Educationomics

Educationomics: Somewhere in the Middle

I would be honored if you could take the time to listen to my first podcast installment. Give me some feedback about quality or suggestions for content – I want it all! It’s a little rough in the production quality, but it’s a learning experience!

Protocols? What protocols? I don't know that I have used the world protocol more than I have this year in our return to campus.

I have mentioned this to a number of families over the past week, but I don’t know that I have used the world protocolmore than I have this year in our return to campus.  There are so many processes and procedures in place that to ensure the safety and health of each individual; yet, I remain in wonder of our devoted faculty who have done so much to transcend the limitations placed upon their…

Reframing the Vision: Online Learning - Uniting our effort to build a better and more valuable learning experience.

This blogpost was created by me with the editing assistance of Dr. Mark Carleton.

There has never been a more interesting time to assess and improve the way learning occurs in the hearts and minds of every child. Many schools already succeed in developing school-wide programs that imbue intrepid, independent learners with confidence and passion. The secret to these inventive opportunities…

What’s in Your Front Drawer?

I want to stop and think about the requirements of the modern educator. Considering ways to upgrade the design of education and move the construct away from silo-based learning models to one that resembles an mobile think-tank, we have to remember that the instruments of learning are many. Ideas in a learning space should move in many directions at once. Adding in the potential for a hybrid…

It’s a brand new day – make it the best one yet

This post begins with a deep breath.

The world we live in seems to be in a free fall – from the flames of racial injustice to the deepening curve of a pandemic, there are so many in turmoil. People have expressed agony over the excrutiating and arduous task of navigating such difficult conversations in the midst of social distancing and mask-wearing. Most certainly, a return to “normal” does…

Distance Learning – We are a Go!

A little motivational moment from the division head. We’ve got this, people!

Bringing School Together – Connection Learning in Math and Science (Volume One, Post 3)

“Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air, and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.” 

― Warren Berger, A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas

As you may have read in the previous posthighlighting Humanities and Language Acquisition, Presbyterian School has developed a…

Volume One, Post 2 – Humanities, Languages, and Identity

In my previous (introductory) post, I described the general design and belief system of our middle school program at Presbyterian School. A colleague and faculty member appreciated my use of the word opportunityto talk about learning. I chose this descriptor to emphasize how we encourage students to attain meaningful, joyful learning pathways that fulfill the soul. As educational professionals,…

Bringing School Together – Volume One, Part One

Launch Initiated in 10…9…8…

For those of you diving into Educationomics for the first time: my name is Charlie Gramatges, and I am the Head of Middle School (principal) at Presbyterian Schoolin Houston, TX. I have blogged for a number of years, building a catalog of experiences I have enjoyed during various stages of my career in education. I have learned much, and now have an opportunity to…

I'd love to share my final address to the middle school with you - take a look and let me know what you think!

I will fight for you…I always do.

Sometimes I hear a song that tugs on my heartstrings. I’m a fan of Andy Grammer’s music, but I was shell shocked when I heard his song “Don’t Give Up on Me” which he wrote for a movie called Five Feet Apart. While the content of the movie itself is moving and heartbreaking, I was particularly moved when watching this video from his website. Please take a…

Heartfelt Moments at School

I will fight for you…I always do.

Sometimes I hear a song that tugs on my heartstrings. I’m a fan of Andy Grammer’s music, but I was shell shocked when I heard his song “Don’t Give Up on Me” which he wrote for a movie called Five Feet Apart. While the content of the movie itself is moving and heartbreaking, I was particularly moved when watching this video from his website. Please take a…

My Team – Gratitude

I wish I had a better grasp on some earth-shaking information that would give you a way to improve your craft beyond measure.  Alas, my well runs dry at this time of year, and I guess it’s lucky, too. You don’t need another “challenge to be great” or royal decree regarding what classrooms should look like, nor a step-by-step guide on how to build better relationships with your students.  As I…

Timeless Learning- Reflections (Week 2)

What are you doing every day to help create the world you want to see?

Part of my job as a division leader is vision-casting. It is my responsibility as director of the middle grades to be a person who thinks about where this “cruise ship” should travel, the path to our destination, and the events along the way. Conversations that involve listening to faculty members create and explore new ideas…

Quick Reflection: How to be a good principal (or person…same thing)

The first response that keeps coming up is presence. Leaders can’t lead from an ivory tower. The best results come from watching and experiencing school first hand. That means being in the hallways, observing in the classroom, and making contact/conversation with families at drop off and pickup times. The more we are seen as a part of the daily program, the better our credit with all parties…

My youngest son loves Elmo. He adores watching this character sing and dance, particularly with Taye Diggs as they go driving in their imaginary yellow automobile. For some reason, this little jam gets Parker moving and singing. He loves making the sounds that a car makes; he’ll watch the same video over and over. However, the song is not what I think about when I watch it with my boy. At the…

What is Modern Learning?

Taken from a comment I made on a very intriguing post in my Change.School community:

Modern Learning is all about the “who” in our daily life. Now, I stole this mantra from my mentor, but I firmly believe in it. Modern learning requires us to know our audience and present ideas and concepts (whether required or via passionate personal interest) in a way that is relatable to each person in the…