Puma Pawd

Paul Thiessen Jr
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Thoughts, events, musings about school for the Pinebrook and education community

  1. JAN 24

    Walking Through The Parent Walkthrough

    The conversation revolves around the importance of parent engagement in education, specifically through a parent walkthrough experience at Pinebrook Elementary. The discussion highlights the goals of the walkthrough, insights from parents and teachers, and the overall impact of family involvement on student learning. Participants reflect on their experiences, emphasizing the need for collaboration between parents and educators to enhance the educational environment for students. Round Table Features Ms. Brianna Davis, Pinebrook 4th Grade TeacherMs. Jennifer Martinson, Pinebrook 5th Grade TeacherMs. Brenda Quezada, Pinebrook ParentSarah Ocampo, LCPS Supervisor, Family & Community EngagementMs. Turner McAllister, Pinebrook Assistant PrincipalMr. Paul Thiessen, Pinebrook PrincipalTakeaways The parent walkthrough provided valuable insights into the classroom environment.Parents gained a deeper understanding of teaching strategies and classroom dynamics.Teachers appreciated the opportunity to showcase their teaching methods to parents.Family engagement is crucial for student success and community building.The experience highlighted the complexity of a teacher's role in the classroom.Parents felt reassured about their children's learning environment.Open communication between parents and teachers fosters a supportive community.The walkthrough helped bridge the gap between home and school learning.Parents expressed a desire for more opportunities to engage with the school.The event was a win-win for both parents and teachers, enhancing collaboration. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Parent Walkthrough Experience07:01 Goals of the Parent Walkthrough14:50 Parent Insights from the Walkthrough21:58 Teacher Perspectives on Parent Engagement30:10 The Importance of Family Engagement36:46 Reflections and Takeaways from the Experience

    43 min

  2. JAN 10

    Being Intentional About Family Engagement

    Paul, Turner, Latoya, Brittany, and Dana discuss the process and findings of the ongoing efforts to enhance family engagement within the Pinebrook community. They address the importance of involving parents in their children's education, share insights from research on family engagement, and reflect on survey feedback from parents. They highlight various strategies to foster connections between parents and the school, such as celebrating student achievements and organizing events that invite parents into the school environment. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and the value of community collaboration in supporting student success. Dr. Dana Varona, Music TeacherMs. Brittany Harris, General Education TeacherMs. Latoya Davenport, DeanMs. Turner McAllister, Assistant PrincipalMr. Paul Thiessen, PrincipalTakeaways Family engagement is crucial for student success.Research shows that strong family involvement leads to better academic outcomes.Simple actions at home can significantly impact children's learning.Surveys help identify barriers to parent engagement.Celebrating student achievements fosters a positive school culture.Building relationships with parents enhances communication.Parent walkthroughs provide insight into classroom dynamics.Feedback from parents is essential for continuous improvement.Engagement efforts should be ongoing, not one-time events.Community collaboration is key to supporting students.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Family Engagement Efforts02:51 Understanding the Need for Family Engagement05:54 Research Insights on Family Engagement09:00 Surveying Parent Perspectives11:45 Identifying Barriers to Engagement15:03 Celebrating Student Achievements17:49 Building Connections with Parents21:07 Implementing New Strategies for Engagement23:57 Parent Walkthrough Experience26:49 Feedback and Reflection on Engagement Efforts30:04 Continuous Improvement and Future Steps32:52 Closing Thoughts and Community Appreciation Resources Used: Review of Family Engagement ResourcesSurvey Results Initial SurveyMid-Year SurveyParent Walkthrough Feedback Survey Summary

    38 min

  3. 11/16/2025

    What Lauren Shernoff wants for all of us.

    Paul and Leesburg School Board Representative, Lauren Shernoff, talk about her journey in education and what she wants for all of us in LCPS. Takeaways Lauren Shernoff emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique needs of each school.The role of the school board is to support student achievement through informed decision-making.Engaging with the community is crucial for effective school governance.Safety measures in schools include both physical security and emotional safety for students.Curriculum updates are driven by feedback from teachers and parents.The school board prioritizes pathways for students to explore career options early on.Parent involvement in school activities enhances the sense of belonging for students.The school board is accessible and encourages community feedback.Educational policies should focus on meeting the needs of all students, especially those underserved.Building relationships within the community is essential for fostering a supportive educational environment. Summary In this episode, Lauren Shernoff, a school board member representing Leesburg, shares her journey into education and her role in Loudoun County Public Schools. She discusses her passion for student success, the importance of community engagement, and the various initiatives the school board is undertaking to enhance educational outcomes. Key topics include the need for personalized learning, the significance of school safety, and the vital role parents play in fostering a sense of belonging within schools. Shernoff emphasizes the accessibility of the school board and the importance of feedback from the community in shaping educational policies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the School Board Member 06:51 Inspiration to Run for School Board 12:20 Priorities for Loudoun County Public Schools 19:21 Focus on Student Success 24:12 Ensuring School Safety 30:30 Strengthening Community Engagement 34:12 Understanding School Board Operations 37:36 Meaningful Moments on the School Board

    40 min

  4. 09/30/2025

    From Numbers to Knowledge - The Story Of Our School Data

    In this episode, the Puma Pawd delves into the topic of Pinebrook's school data, examining the testing environment, what our data is, and what it means. The conversation features insights from various educators, including teachers and an executive principal, who discuss the classroom environment, the impact of testing on students, and the importance of collaboration among staff. They highlight success stories, particularly in the EL program, while also addressing challenges such as attendance and the need for parental involvement. The episode emphasizes the collective responsibility of educators and the community in fostering a supportive learning environment for students. Guests: Ms. Shontel Simon, Executive PrincipalMs. Elizabeth Kuleski, Grade 3 teacherMs. Tina Feeser, EL TeacherMs. Laura Smith, Reading Specialist Hosted by: Ms. Turner McAllister, Assistant Principal Ms. Paul Thiessen, Principal Takeaways School data is crucial for understanding student growth.Creating a calm classroom environment reduces testing anxiety.Teachers play a vital role in student success and well-being.The EL program has shown significant success at Pinebrook.Attendance is a major factor affecting student performance.Collaboration among teachers enhances student learning outcomes.School culture impacts the overall educational experience.Balancing technology and hands-on learning is essential.Parental involvement is key to student success.Continuous improvement is necessary for educational growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to School Data Conversations 03:01 Classroom Environment and Testing Anxiety 05:54 The Role of Teachers in Student Success 08:57 Understanding School Data and Its Impact 11:54 Success Stories: EL Program and Growth 14:58 Challenges and Barriers in Education 17:56 The Importance of Teacher Collaboration 21:06 School Culture and Collective Efficacy 23:59 Addressing Roadblocks in Learning 26:55 Support Systems for Teachers 29:48 Parental Involvement and Community Engagement 32:43 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    43 min

  5. 09/21/2025

    A Talk About The Anxious Generation

    In this episode, Dr. Varona, Educational Diagnostician Marie Burkholder, and Paul discuss the themes presented in the book 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt, focusing on the impact of technology on childhood development, the role of educational diagnosticians, and the influence of social media on self-esteem. They explore the transition from a play-based childhood to a phone-based one, the effects of over-supervision, and the importance of fostering independence in children. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, healthy relationships, and the role of parents in managing technology use. 00:00-Introduction to the Anxious Generation03:00-The Role of Educational Diagnosticians05:47-Impact of Technology on Childhood08:59-Transition from Play-Based to Phone-Based Childhood11:46-Social Media's Influence on Self-Esteem14:56-Continuous Partial Attention and Multitasking18:10-Over-Supervision and Its Effects on Development20:53-Building Community and Support Networks24:11-Encouraging Independence in Children27:02-The Importance of Boredom and Free Play29:49-Navigating Boundaries in a Digital Age32:52-The Role of Parents in Managing Technology35:57-Fostering Healthy Relationships and Self-Image38:55-Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    46 min

  6. 06/20/2025

    Let's Start Them On That Path

    Paul, Turner, and Dana Varona talk Avani, Usman, Shania, and Aeydh about their experiences with the 7 Habits of Happy kids. They share what they thought, insights as to how the program helped them, and what the future should be for the 7 Habits at Pinebrook.

    17 min

  7. 04/24/2025

    Be Authentic - An Episode About Interviewing

    Principals Mr. Shawn Lyons and Dr. Tim Sparbanie offer insight, wisdom, and perspective on interviewing. They share stories, experiences, and tips on how to be successful in the hot seat. Paul and Turner host.

    39 min

  8. 03/31/2025

    Trends Over Time - A Look Into The Special Education Process

    Turner, Dr. Kurtz, and Paul had a great conversation with Special Education Supervisor Thomas Chelgren. He shared insight about the special education process and what parents should do if they are new to it or are long-time veterans. He has a wealth of knowledge with a legacy of helping parents in this process as part of multiple education roles in three different divisions. On the podcast: Thomas Chelgren, Special Education Supervisor and Mrs. Turner McAllister, AP, Dr. Courtney Kurtz, SPED Dean, and Paul Thiessen, Principal.

    30 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Thoughts, events, musings about school for the Pinebrook and education community

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Thiessen Jr
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paul Thiessen Jr
  • Show Website
    Puma Pawd