This staff is amazing. Have you noticed the amount of visitors we get around here? Everyone wants to come and see the incredible things that are happening at our school. This week I’ve been wondering if it’s possible that being in the spotlight can cause us to go blind to the fact that change might still need to happen. Could feeling like things are going really well actually cause us to become average or worse? It’s important to reflect on this and make sure that we don’t allow ourselves to slip. Have you said or thought any of the following things lately? 1-I do everything right. 2-I do that already. 3-I know this. 4-I’ve always done it this way. This week we had our first ever half day math data teams. And, we got uncomfortable. Personally, I love nothing more than that uncomfortable feeling and then working through that feeling and getting to the other side where change happens. However, when it comes to math, we haven’t had the luxury of spending a lot of time being uncomfortable together. We’ve met for math data teams during planning time and staff meetings, but we have not spent large chunks of time digging into our practice. This week, that all changed. I watched this staff dive into amazing conversations about the way we question kids, the data that we need to look at more closely and the extensions and interventions we need to provide to our kids. I heard celebrations and concerns and I saw everyone get uncomfortable. I was reminded that even when you’re achieving at a high level, it’s important to take a step back and realize that we’re not perfect, we’re not right all the time and we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to admit that we have things to learn. I’ve never worked in a place where I’ve felt more comfortable being vulnerable. I’ve never worked with a staff that I trust more. When you get to the edge and you’re feeling really uncomfortable, what are you going to do? Is this your internal dialogue? 1-I do everything right. 2-I do that already. 3-I know this. 4-I’ve always done it this way. Or, are you ready to take a leap? Here is your staff update for September 29th.
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“You become what you choose.” These words have stuck with me since I heard Tim Kight say them this summer at an administrator retreat. I have reflected on who I am and who I want to be. Then on Monday morning a colleague of mine ran into my office and said “Can you name your personal values? And, I mean without thinking about it, can you just rattle them off.” I stared at him blankly for a moment, paused to think and then said, “…No!” And, ever since that moment, my head has been swirling as I’ve tried to pinpoint my own personal values. For the past few days, I have opened my mind to things that inspire me. I have paid close attention to what drives me and what I struggle with. I have revisited some of my favorite books, watched some TED Talks and just talked to people about who I want to be. I think I have landed on three core personal values:
As I work each day to live out my personal values, I challenge you to identify yours. I challenge you to broadcast your values to the others so they can hold you accountable for who you choose to become.
Here is your staff update for September 22. I often write about how much I love my staff and this year is no exception. The selfless acts I witness every day truly make my heart feel like it could burst. I love seeing the way we all work as a team; the way we have each other’s backs and the way we truly care about one another. But, today I feel like we reached a new level; a level often reached only by family. It all started when I hurried to the bathroom. As many educators know, going to the bathroom is a luxury in an elementary school. And at my school it’s an even greater luxury because we have quite a lack of staff bathrooms. So, I was very excited when I fast-walked into the staff workroom to find an unoccupied bathroom. I had to make my way through a group of teachers who were hurriedly laminating, paper cutting, team planning and problem solving, but no one had stopped me as I made my way to my final destination. I smiled and retreated inside for a 30 second vacation. As I was reveling in the momentary silence, I quickly heard the familiar sound of my name being called. All of a sudden, I realized that what I heard was a teacher asking me a question as she yelled through the bathroom door. I couldn’t help but yell back, “Are you seriously talking to me when I’m in the bathroom? I swear this is just like being at home!” When I opened the door I was greeted with the laughter of a workroom full of teachers. The culprit however, was hiding from me. So, to say that we love each other is an understatement. Power of the team was taken to another level today. And, I must say, there are no people who I’d rather communicate with through bathrooms doors. Stay ELITE my friends and know that my door is always open…unless of course it’s closed, and then you can just yell through it. Here is your staff update for September 15.
Every time I hear this phrase I think of the scene from Christmas vacation when Chevy Chase greases up the metal sled and shoots down the hill.
I seriously laugh out loud every time I think about it. I can’t help but describe our first three weeks of the school year in no other way than “comin’ in hot”!
Today I found myself making mental notes of all the things we have accomplished in 3 short (even though they may have seemed long) weeks of school. In fact, this evening I was driving to a football game with my mom and started listing the things that have happened so far this school year. My mom sat in the passenger seat with her mouth open. She was in complete awe of the stories I shared. I couldn’t help but laugh when I said, “Yep, we came in hot!” As I continued with my list, not only was I exhausted, but I was also extremely proud. In case you’ve forgotten, here are some things that we’ve accomplished in 14 days:
Red Carpet Clap In
Solar Eclipse viewing VBO roll out Fire Drill Teaching 100 kindergartners to eat lunch and go to recess Welcoming 60 new students Starting a World Language Program JW YOUniversity Planning Mini Data Teams F and Ps Welcoming new teachers Training our Ks to get off the bus and find their classrooms ALONE RTI tab reviews iPad Roll Out R Factor Monday Plans Biz Town Plans Data Team Leaders Meeting Gifted Clustering Parent phone calls Tons of new IEPs Picture Day Staff meeting And much, much more…
We are a WELL-OILED MACHINE or maybe a better description is that we are a
WELL-GREASED SLED that's COMIN’ IN HOT!
No matter what you call us, I love being part of this team. Thanks for all you do. Take some time to celebrate all the good that has happened for kids in such a short amount of time. Have a great weekend.
Here is your staff update for September 8. |
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