Setting and Context
Lobo Culture
It is exciting to teach in a High School with such high standards of its students. I had the opportunity to listen to the principal, Tom Lopez, describe the vision of the school. He explained the “Lobo Way” that is instilled in all students here at Rocky. The foundation of the Lobo Way is a standard of excellence. I know that the few weeks I have spent here have already pushed me to hold higher expectations of myself.
I am proud to be a role model at Rocky Mountain High School. During Mr. Lopez’s speech he mentioned that we are teachers now therefore we should stand a little bit taller. I was reminded of the Butterfly Theory, which explains that even tiny actions such as standing a little taller can be very influential on students. It is encouraging to work in an environment that asks me to push myself to my full potential in order to help my students achieve the same goal.
Rocky asks much more of their students than just scholastic growth. Public and personal growth, as well as relationship building is expected of students. Rocky does more than just create proficient students, it creates well-rounded citizens. I have had several opportunities to meet the citizens of Rocky outside of the classroom, whether it's at scheduled events such as chess club or theatrical productions, or in unplanned places such as the walk to school, the experience has always been positive.
I am proud to be a role model at Rocky Mountain High School. During Mr. Lopez’s speech he mentioned that we are teachers now therefore we should stand a little bit taller. I was reminded of the Butterfly Theory, which explains that even tiny actions such as standing a little taller can be very influential on students. It is encouraging to work in an environment that asks me to push myself to my full potential in order to help my students achieve the same goal.
Rocky asks much more of their students than just scholastic growth. Public and personal growth, as well as relationship building is expected of students. Rocky does more than just create proficient students, it creates well-rounded citizens. I have had several opportunities to meet the citizens of Rocky outside of the classroom, whether it's at scheduled events such as chess club or theatrical productions, or in unplanned places such as the walk to school, the experience has always been positive.
School Environment
Rocky runs on the block schedule. This means students attend four 90 minute class periods everyday. Wednesdays are unique, they are known as late start days. On these days classes begin at 9 am rather than 7:25 and each class period is reduced to 65 minutes.
What I have observed so far at Rocky has been very positive. The halls are tidy and the classrooms feel safe. During the passing periods the halls are flooded with students. This can be a chaotic time but the students are always welcoming, polite, and respectful. The underlying expectation of excellence of the Lobo Way can be seen in all aspects of the school.
What I have observed so far at Rocky has been very positive. The halls are tidy and the classrooms feel safe. During the passing periods the halls are flooded with students. This can be a chaotic time but the students are always welcoming, polite, and respectful. The underlying expectation of excellence of the Lobo Way can be seen in all aspects of the school.
Classroom Environment
The quality of Jay Dukart’s art room is outstanding. The huge room leaves lots of space for student thought. The walls are lined with shelves that are full of students’ art projects. You get a sense of inspiration spilling off the shelves and radiating off the walls. The room itself pulses with a positive energy. The students are very engaged because the teacher is captivating. The Duke, as he likes to be called, has achieved a good balance between his fun wit and an expectation of respect. His ability to create an environment that is hard working yet light hearted is admirable.
Extra Curriculars
I believe one of the keys to student success is getting involved with the school. Students have to want to be there. So far this semester I have had the opportunity to meet several young men at the chess club. During my last game I accidentally lost my queen. My opponent played a very solid end game and was able to win. While I benifited by meeting a new student, he benefited by receiving a boost of confidence from beating a college student at chess. It is nice to be in a chess community. I am really enjoying the time I am spending with the students in the chess club, they remind me of myself when I was in high school. What is so exciting about this club is I am getting an opportunity to apply all that I have learned from the chess club at CSU to the club at RMHS. We are already planning a tournament. One of my greatest goals with this club is to impart some wisdom on these students that I wish I had in high school. I want to show them the benefits of being involved with your school.
The school also offers many support structures. This includes teams, clubs, counseling, and even classes. One of the classes Ben and I visited was ACE - Alternative Cooperative Education. This class focuses on giving students life skills. The class is designed to help students with special needs. The educator stressed that post secondary seccess for students with special needs is paid employment in high school. It is very simple, kids need work experience before they enter the work feild. This class actually has three businesses so students can gain work experience in high school. Which is something that is very nice to put on a resume. The businesses focus on advertising, merchandising, and financing. This class was not what I expected but I was very impressed. And I will definityley buy a Rocky wrap which they sell at the Rockstop during friday lunches.
The school also offers many support structures. This includes teams, clubs, counseling, and even classes. One of the classes Ben and I visited was ACE - Alternative Cooperative Education. This class focuses on giving students life skills. The class is designed to help students with special needs. The educator stressed that post secondary seccess for students with special needs is paid employment in high school. It is very simple, kids need work experience before they enter the work feild. This class actually has three businesses so students can gain work experience in high school. Which is something that is very nice to put on a resume. The businesses focus on advertising, merchandising, and financing. This class was not what I expected but I was very impressed. And I will definityley buy a Rocky wrap which they sell at the Rockstop during friday lunches.
Demographic Characteristics
Total number of students: 1947
Percentage of graduating students who continue on to higher education: 83%
Average class size: 32
Number of licensed staff members: 126; 72% hold advanced degrees
Percentage of students on free and reduced lunch (self identified): 30%
Percentage of graduating students who continue on to higher education: 83%
Average class size: 32
Number of licensed staff members: 126; 72% hold advanced degrees
Percentage of students on free and reduced lunch (self identified): 30%