Spero Academy
Tuesday, February 25th
8:20-11:30 (3 hours, 10 minutes)
Today was the first day at Spero. I started by meeting with the Academic Director to go over basic guidelines of Do’s and Do Not’s. After signing a couple of waivers I was directed towards the classrooms. Some things I noticed right away is that the hallways are very wide and there is a lot of natural lighting. I would say each hallway is about 30 feet wide. (I asked later and it isn’t for anything specific. There was supposed to be a huge tube going through all the floors that would bring in more natural light but they ran out of time) I still think that it is really relaxing to have enough space for everyone to be comfortable.
I was placed in a classroom that has adjoining rooms. This allows the teachers to combine together easily and teach as a pair. The teacher that I will be with is currently on vacation so I observed Ms. Sieple and Ms. Pearl. (Apparently, this is the first time she has ever taken any time off. Amazing!) As soon as I was there Ms. Sieple gave be a break down of what to expect and what behaviors each of her children display. She also informed me about the different levels of behaviors. Many acronyms are used. Many of which I am still trying to figure out.
Since their main teacher is on vacation many of the students had a hard time focusing. They were also a little uncomfortable with my presence, which they weren’t afraid to let me know but repeating stranger danger and pointing in my direction. But after a while they started warming up and acknowledging me by either pointing, asking questions, or repeating my name.
Basic overall schedule
Morning Meeting
Black History Month (Informational Video and Discussion of what they learned)
Workshop (Writing and Reading)
Obstacle Course Room (Not the actual name. I just forgot what it is called. Has a rock wall, balance beam, mats, and other activities.)
Track (They have a built-in track room that circles the top of the gym. They have each student run around 5 laps to warm up for Phy-Ed)
Phy Ed
Regulation Time (Built-in time that teaches them how to find ways to calm themselves with breathing exercises and other sensory activities.
More Observations
Scripting, which some students display, which is where they start speaking the lines from a movie, play, or cartoon.
Around 150 students > Around 130 Staff members. They have around 4-5 adults for each room.
SSR: Self Selected Reading
OHD: Other Health Disability
Whole-body listening: This was also taught in Ms. Ulla’s classroom. They remind students what whole-body listening is many times. Eyes are looking, Mouth is quiet, Legs are folded and still, Hands to themselves, Brain is thinking.
I am excited to be at this school. I can already tell that there are many things that I am going to learn here.