“Mr. Dickson, how do you pronounce poutine? Is it pooteeen or pootin?” There is about 10 minutes left in my Gr 10 student leadership class when a table of kids asks me this question. Now I am intrigued. But first I must crush their image of me as their all knowing teacher. My answer, “I … Continue reading Poutine & Perogies & Leadership
Turns Out Connection Matters!
At the end of Semester 1 we held our Gr 9 tours. We are a 10-12 school so this is a chance to welcome the Class of 2026! 25 Leadership all stars came in to help guide tours on a day when there were no classes or exams. After a quick opening assembly they would … Continue reading Turns Out Connection Matters!
99 becomes 100%
Today is the deadline to hand in assignments for Semester 1 in my Leadership classes. For a few students this is when they try to figure out how to do most of the course assignments in two days. But yesterday I experienced a breath of fresh air. Jill (name changed) came up to my desk … Continue reading 99 becomes 100%
Recruiting Quality Student Leaders with Crayons
It is 8:05 AM on a Friday. Leighton has come in early to be a Walmart greeter, welcoming students to school with some music and a wave. They see that we will be coloring today and gets excited. You see, once a semester students spend the first half of class coloring. Then the class puts … Continue reading Recruiting Quality Student Leaders with Crayons
Sam I Am, Sam I Am … I will try that this week Sam I Am!
Josh walked into the classroom, came right up to me (he is 6’5” and at least 275 lbs) and said “We are doing the Green Eggs & Ham challenge, right?!” You bet Josh. The previous week I read the class Green Eggs & Ham. I then challenged them to try something new during the next … Continue reading Sam I Am, Sam I Am … I will try that this week Sam I Am!
No Cell Phone Distractions in Leadership Class? A Silly Dream or My New Reality?
24 years teaching student leadership – can an old dog learn a new trick? Yes he can!!! Realistic Picture - I just got glasses! I always felt it was not worth it to fight with kids over cellphone use in class. I would constantly be reminding them and it would make me crazy. So other … Continue reading No Cell Phone Distractions in Leadership Class? A Silly Dream or My New Reality?
The 5 Days Of School Left Brown Bag Fundraising Miracle
One week left until Christmas Break – 5 days of school – everyone is tired. My Leadership 10s are running a Brown Bag Fundraiser. We have a number of students at school who experience a food deficit at home. We offer them food at lunch each day. There is no money to support this so … Continue reading The 5 Days Of School Left Brown Bag Fundraising Miracle
“I was bored and made 125 3D snowflakes”
"I was bored and made 125 3D snowflakes"
Covid Fatigue – Tired of the Mask etc.
Last Wednesday as my Grade 11 & 12 Leadership students came into class I discovered that 1/3 of them were absent. I open up the attendance program to find that most of them are now on a 14 day quarantine. In Alberta if a positive case is found to have been in the school all the students and staff that were … Continue reading Covid Fatigue – Tired of the Mask etc.
Superstore Surprise – an unexpected boost – Ring Pops and a Link Crew moment
Last week I was shopping at Superstore. I of course had the typical leadership advisor shopping list, ring pops and Dad’s chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. You know the ones that come two per packet in a big box. They make for great prizes and appreciation gifts with my Leadership crew. I of course threw in … Continue reading Superstore Surprise – an unexpected boost – Ring Pops and a Link Crew moment
Brent Dickson 