One for the Record Books

 

One for the Record Books

This year is going to be a record setting year! I am amped up for this year and I am confident that it will be one that sets the tone for the rest of our careers. We have worked so hard over the last year to take care of kids and ALL of their needs and we did a GREAT job, but this year- this year is going to be one of meeting kid’s needs, pushing the envelope, showing kids the potential they have, and one of academic/personal success. We are going to show kids the joy and fun in learning. We are not going to just survive- we are going to THRIVE!
2021-2022 is going to be a year that revitalizes our passion in what we do. This year we are going to plan field trips that WOW kids, lessons that engage the passion for learning that we know kids have, and conversations that allow kids to share the “ah-ha” moments that we all are looking for. I know we have so many ideas racing through our heads; we are ready to make these engaging learning experiences for our kids and I am not only ready, but also chomping at the bit to help and support you with all of these plans!
When planning this year, I challenge you to think about the opportunities you are offering to your students, all of your students. Think about Dr. Ellington’s words; do not let “the water we swim in” exclude anyone. Do not allow any preconceived notions you have put limits on kids. All kids can learn at high levels, we believe that- how are you going to support your students to live up to this? This is a question we will be using to help us this school year, in planning on your teams, learning as a staff, and coaching each other to strengthen our craft; everything we do is to be better for our kids, to meet their needs AND to push them to reach their potential and beyond.
Get excited, it is going to be a fast and furious year, it will be hard, but it is going to be an amazing year. I cannot wait to see what our kids achieve with your guidance.

...to say the least!

...to say the least! 

This year has been an odd one to say the least. From remote learning to weather to changing safety protocols, you have all handled everything thrown at you with grace. I am so proud to be the principal of such a hardworking, flexible staff.

I have been on a few meetings recently that have changed my thinking. I forget how truly blessed we are to be in such a great district, on such a great campus, and work with such great educators. In a recent Zoom where they virtually toured our building, I answered questions about how “I get the teachers to be collaborative,” I thought to myself- “that is who we are.” We do not have to spend time convincing each other that collaboration is a positive piece of learning; we are spending time figuring out how to incorporate collaboration with the limitations we were under this year. This is not the case all over; we still have colleagues in the district that are not helping students learn how to work with and through each other. We believe in this principle and are growing students who can work in a group, lead a team, share ideas respectfully; we are not just helping them be successful students, but we are helping them be successful people.

I know many of us are really looking forward to next year; Donae and I are already working on plans, but I want to remind everyone of all the wonderful experiences you created for students this year. We may not have gotten to do everything we wanted to this year; but talk to your students, ask them, was this a good year? What was your favorite thing we did this year? What is something new we did that you think we need to keep doing each year? Our kids had a great year, they learned, gaps were closed, interests were peaked…and why? Because of YOU! You all refused to allow limitations to affect our kids. You refused to allow students to not get the best education you could possibly give them. It has been a great year and we are going to finish strong!

You are amazing! Do not forget the impact you have on people’s lives every day- an impact that lasts a lifetime. This year was no different in that aspect- You made a difference! 

I see you...

 I See You....

We have been back in the building a month now. The students are doing well, teachers are “killin it”, and our new normal is settling in to a routine. I am not going to sit here and say everything is sunshine and lollipops, because it is not. It is great being back with the kids, but it is really hard. 

I have gained such a new found respect for teachers; I have always respected you and have always been impressed with how amazing you are, but this year….you have raised the bar. You are all doing all the “regular” teacher stuff, the planning great lessons, differentiating for all your students, loving on your sweet kids, adding the “extra” to your class- because the kids love it; but this year… WOW!

I watch you talk to parents who are struggling with what school looks like this year. They can’t come into the building to drop their kids to the classroom, no lunch visitors, no family events; however, you are still working to help them see their kids in class and around the building so they can still feel a part of their child’s learning.

I see you working with that struggling student, who needs extra time with you to work on their skills. You work to arrange your room in order for students to social distance and still have reading spots, work with you in a small group (safely), and have flexibility in their seating.

I see you rewarding kids for going that extra mile, walking in line with social distancing, remembering that they can’t touch each other at recess, and for problem solving to a solution in class.

I see you exhausted at the end of the day. You have taught the core content, you have “policed” social distancing, gotten the kids to all the places they needed to be, helped friends through disagreements, went to planning or PLC and been an active participant, got your personal child to school/daycare, and all with a smile on your face.

I see you; so do others!

Educators are essential, not because the world is seeing all the hats we wear, but because we work with kids. We love what we do, as tired as it can make us, we are passionate about what we do, and we are proud of the work we do.