Another year is upon us and I couldn't be more excited for our
students to return. This week with our teachers has been filled with
positive energy and good spirits. This promises to be an amazing school
year.
I rolled out the following unofficial motto for our staff
for this year - Feedback, Support and Growth. My question to my staff
is "
What do you want to do and what do you need from us to make that happen?". Our
focus needs to be on the learning and teaching in the classroom above
all else. Teachers' roles are to make students' lives better. Those of
us in support positions are here to help make our teachers'
lives better so that they can make students' lives better.
I also brought up some "What if" questions based on my summer reading and my interactions on Twitter.
Questions that I feel that if answered the right way, can take our
school from very good to great. These questions are not mandates. However, just imagine the type of school we would have if we could make each of these a reality:
- “What
if” – every teacher presented their best lesson on the first day of
school and waited until the second day to discuss the rules?
- “What
if” – every teacher called the parents of each of their students within
the first two weeks to say something positive about them?
- “What if” – each of us started simply each day by greeting each other with a smile and by saying “Good Morning”?
- “What
if” – every teacher identified areas where they wanted to grow and
worked with an administrator or coach to improve in these areas?
- “What if” – every student had the opportunity to direct a portion of their learning?
- “What if” – every teacher used technology in the classroom to allow students the opportunity to create rather than consume?
Finally, our official motto this year is "All In". When
you play Texas Hold-Em Poker, there is a bet called "All In". There
are many ways that this bet can be used. It can be because you only
have a small stack of chips left and you are desperate. You might also
use it to try to convince your opponents that you have a
great hand when you don't. Finally, you can use this bet the way when
you have confidence that you have the absolute best hand. I truly
believe that we have the best staff and that we are going to do amazing
things together this year. Please know that I am "All In" on each of you. I want you to try new things without fear
and with all of the feedback and support that you need to be
successful. Each staff member will receive a poker chip like the one above. By accepting this chip, we are creating a bond that I am "All In" with you and that you will be "All In"
with me and with each other. This means that we uplift
each other, only speak positively about our profession and each other,
and agree to constantly learn, collaborate and try new things. So please join me this year. Let's be "All In" with each other. Make this the best year ever!
Next Week at a Glance:
- 1st Day of School Monday! I cannot wait for the school year to begin.
- We will be conducting our first fire drill on Wednesday at 8:30 followed immediately by a tornado drill. Please make sure that you are familiar with the procedures for both.
- Lice check on Thursday. Cyndi will be sending out a schedule.
Quote of the Week:
Pretty simple really. While we are making this the most awesome year ever, don't forget to take care of you.
