Critical Thinking in Action

Our 3rd C at NHHS is Critical Thinking. We believe critical thinking is the cornerstone of grit, perseverance and resiliency and is aided by our philosophy of failing forward.

Critical Thinking includes:

• analysis and inquiry;
• gathering and evaluating information;
• using evidence and criteria; and
• justifying choices, considering alternatives and implications.

 In Mr. McDonald's contemporary affairs class, critical thinking was evident this week as students worked through topics of their own choosing that are "hot button" issue and presented to the class, including fielding questions regarding choices in the presentations.

Critical thinking is also evident in our extra curricular activities.  The SADD executive council presented to the school board regarding their upcoming events for Red Ribbon Week and planning for the year.

While Mrs. Ohrt is still on maternity leave, Mr. Mohling works with biology students on the authentic learning in labs where students have to make choices and devise hypotheses on why reactions occur.

Communication Is Key

One of the 4 Cs that drives New Hampton High School and the learning in our classrooms is communication. Good communication used in our classroom means:

• students clearly explain ideas and information;
• students are organized in the way they communicate;
• students use good eye contact and appropriate body language;
• student choose a tone and voice volume for the setting;
• students use materials as needed for presentations; 
• students respond to questions; and
• students participate in teams and/or groups.

You will see communication at different levels throughout the building and it is the goal of the district that all students graduate with proficiency in all these items.

Students in Mrs. Manson pre calculus class are communicating about results of an assessment and how to grow from correcting their mis-steps. They work together to complete problems correctly after discussing what steps should come next.

In contemporary affairs students are preparing for presentations on topics of their own choosing. This group worked on an outline using each of their ideas as they work toward a final product.

 Communication goes beyond the classroom as our students interact with business partners and community members.  The IBN marketing group is show here meeting with UNI and NICC staff.

Working in partners in class is the first step to improved communication. 9th graders are working on collages to explain who they are, what they have for goals and expectations for high school. These girls are sharing with each other to help keep each other accountable for these goals.

Elementary is falling in Fall!

 Students and staff have been hard on work on many different things in and out of the building.  It is hard to believe October is here already.  Grade levels taking field trips to get exposure to many things our world has to offer, other grade levels deep into their Project Based learning (PBL) Projects, as a building consistently holding the TRIBE (Trustworthy, Respectful, Involved, Be Prepared, Effort) to all aspects of our lives and reminding each other daily.  As a principal, I could not be prouder of our students and staff and how they are staying so busy, energetic, and positive!  Each day they walk into the building with smiles, yes some days tired and we need extra hugs to keep going, but overall they are staying with the beat we need to each day and putting our best foot forward every second!  Always check out the New Hampton Elementary Facebook page for updates what classrooms are doing throughout the building.