Week 2 Posted by Charlene Sanders on Monday, September 16, 2013 10:25:03 PM EDT 9/14/13

This has been a very difficult week. Apparently, my immediate supervisors did not have the authority to approve my request to flex my schedule for my internship. My plan was to be off every Friday and make up my hours by staying late other days and working Saturdays if necessary. I met with the Director and she wasnt pleasant or helpful in helping me to pursue my professional development goals. However, Mrs. French, the director of my internship placement was gracious enough to allow me to complete my internship hours after work and on weekends. As an administrator she works many hours after programming ends. I am unable to explain in words how grateful I am that she is willing to help me in this unfortunate situation. Saturday we spent our day completing several tasks. First we worked on the Judy Hoyer grant for the Federalsburg site. My job was to research statistical and census data, as well as retrieve information from MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education). I found the MSDE website very informative. I gathered information by school (Federalsburg), state (Maryland) and county (Caroline). The website allowed me to sort by subject (Math, Reading, and Science), race, FARMS (free and reduced meals) and grade (3rd-5th). After collecting required data, we analyzed that data and entered it into an excel document which created charts/graphs. We ran into a slight problem because the data we entered did not correctly sync to each corresponding chart/graph. Mrs. French was unable to locate the instructions on how to complete the task. Using Excel in this capacity is an area in which I need to improve. The saying if you dont use it, you lose it would apply to my knowledge of Excel. The second task we completed was the calendar for the 2013-2014 year. We scheduled all staff meetings/ trainings, policy council meetings, holiday events, closings, etc. The calendar gives Mrs. French a tentative schedule to use as a guide and she may have to adjust some dates as the year progresses. Planning ahead is essential and it was useful to observe the process behind the plan. Many factors had to be considered in this process and, surprisingly, it took us a long time to complete this task. The last project we completed was updating personnel files. We reviewed personnel files and went through a database to make sure updated information and training documents had been received. Mrs. French keeps updated drivers licenses, physicals, CPR/AED/First Aid, certifications, credentialing, etc. in each personnel file. We sent a memo to each employee notifying them of what their file is missing and a due date to return requested verifications. I am hoping to find time to review my EXCEL tutorial.