education programs. If the
LEA or other entity fails to contact private school officials regarding equitable
participation, a private school official may wish to contact the LEA or other
entity and speak to the individual(s) responsible for administering the federal
education program in which they wish to participate.
Federal education funding aims to increase the educational achievement of all
Reflection: What have students. “Equitable share” represents the portion of federal funding generated
you learned during by participating private school students. When applying for its federal program
this Activity? allocations, the LEA signs assurances promising to provide equitable services
according to law. Congress decided the LEAwould act as program administrator
for the equitable services provided to participating private schools in the LEA’s
attendance area. Understanding the ESSA funding allows for the nonpublic
consultation to be successful.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 4/24/2023

ESSA Federal Review: ESSA is intended to ensure families are empowered to


Activity Description support their children's learning and that all students receive a high-quality,
(one paragraph; may well-rounded education that prepares them for long-term success. The federal
copy from spreadsheet) funds that are allocated to school districts are assessed and reviewed for a
checks and balance.

Federal dollars support public education and therefore have to be reviewed. I


Reflection: What have have learned there are many steps to complete once the district has received
you learned during the money. The application process, the reimbursement process, and then the
this Activity? review at times seem more like busy work. However, the funding that is
allocated supports students and provides financial assistance to quality
education.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 5/3/2023

C4K: North Elementary Planning Meeting with architect - During this meeting,
Activity Description architectural drawings were shared and discussed. Our team is able to see the
(one paragraph; may drawings and discuss the options for this project. The architect provided
copy from spreadsheet) suggestions from the previous meetings of ways to incorporate our needs into
the project.

An addition to a school is a process. It is important to take one step at a time


Reflection: What have sharing with stakeholders updated information that is relevant. The planning
you learned during process with phase 1: funding, beginning draft ideas, and communication with
this Activity? the school board is exciting. There are multiple considerations that are
discussed which then leads to additional drawings and markups to ensure the
addition includes the priority needs.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 6/1/2023

Security Walk-through with Kidwell - prioritized board project. Security


Activity Description updates are important, yet challenging in older buildings. Having the
(one paragraph; may opportunity to walk each building assisted in understanding the project and
copy from spreadsheet) changes that are occurring. In addition, a timeline was established to learn
when these updates occur.

School safety and security is important and a priority at Falls City Public
Reflection: What have Schools. When making security updates, there are challenges and hiccups along
you learned during the way. This walkthrough provided guidance as to options that can be
this Activity? completed with the current building structures. As the walkthrough occurred,
the project manager was able to explain in detail the upgrades. During the
walkthrough, all stakeholders point out any issues they notice and want to
address before closing out the project. Typically, designers and architects join
the walkthrough to review any changes to the original project and note things
that should be changed or fixed.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 6/2/2023

FCPS District Data Retreat provides the district an opportunity to dive into the
Activity Description district data - by school level and at district level, to discuss trends. The district
(one paragraph; may data is used to evaluate school performances and initiatives. Data provides an
copy from spreadsheet) opportunity for frequent monitoring of student performance and alerts the
building leaders to possible learning gaps within the grade

Data analysis helps leaders and teachers understand students' learning


Reflection: What have abilities and challenges, and facilitates an ingrained cultural process that uses
you learned during detailed inputs (information) to ensure optimal outputs (results for students).
this Activity? Data analysis can provide a snapshot of what students know, what they should
know, and what can be done to meet their academic needs. It is important for
districts to analyze and use data to make decisions. In addition, data is used to
evaluate the progress of current initiatives.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 6/12/2023-6/13/


2023
NDE Future Ready Nebraska Conference The Future Ready Conference is a
Activity Description statewide partnership between the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE),
(one paragraph; may Educational Service Units (ESU’s), and the Educational Service Unit
copy from spreadsheet) Coordinating Council (ESUCC). The Future Ready Framework is Nebraska’s
PK-12 Digital Learning Plan, and the annual Future Ready Conference is held in
conjunction with the framework to equip educators to help prepare students
for future success. This conference provided technology updates and shortcuts
- specifically focusing on artificial intelligence, AI within education.
It is vital to keep up with current trends in education because they are often
Reflection: What have the best way to teach students. Oftentimes, new trends are solving a problem
you learned during or providing a better learning experience for students. After all, they are trends
this Activity? for a reason. Furthermore, education trends determine what is currently
accepted to be the best way to teach students. However, just like some fashion
trends can be ridiculous passing fads, some trends in education may also
change rapidly. Keeping up with technology advances may seem like a full time
job in and of itself.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 6/16/2023

CARE4YOU Conference: Topics of discussion during this conference included


Activity Description Compassion as a Catalyst for Change: The Leader’s Role in Addressing Burnout’
(one paragraph; may with Françoise Mathieu; Managing the “Sunday Scaries”: A Shared
copy from spreadsheet) Responsibility? with Roxanne Francis; CALM: Building Mutual Support through
Intentional Listening with Diana Tikasz; What Do You Have to Quit in Order to
Stay? Strategies to Sustain Our Careers with Brian Miller

These educational “hot topics” are current and relevant. Understanding


Reflection: What have education issues is important for students, parents, and taxpayers. By being
you learned during well-informed, you can contribute valuable input to the discussion. You can
this Activity? also make better decisions about what causes you will support or what plans
you will make for your future. It encourages them to listen to each other and
talk through their differences sensitively. It also challenges them to think
critically about their own beliefs and values and gives them confidence and
skills to express these publicly. Hot topics put forward new ideas and
opportunities which allow people to communicate their values in a diverse
manner.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 6/29/2023

NCSA, Perry Law Firm Legal Workshop: During this workshop, Justin Knight
Activity Description broke down the Student Discipline Act. As a participant, I was given example
(one paragraph; may checklists, and template parent letters, hearing officer scripts, and cheat sheets
copy from spreadsheet) to support the school when handling student disciplines and expulsion.

Educational administrators must understand the law to ensure everyone is


Reflection: What have held accountable and to protect the school, staff and students. Teachers, both
you learned during new and experienced, also need to understand state and federal laws to make
this Activity? sure they are in compliance. Taking the time to listen to school law updates is
imperative as a superintendent. School leaders work together to keep track and
regulate policies that are constantly revised as well as new additions so they
are always in compliance. Administrators can also attend regulatory
professional development, training sessions, seminars, and participate in
conferences.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 7/24/2023

NEE Evaluation Workshop: Teacher evaluation systems are important to


Activity Description student success because they provide a way for teachers to be held accountable
(one paragraph; may for their teaching. They also help identify areas in which teachers need
copy from spreadsheet) improvement and can help guide professional development opportunities. The
evaluations are used to guide improvement of teaching skills, to recognize and
reinforce teaching excellence, to help teachers focus on student outcomes, and
to plan in-service education activities.

Completing the NEE Evaluation workshop allowed me to refresh my skills on


Reflection: What have the evaluation system and components.
you learned during
this Activity? ● Process measures: these tell you about what you did to implement
your initiative;
● Outcome measures: these tell you about what the results were; and.
● Observational system: this is whatever you do to keep track of the
initiative while it's happening.

In addition, each evaluation for staff need to include the following domains:
● Teacher Effectiveness.
● Planning and preparation.
● Classroom environment.
● Instruction.
● Professional responsibilities.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 8/21/2023

FCPS District Strategic Planning Meeting: Schools benefit from a well


Activity Description communicated and executed strategic plan that keeps everyone informed of
(one paragraph; may their strategic goals, and how their actions are contributing to the achievement
copy from spreadsheet) of these goals. This enables parents, staff, community members, and
stakeholders to work towards a common vision. Assisting and participating in
facilitating and working with the administrative team and school board
members allowed open conversations to prioritize the needs of our district.

When working through the strategic planning meeting, I am able to openly


Reflection: What have listen to the needs and concerns within the district. Each member of the
you learned during strategic planning team was able to share their thoughts and vote on the
this Activity? priority standards. Being able to narrow down the focus for the district
outlines the path to create next steps. The energy used to establish solutions
and resources is beneficial to the district. Being able to have candid
conversations with the school board allowed the opportunity to get the
temperature of their needs as well.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 9/1/2023

Kidwell Security Meeting: With the approval from the board of education, the
Activity Description district has installed a new security system. Understanding the nuts and bolts
(one paragraph; may to this system is imperative for the safety of the building. During this time, I
copy from spreadsheet) learned the district operations and management of the system with the online
access.

School security means procedures followed and measures taken to ensure the
Reflection: What have security of school buildings, classrooms, and other school facilities and
you learned during properties.
this Activity? The presence of professionals who know about the security system on school
premises deters students from engaging in acts of violence and various
disciplinary infractions, including bullying, fighting, assault, sexual misconduct,
harassment, threats, theft and vandalism. I am able to understand the nuts and
bolts of our security system and utilize the various options in the regular flow
of the school day or in a school emergency.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 9/15/2023

FCPS Staff State Reporting: Per state statute requirements, all public schools
Activity Description must submit a fall personnel report. I have worked with our superintendent to
(one paragraph; may complete this information. I not only entered the staff member’s required
copy from spreadsheet) information, I learned more about the different funds used to pay salaries.

State reporting for staff verifies the alignment and allocation of resources
Reflection: What have according to school priorities and student needs. I have a better understanding
you learned during and demonstration of the capacity to evaluate, develop, and advocate for a
this Activity? data-informed and equitable resourcing plan that supports school
improvement and student development. Knowing the multiple funds utilized
for personal use has given the opportunity to see the big picture and have a
better understanding of distinct funds.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 9/10/2023-10/10


/2023
Student Leadership Conference Planning and the conference: By assuming
Activity Description responsibility, students demonstrate a willingness to help others, to listen
(one paragraph; may empathetically, and to make sound decisions. Helping students to develop these
copy from spreadsheet) character traits is why student leadership is very important in school. The
preparation of this event and the event itself too planning, organizing,
communication with other leaders and the venue.

Organizing and leading this event allowed me to understand and demonstrate


Reflection: What have the capacity to advocate for opportunities and relationships necessary to
you learned during support the success and well-being of each student. Designing a day for
this Activity? students to learn about leadership is important for our future. I was able to
design, implement, and evaluate the day that engaged students, teachers,
building leaders and the community all together as a diverse group of
stakeholders.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 10/11/2023

Perry Law Firm Legal Update: This legal updated included the following topics:
Activity Description ● New Student Discipline Act Changes
(one paragraph; may ● New Student Discipline Case
copy from spreadsheet) ● Transgender - Case and Legal Updates
● United States Supreme Court 2023-2024 Overview
● Teacher Retention/Recruitment Stipends
● Employee Evaluations – Reminders

Attending a legal update, I understand the implications of legal and political


Reflection: What have interests, changes, and expectations for a school district. I am able to reflect on
you learned during this legal update and make recommendations for updates to our district needs.
this Activity? I was able to represent our district and voice needs and priorities to advocate
for local and state student discipline policies. This has been a “hot topic” with
many changes for school districts. Keeping up-to-date on these legal changes is
imperative for a building leader. Understanding the legal jargon is a must!
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 10/10/2023-10/3


1/2023
FCPC State Reporting: Per state statute requirements, all public schools must
Activity Description submit fall staff and student information. I have worked with our
(one paragraph; may superintendent to complete this information. I not only entered the staff
copy from spreadsheet) member’s required information, I learned more about the different funds. The
importance of the fall state reporting dictates the distinct count for the October
1st snapshot. The October 1st snapshot allocates funds for federal funds.

State reporting for a district verifies the alignment and allocation of resources
Reflection: What have according to school priorities and student needs. I have a better understanding
you learned during and demonstration of the capacity to evaluate, develop, and advocate for a
this Activity? data-informed and equitable resourcing plan that supports school
improvement and student development. Knowing the multiple funds utilized
for personal use has given the opportunity to see the big picture and have a
better understanding of distinct funds.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 10/20/2023

Shadowing Superintendent: Spending a day with Norris Superintendent, Dr.


Activity Description Brian Maschman. This was a positive experience in multiple ways. I was able to
(one paragraph; may see a day in the life of a superintendent and then also see what another district,
copy from spreadsheet) outside of my current district, is working through.

As I reflect on this day, I feel this may have been one of the best days of my
Reflection: What have internship hours. Experiencing a day in the life as a superintendent outside of
you learned during my current district allowed me to see, compare and contrast this role of a
this Activity? superintendent. The role of a superintendent is similar across the board,
dealing with unpleasant stakeholders and those who feel they may have
different solutions to the educational problems. It doesn’t matter the size of the
district, the issues are present. Shadowing Dr. Machman, I was able to
experience different meetings and learn more about their district strategic plan
and district goals. Each district has goals and initiatives. It differs with the
superintendent and relationships with the board.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 10/10/2023-10/3


1/2023
FCPC State Reporting: Per state statute requirements, all public schools must
Activity Description submit fall staff and student information. I have worked with our
(one paragraph; may superintendent to complete this information. I not only entered the staff
copy from spreadsheet) member’s required information, I learned more about the different funds. The
importance of the fall state reporting dictates the distinct count for the October
1st snapshot. The October 1st snapshot allocates funds for federal funds.

State reporting for a district verifies the alignment and allocation of resources
Reflection: What have according to school priorities and student needs. I have a better understanding
you learned during and demonstration of the capacity to evaluate, develop, and advocate for a
this Activity? data-informed and equitable resourcing plan that supports school
improvement and student development. Knowing the multiple funds utilized
for personal use has given the opportunity to see the big picture and have a
better understanding of distinct funds.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 10/20/2023

Shadowing Superintendent: Spending a day with Norris Superintendent, Dr.


Activity Description Brian Maschman. This was a positive experience in multiple ways. I was able to
(one paragraph; may see a day in the life of a superintendent and then also see what another district,
copy from spreadsheet) outside of my current district, is working through.

As I reflect on this day, I feel this may have been one of the best days of my
Reflection: What have internship hours. Experiencing a day in the life as a superintendent outside of
you learned during my current district allowed me to see, compare and contrast this role of a
this Activity? superintendent. The role of a superintendent is similar across the board,
dealing with unpleasant stakeholders and those who feel they may have
different solutions to the educational problems. It doesn’t matter the size of the
district, the issues are present. Shadowing Dr. Machman, I was able to
experience different meetings and learn more about their district strategic plan
and district goals. Each district has goals and initiatives. It differs with the
superintendent and relationships with the board.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 10/24/2023

Early Expansion Update Meeting: During this meeting, it has been confirmed
Activity Description the commitment of our donors for the expansion project. After running
(one paragraph; may numbers, this early childhood expansion is only possible with the support of
copy from spreadsheet) the donors.

I have learned the most recent legislative decisions on school finance have
Reflection: What have impacted the expansion project with the cap on school funding. If this project
you learned during was 100% funded by FCPS, it would mean all the allocated special buildings
this Activity? funds for 7 years would be allocated to pay off this project. With the support of
local donors, this project will continue to be supported and will continue to
work with our architectural firm and project manager.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 11/1/2023

NCSA Emerging Superintendents: NCSA hosts this annual workshop to help


Activity Description prepare those with an interest in pursuing a superintendent position in the
(one paragraph; may future. If you're considering the step into a superintendent position, the
copy from spreadsheet) Emerging Superintendent's Workshop is something you will want to attend.
NCSA's Emerging Superintendents Workshop begins with "Facets of the
Superintendency" with Eric Miller (Thayer Central) and Dr. Allison Jonas
(Gothenburg). Millard Public Schools superintendent Dr. John Schwartz is up
next, presenting on the application/interview process!
This day was beneficial as I was able to listen to the current superintendent
Reflection: What have share about their current role, the career path to their superintendency
you learned during position, recommendations for resume and interviews, and then how to handle
this Activity? the mental aspect of leadership. The conversations were positive and real. A
successful superintendent can make all the difference in a school district’s
ability to support student achievement and well-being. There is a lot of
responsibility that comes with the role, but it is equally rewarding to see
students and staff thrive. This message was communicated throughout the day.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 11/1/2023-11/20


/2023
Developing and Implementing a Tier 3 Behavior Classroom: Throughout this
Activity Description semester, a small population of students has consumed most of my day as a
(one paragraph; may principal. As I met with my superintendent, I proposed an outside of the box
copy from spreadsheet) idea to support these students. After our conversation, his approval was given
to move forward. With some guidance, I added a new program to our district -
exploring the financial, legal, and practical steps.

First and foremost, in education there are times thinking outside the box is the
Reflection: What have best solution. With this being said, I was able to add a Tier 3 Behavior
you learned during classroom without growing the budget or having to hire new staff. In addition,
this Activity? adding a program means making changes to current schedules and room
assignments. This took time and many conversations - making sure everyone
was on board and understood the reason for the addition of the classroom.
Conversations occurred in person as much as possible and summarized in an
email. Many questions had to be answered and understood to make sure the
staff and district knew this change and classroom was created to support our
students and their needs.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 11/14/2023

Legal Meeting (student discipline): This meeting focused on the current legal
Activity Description issues within our district. Reviewing documents and having conversations with
(one paragraph; may our school attorney.
copy from spreadsheet)

Educators have professional standards and ethics and are challenged and
Reflection: What have tested through the year. Having the correct documentation and conversations
you learned during has allowed me to reflect on, communicate about, and cultivate professional
this Activity? norms and professional district and school cultures. I am able to understand
and demonstrate the capacity to evaluate and advocate for ethical and legal
decisions. Furthermore, I understand and demonstrate the capacity to model
ethical behavior in their personal conduct and relationships and to cultivate
ethical behavior in others.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 11/15/2023

Nebraska Schoolmasters Meeting: The Nebraska Schoolmaster Club has been in


Activity Description existence since 1898. It is made up of current Nebraska School administrators
(one paragraph; may as well as retired administrators. The fall meeting is a gathering where
copy from spreadsheet) administrators are recognized for their accomplishments with networking
opportunities and entertainment.

Administrators must have opportunities to network and converse with


Reflection: What have colleagues. During these events, there is ample time to have round table
you learned during conversations on educational topics relevant to Nebraska. The people that join
this Activity? the table have similar experiences and are able to openly discuss and share
suggestions and experiences.
EDAD 987C Superintendent Internship

135 Hour Superintendent Activity Reflection Log

Name Shelly Leyden Date/Time 11/21/2023

Strategic Planning Meeting: Update on Early Childhood Expansion (update,


Activity Description finances, architecture drawings): As part of our strategic plan, the district is
(one paragraph; may looking to expand our preschool program with an addition onto the North
copy from spreadsheet) School building. The current phase in planning is solidifying the financial
structure and plan while working with architects to utilize the space and keep
everything at regulation.

This expansion project has increased my knowledge and understanding of


Reflection: What have evaluating our strategic goals that reflect on a core set of priorities from the
you learned during administrative team, school board and community. The school addition follows
this Activity? our district's strategic planning and continuous improvement processes.
Communicating the process to stakeholders allows opportunity for
understanding and feedback.

You might also like