Grover International Preparatory Log
Alexis Preston
SPRING 2010
January 21, 2010
9AM-1PM
Today was my first day at Grover International Prep. I was introduced to my supervisor Dr. Kevin Duffy the resident school psychologist at Grover International Prep. Dr. Duffy familiarized the other intern and I with basic psychological assessments and gave us an overview of the school’s SST program. I was able to read through a view student IEP (individualized educational program) and understand what types of students that I would be working with the semester.
I am excited about the possible impact that I will be able to have in the lives of the Grover International students. Since I will be starting my master’s program in school counseling, so Dr. Duffy informed me that he would be able to give me some experience working with school counselors.
Dr. Duffy is very knowledgeable and I am positive this will be a wonderful and enlightening experience.
I am excited about the possible impact that I will be able to have in the lives of the Grover International students. Since I will be starting my master’s program in school counseling, so Dr. Duffy informed me that he would be able to give me some experience working with school counselors.
Dr. Duffy is very knowledgeable and I am positive this will be a wonderful and enlightening experience.
January 26, 2010
9AM- 2PM
Today was not very eventful; we further addressed assessments and discussed the possible students that we (the interns) would be working with. I was able to view one of the school’s social workers interact with a regular student. After viewing the social worker conduct a session, the other interns and myself were able to sit and talk with another student.
I believe that the fact that I have three younger brothers all school aged, will greatly impact my relationship with the Grover International students positively. Most of the day was spent looking for books that discussed the RPI program and other helpful methods of helping students that have been determined to be in need of Special Education services.
I believe that the fact that I have three younger brothers all school aged, will greatly impact my relationship with the Grover International students positively. Most of the day was spent looking for books that discussed the RPI program and other helpful methods of helping students that have been determined to be in need of Special Education services.
January 28, 2010
9AM- 2PM
I was able to meet the staff at both Grover and International Prep. I think it is important to note that Grover International Prep is two schools in one. Grover was the first school, but due to low testing performance and graduation rates the school was overtaken by the district and got a makeover, this makeover is International Prep.
I was able to meet a view students that I would possible be working with, but due to the regents testing there were not many students available to meet. The start of my practicum has been slow because my first few days have been during final exams week. I am excited to intern at Grover International Prep because I will be able to gain the experience I have been ready to experience… Working one-on-one with students.
I was able to meet a view students that I would possible be working with, but due to the regents testing there were not many students available to meet. The start of my practicum has been slow because my first few days have been during final exams week. I am excited to intern at Grover International Prep because I will be able to gain the experience I have been ready to experience… Working one-on-one with students.
February 2, 2010
8:30AM-2PM
I was finally able to meet the student that I would be aiding throughout my time at Grover International. This student is a student that demonstrated behavioral problems in the classroom, and had previously failed a grade and is currently failing a majority of his present classes. This student would require constant one-on-one support. Teachers described the student as disruptive, impulsive, and apathetic.
When I first met the student he appeared to be apprehensive about having someone shadow him throughout the day. After I explained that I was there just to help, he appeared to be more comfortable. Surprisingly, when I first met him he was in the office because he had been dismissed from classes due to disruptive classroom behavior.
The student required constant reminders, but he was not as “bad” as I thought he would be based on the information I read before meeting him. The student and I seem to be very compatible, he reminds me of my own younger brothers who are around the same age. The student obviously felt comfortable with me because he began to share personal and not so personal information with me about his home life and his views towards school and his classmates.
I am very excited about the relationship I have already formed with the student in one day of aiding him. I am sure this constant one-on-one aid would be beneficial.
When I first met the student he appeared to be apprehensive about having someone shadow him throughout the day. After I explained that I was there just to help, he appeared to be more comfortable. Surprisingly, when I first met him he was in the office because he had been dismissed from classes due to disruptive classroom behavior.
The student required constant reminders, but he was not as “bad” as I thought he would be based on the information I read before meeting him. The student and I seem to be very compatible, he reminds me of my own younger brothers who are around the same age. The student obviously felt comfortable with me because he began to share personal and not so personal information with me about his home life and his views towards school and his classmates.
I am very excited about the relationship I have already formed with the student in one day of aiding him. I am sure this constant one-on-one aid would be beneficial.
February 4, 2010
8:30AM- 2PM
Today was my second day aiding my student in his daily class activities. Dr. Duffy asked me to take notes on the interactions with the student in the classroom and in his ventures from class to class. The notes that I take will benefit the student later in the semester when he has his personal SST meeting with his parents and influential staff members that confirm the need for Special Educational services. I believe that as long as the student shows progress in his class work, classroom behavior, and grade he will greatly benefit from these services...
Most of my day was spent taking notes and assisting my student. I was able to get a perspective of the classes and the students in them. After spending the day with my student, I was able to talk with Dr. Duffy for a few minutes before the end of my shift. I expressed the positive nature of having one-on-one aid for many of the school’s students. But, Dr. Duffy informed me that since the Buffalo City School District has such a low budget the reality of having one-on-one aid for all the students who need the service is not realistic. Aids for students would require additional funding that the district just does not have, which is very disheartening.
February 9, 2010Most of my day was spent taking notes and assisting my student. I was able to get a perspective of the classes and the students in them. After spending the day with my student, I was able to talk with Dr. Duffy for a few minutes before the end of my shift. I expressed the positive nature of having one-on-one aid for many of the school’s students. But, Dr. Duffy informed me that since the Buffalo City School District has such a low budget the reality of having one-on-one aid for all the students who need the service is not realistic. Aids for students would require additional funding that the district just does not have, which is very disheartening.
8:30AM-2PM
Again today I aided my student in his school activities. I am happy to report that although there has only been an implemented treatment for his problematic behavior for a few days the student is showing improvement in his behavior and classroom participation. The student has been in classes every day, whereas previously he had low class attendance. Additionally, the student completed homework assignments and class work in most of his classes with minimal reminders to stay on task. In only two days, the student has shown great growth.
Today I also noticed that a few of the other students were happy for my student to be receiving services. One student stated “I’m happy your doing your work now (to the student), I’m happy you got someone to help you”. I was overjoyed by the student’s comment, and I believe my student was happy because he receives positive reinforcement. Furthermore, a few teachers gave the student positive reinforcement for completing class assignments, I found that their use of reinforcement would impact my student’s decision to behave in class, instead of misbehaving to receive attention because of negative behaviors.
Today I also noticed that a few of the other students were happy for my student to be receiving services. One student stated “I’m happy your doing your work now (to the student), I’m happy you got someone to help you”. I was overjoyed by the student’s comment, and I believe my student was happy because he receives positive reinforcement. Furthermore, a few teachers gave the student positive reinforcement for completing class assignments, I found that their use of reinforcement would impact my student’s decision to behave in class, instead of misbehaving to receive attention because of negative behaviors.
February 11, 2010
8:30AM- 2PM
Today my student surprised me yet again. The student successfully attended his first period class independently with little disruptions. Today I am attempting to allow the student an opportunity to independently attend classes. He did an excellent job of going to classes without disruptive behaviors. I attended 3 of his 7 classes.
I was also able to view the star of Dr. Duffy administering an assessment with one of the school’s students. But I had to attend my student’s class so I was unable to view the whole assessment being administered. Dr. Duffy informed me that I would be able to sit in on an assessment next week if the student decided to attend school.
I have still not had the opportunity to shadow the school counselors, so once the student has shown steady growth in classroom participation and behaviors I will be able to shadow one of the school counselors. However, I am in no rush to leave my student I am hoping that my student is able to progress, and I would like to be able to view his progression.
I was also able to view the star of Dr. Duffy administering an assessment with one of the school’s students. But I had to attend my student’s class so I was unable to view the whole assessment being administered. Dr. Duffy informed me that I would be able to sit in on an assessment next week if the student decided to attend school.
I have still not had the opportunity to shadow the school counselors, so once the student has shown steady growth in classroom participation and behaviors I will be able to shadow one of the school counselors. However, I am in no rush to leave my student I am hoping that my student is able to progress, and I would like to be able to view his progression.
February 16, 2010
8:30AM- 11AM
Today at Grover International there was not any classes in sessions; the school had a Conference Day, which was a designated day for parents and guardians to meet with teachers and staff to discuss student progress and behavior. There was not much to do besides read a few scholarly journals about RPI and discuss the behavior of student we will soon be aiding.
February 18, 20108:30AM- 2PM
Today at Grover International I learned that the student that I had been working with regularly had been suspended Friday afternoon. I was very upset that he had ruined his stretch of good behavior by being suspended from school. Since this student was suspended, I had the opportunity to aid a new student.
The student was also male, but did not seem as talkative as my previous student. He participated in classroom discussion, read aloud, and completed class work but he needed reminders to stay awake in class. This student needed reminders to focus on tasks and needed to be reminded of appropriate classroom behavior. The whole day was dedicated to me taking notes on this student’s behavior help in the implementation of an academic plan.
February 23, 2010The student was also male, but did not seem as talkative as my previous student. He participated in classroom discussion, read aloud, and completed class work but he needed reminders to stay awake in class. This student needed reminders to focus on tasks and needed to be reminded of appropriate classroom behavior. The whole day was dedicated to me taking notes on this student’s behavior help in the implementation of an academic plan.
8:30AM- 1PM
At Grover International Prep today I was delighted to find my previous student in classes since he returned from his school suspension. Today I was fairly busy; I was expected to aid students, my previous student and the new student that I met last week. Although I thought it would be difficult to aid both students throughout the day I was wrong. It was fairly easy to aid both students in their classes, and I had the ability to meet new teachers.
Both students did well in their class. There was little disruptive behavior in courses, but their behavior was overall satisfactory. During my next visit at Grover I will be able to sit with Dr. Duffy while he administers a test.
March 2, 2010 /March 4, 2010
9AM-2PM both days
I was able to gain experience working with Mr. Merrick the School Counselor for International Prep. Mr. Merrick is a Canisius College graduate from the School Counseling department, which is were I will be studying next semester for my master’s degree in school counseling. He is a very knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable individual, which I find to be important attributes in a school counselor. Mr. Merrick leads many school programs, which help to ensure the success for the school’s students. Mr. Merrick supervises the Advisory Program at Grover International Prep, the Advisory program is a once a week class where students are able to discuss life events, as well as receive guidance from Advisory teachers.
On Tuesday I gathered the materials for the Advisory Program, which would take place on Thursday. I made copies of the curricula for Thursday’s Advisory class for teachers, as well as selecting materials for the students. The actual Advisory day I was able to go to each Advisory classroom with Mr. Merrick to ensure that teachers were following the Advisory curricula, or providing guidance for the students. Most teachers followed the curricula, while others seemed to be counseling groups.
The Advisory Program appears to be a very helpful and influential program at Grover International Prep and I am so pleased that I had the ability to impact the students, teachers, and the program as a whole by preparing the curricula for this week’s Advisory.
The Advisory Program appears to be a very helpful and influential program at Grover International Prep and I am so pleased that I had the ability to impact the students, teachers, and the program as a whole by preparing the curricula for this week’s Advisory.
March 9, 2010
8:30AM- 2PM
Today at Grover International Prep I was able to complete a Function Based Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan for one of the students that I have been aiding. In this report I was expected to describe problem behaviors and brainstorm ways to change these problematic behaviors to desired behaviors. In the report I was expected to create a plan to be implemented to greater serve the needs of the student, and ensure academic success. Since I have been working with this student for a while implementing a plan was not difficult.
It is very challenging to attempt to implement a plan when I know that the school district has little funds to execute the plan. I found that the plan that I created was already implemented in the student’s IEP report, but little of the strategies that are written in the IEP are seldom utilized with the student. I am hoping that the SST (Student Support Team) meeting would discuss implementing the plan and ways to ensure that the teachers utilize the things implemented for this student.
March 11, 2010
8:30AM- 2PM
Today at Grover International Prep I was able to observe Dr. Duffy conduct a Woodcock-Johnson Achievement test with the second student that I have been aiding. The testing went smoothly and I was able to attend class the rest of the day with the student.
March 16, 2010
8:30AM- 2PM
Today at Grover International Prep I was able to continue my work with Mr. Merrick. Today I prepared the class materials for Advisory for Thursday. I was able to have more of a leadership position this week, Mr. Merrick allowed me to choose the class material independently for the next 3 weeks for Advisory classes. I was very busy making copies of the material for both teachers and students. Preparation took the whole time that I was at Grover. Thursday the director of College Board will be visiting Grover International Prep to oversee that Advisory classes and ensure that they are successful.
I was also given the opportunity to meet the Assistant Director of the Upward Bound program at D’Youville. I was very excited to have this meeting because as a high school student I attended the Lemoyne College Upward Bound program in Syracuse. I was happy to see that Buffalo students have some of the very beneficial opportunities that I had. I was invited to come to the program and speak to the students, I am very proud that I will be able to give back to a program that helped me throughout my middle school and high school years.
I was also given the opportunity to meet the Assistant Director of the Upward Bound program at D’Youville. I was very excited to have this meeting because as a high school student I attended the Lemoyne College Upward Bound program in Syracuse. I was happy to see that Buffalo students have some of the very beneficial opportunities that I had. I was invited to come to the program and speak to the students, I am very proud that I will be able to give back to a program that helped me throughout my middle school and high school years.
March 18, 2010
8:30AM- 2PM
Today at Grover International Prep I met with the representative from College Board. We discussed the overall goals of the program and we also discussed ways to tackle teacher involvement with the program. After the meeting with the representative we devised a plan to check in on the 20 Advisory classes. Mr. Merrick and I evaluated 7th to 8th grade middle school Advisory classes and one 10th and 11th grade Advisories.
We attended the Advisories to gain some helpful statistics to help improve the program. After we gained our data we met once more and discuss what we observed. We later had a short meeting with the principal for International Prep.
After numerous meetings and observations, Mr. Merrick had to depart early to attend a meeting outside of the building. I joined Dr. Duffy at the MST school on East Delevan.
We attended the Advisories to gain some helpful statistics to help improve the program. After we gained our data we met once more and discuss what we observed. We later had a short meeting with the principal for International Prep.
After numerous meetings and observations, Mr. Merrick had to depart early to attend a meeting outside of the building. I joined Dr. Duffy at the MST school on East Delevan.
March 23, 2010
8:30AM-2PM
Today at Grover International Prep I worked on creating a spreadsheet for the 163 students at International Prep that had poor school attendance. I worked on the spreadsheet for most of the day; in the spreadsheet I incorporated the students that showed an outrageous number of absences, the type of correspondence between school staff and the student’s guardians.
The second half of the day I assisted Mr. Merrick in preparing the junior and senior students for their college fair field trip tomorrow.
The second half of the day I assisted Mr. Merrick in preparing the junior and senior students for their college fair field trip tomorrow.
March 25, 2010
8:30AM- 2PM
At International Prep at Grover I worked on attendance again. This time I was given data which showed the amount of excused and unexcused absences from the students that have been notoriously absent. The data detailed the amount of absences after the first initial correspondence was distributed to parents to inform them of their child’s absences.
For the entire day I worked on attendance related material. I was able to gain plenty of experience working with the student data. I also found many interesting correlations in the student data. Tuesday I will work on creating a second correspondence letter with Mr. Merrick to send to parents informing them of their child’s continuous absences.
For the entire day I worked on attendance related material. I was able to gain plenty of experience working with the student data. I also found many interesting correlations in the student data. Tuesday I will work on creating a second correspondence letter with Mr. Merrick to send to parents informing them of their child’s continuous absences.
March 30,2010
9AM- 1PM
Today I was able to observe Dr.Duffy write his reports for students that he had previously assessed and determined that they needed individualized services. I also reunited with a previous student and accompanied him to two of his afternoon classes.
April 13, 20108:30AM-2PM
Today was the first day of school since Spring Break and I was delighted to hear that the faculty also had a break from work and classes. Today there was minimal work to do, but we still managed to look over some student IEP reports and suspensions to decide if the student’s recent suspensions were patterns due to their disabilities. Out of the 5 or 6 students that we reviewed only 2 students demonstrated a pattern in the suspensions.
I was able to meet with Mr. Merrick to discuss the final things that I needed to do to complete my attendance project that I had been working on for the previous weeks. Thursday I will be mailing a second correspondence letter home to parents of students with 10 or more absences.
April 15, 2010I was able to meet with Mr. Merrick to discuss the final things that I needed to do to complete my attendance project that I had been working on for the previous weeks. Thursday I will be mailing a second correspondence letter home to parents of students with 10 or more absences.
9:30AM-2:30PM
Today I worked with Mr.Merrick we addressed and stamped envelopes for the letters to the parents or guardians for students with 10 or more absences. Most of the day we looked over the spreadsheet I created and waited for the principal to return to the building from a meeting so we could approve the letter.
Once the principal arrived it was later in the day and we did not have the opportunity to mail the letters. We are hoping to have them mailed the latest on Tuesday, hopefully we can finish attendance in move on to other tasks that needs to be completed. I feel as though I am gaining very valuable experience and an understanding of adolescent students in inner city schools.
April 20, 20108:30AM-12: 30PM
Today I spent the day with Mr.Merrick. During my time at the school I worked with Mr.Merrick to conduct a bullying presentation for the 7th graders at International prep. I completed a PowerPoint presentation and I also compiled two separate worksheet packets to serve a recap for the students, and a way for Mr. Merrick and I to evaluate if the student understood the material.
May 4, 2010
8:30AM- 1:30PM
At Grover International Prep I was extremely busy today. Thursday, May 6th the school will be holding their second annual Career Mentoring day and April Adams (The Canisius College Graduate Assistant intern), Mr. Merrick, and myself have accepted the task of planning the event. Today I will be calling presenters and finalizing all the lists of presenters that will be attending Thursday’s event. Most of the day I called presenters and planned with Mr. Merrick locations throughout the school where the presenters would be able to complete four 30-minute presentations for four different groups of middle school and high school classes. EXTREMELY EVENTFUL DAY! ☺
May 6, 2010
8 AM- 2PM
Today is my final day at Grover International Prep and I have gained the most valuable experience of my life. I have been able to make up my mind as to what career I would like to focus on for graduate school, and gained some valuable insight which I am sure will aid me in my studies during graduate school.
Today was the Career Mentoring day; we welcomed a large group of Buffalo professionals to the school. The day was eventful and required a whole lot of running around, rescheduling, and repeats planning. We had a couple drawbacks, but overall the event was very successful. Students appeared to enjoy the event and some even exchanged contact information with a few Buffalo professionals, which was the first opportunity to network most of the students had.
After the event Mr. Merrick, April Adams, and myself were very pleased. We gathered together with Dr. Duffy, Danielle (the other intern from Canisius), and two of Dr. Duffy’s colleagues at PF Changs for a celebratory/ farewell lunch. We discussed our experiences at Grover International Prep, our likes and dislikes, and what we learned from the experience. I can defiantly say with Mr. Merrick I have formed a great professional relationship, he offered to supervise me for an additional internship if needed, he also volunteered to be a reference for employment and graduate school. I am so pleased with my experience at Grover International Prep; I will greatly miss the students I have worked with and most of Mr. Merrick and Dr. Duffy who allowed me to gain valuable experience and a look at what I could possibly be doing in the future. I appreciate everything I have learned.
