JWeber ESS Principal

Principal at Elizabeth Shelton School-Home of the Rising Stars 🌟

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Updated Information via @SmoreNewsletter https://t.co/w6IfrteOao

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

@kriddleSHS Can’t wait to see you all!!

[Kathy Riddle @kriddleSHS]

ESS Class of 2016 to SHS Class of 2024! @JweberEss SHS College/Career Decision Day

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Happy Teacher Appreciation day 🧡

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

I hope you’re enjoying the snow day Rising Stars 💙💛

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

@darla_lussier We had 104 Chiefs and 105 49ers

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Our Soup-er Bowl collection was 105 cans for the 49ers and 104 for the Chiefs! Thanks to all who donated 💛💙

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Our 100th day scavenger hunt is ALMOST complete-where is #89 #ct126

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Updated Information via @SmoreNewsletter https://t.co/7m9HTWGf6e

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Over 300 pairs of socks are being donated this week thanks to the generosity of all the rising stars 💛💙#ESSRocks

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Updated Information via @SmoreNewsletter https://t.co/lM6vBwKTn5

[Dr. Kenneth Saranich @KennethSaranich]

Buses are running late this morning. Please take your time driving. Students will not be penalized if they are tardy today. Drive safe.

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Enjoy your snow day Rising Stars 💙💛see you tomorrow

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

#MartinLutherKingDay

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Updated Information via @SmoreNewsletter https://t.co/QIpvHbEzPx

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Happy New Year Rising Stars 💛💙 can’t wait to see you all tomorrow

[Mary Crippen @maryisbananas]

How this all began:

I started this “Dolphins” program when I was moved from kindergarten to 3rd grade last year. Moving up to the big leagues (older kids), I immediately saw a passion for sports.

This all started out of the blue at the beginning of last year when I overheard a few of my students talking about the preseason. Specifically one kid talking about Mahomes. I inserted myself into the conversation, & found myself enjoying talking sports with a couple of 8-9 year olds.

One thing led to another & for some reason, I threw the Dolphins schedule on the board. We started tracking their W’s & L’s. The whole gig was, if the dolphins win, we get 10 extra minutes of recess.

Going 3-0 to start last season was awesome. But then, the first L came. Instead of just throwing up an L & moving on with our day, I started talking about what the L meant. I compared it to school and life. They immediately made the connection.

The season went on & we had our fun with extra recess. One of their favorite things was getting to watch the cinematic recap that the Dolphins media team puts together after a win. They always begged to watch. It so well done. It became our “Wednesday Win” morning warm up.

The 5 game losing streak last year was tough as a fan, but an incredible teaching moment for the kids. This is when I started to really notice how they were developing a growth mindset. THEY were the ones driving the conversation. “They need to review the tapes, practice, learn from mistakes, it won’t be easy, but it’s the only way to learn”. I was a proud teacher. Whatever we were doing… was working.

When last season came to an end, OUR season truly began. For those that don’t know, 3rd grade in FL is a retention year. In order to move on to 4th grade, students have to pass their state exams (at least one).

At the beginning of February they take a series of 17 assessments, called the “Portfolio”. One per week. Kind of like an NFL season 😬

The turnaround with the Portfolio assessment is key. Thursday they take the exam, it gets scored, then Friday we are reviewing over the passage and answers.

The portfolio assessment is a long, grueling process. It is by no means easy. It’s not only an academic assessment, but it puts their mental toughness to the test. Their ability to overcome adversity, and keep trying their best.

I truly believe that because we tracked the Dolphins from September - January, they had developed the mindset that losses (bad grades) and missed questions (dropped passes/missed coverage) will happen. But we can learn from our mistakes by reviewing what we did wrong, and learning how to attack the question/passage (opponent) differently next time.

Preparation is key.

Throughout the rest of the school year, even with the NFL season long gone, students were STILL referring their school work/life back to the Dolphins season.

My students had mentally and academically made incredible gains. When it came time for their FINAL exam in May, they had never been more prepared.

Fast forward to August 2023.

When I started the school year this year, I knew tracking the Dolphins was going to be part of the plan. What I didn’t know was how much it would blow up.

I never expected anything out of what I’m doing, let alone all this recognition/spotlight. But it’s been pretty incredible to see how many people connect to what we do on so many different levels.

I appreciate y’all that have been along for the ride, & understand that not everyone will like what I do or agree with the spotlight. I’m not trying to change your mind.

Im excited for what’s to come, and am thrilled to continue sharing my passion for the NFL and education with the world.

🩵
Ms. Martinez

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Ready for our sing along ❤️💚

[JWeber ESS Principal @JweberEss]

Updated Information via @SmoreNewsletter https://t.co/5n4ry12bVW