Interview by Lucas Dehelean and Alex Murray
The Falconer: What do you think about the homeroom block and is it useful for your students?
Ms. Purdy: I have mixed opinions, its beneficial to me as an advisor so that way I can run meetings for clubs and organizations that I advise during that time it's also advantage because it gives me an opportunity to work with students who need help however I do think it's difficult for some students to stay at an academic task for 85 minutes at the end of the day. When they've completed their academic work.
The Falconer: What do think about Mr. Balestracci leaving?
Ms. Purdy: I think anytime there is an administrative change there is a period of transition that requires flexibility, cooperation, and patience. I've worked with Mr. Balestracci as a colleague and most recently as a member of his faculty, he will be sorely missed on many levels. I appreciated his leadership style because he was approachable and had an open door policy, he was also very dedicated to all members of our school community.
The Falconer: What do you think about the homeroom block and is it useful for your students?
Ms. Purdy: I have mixed opinions, its beneficial to me as an advisor so that way I can run meetings for clubs and organizations that I advise during that time it's also advantage because it gives me an opportunity to work with students who need help however I do think it's difficult for some students to stay at an academic task for 85 minutes at the end of the day. When they've completed their academic work.
The Falconer: What do think about Mr. Balestracci leaving?
Ms. Purdy: I think anytime there is an administrative change there is a period of transition that requires flexibility, cooperation, and patience. I've worked with Mr. Balestracci as a colleague and most recently as a member of his faculty, he will be sorely missed on many levels. I appreciated his leadership style because he was approachable and had an open door policy, he was also very dedicated to all members of our school community.
The Falconer: What are your thoughts on the new rules about half the bathrooms being closed?
Ms. Purdy: If you were going to close or limit access to bathrooms, we have to be more willing to be flexible with the duration of the time you may be gone as a student to take care of your needs.
The Falconer: How do you feel about the homeroom being its own 85 minute block?
Ms. Purdy: I think it's important to have some type of homeroom, and currently and in the future it is important to offer students opportunities to get additional support and help during the school day. With many students involved in sports and community service projects, it allows actively involved students to complete their academic tasks instead of doing it late at night. It is vital we keep some type of homeroom in our future
The Falconer: How was teaching for you online during COVID?
Ms. Purdy: I found it very challenging to keep the students engaged for that amount of time knowing that they already spend a lot of time on screen outside of academic Zoom. As time went on I learned more about different teaching tools to make that time more productive for not only myself but my students. I think for older teachers who aren't as tech savvy, it was particularly challenging. I like group discussions in my wellness classes and many students were resistant to talking in that type of format.
The Falconer: How are you handling being back in school fully?
Ms. Purdy: The seating arrangement combined with the mask mandates make it difficult to provide open dialogue in a classroom setting. The kinds of conversations that are important with wellness topics make it difficult for kids to have a voice when we are seated the way we are and are wearing the masks. It's challenging to pick up on social cues and emotional cues. The seating that we maintain and the way the classroom is organized to ensure our safety also has a drawback in that some may feel more disconnected by virtue of their seating arrangement.
The Falconer: How has the A and B schedule affected your teaching and the amount of time you get to spend teaching now?
Ms. Purdy: You have to be super organized and visionary with your curriculum and lesson planning because you don't see the kids everyday, you need to strengthen your time management skills and organization skills and lesson planning.