Compelled Tribe

Earlier this year, I received a message from Jennifer Hogan asking if I would be interested in joining a group of educational bloggers.  I can't tell you how excited and honored I was to be asked.  First of all, because Jennifer's is a blog post that I greatly admire and second to be a part of a group of educational bloggers was something of a dream for me!  The group really has two functions.  The first function is to encourage writing.  To this end, we are given a common topic the first week of every month to write on and we can pick our own topic the third week of each month.  Of course people can write more if they choose and the range is from monthly to daily.  The second function of the group is to learn by reading posts from our tribe members and commenting on them.  We do this during weeks 2 and 4 each month.  I can honestly say that I've grown as a writer, by reading some of the inspiring posts from my colleagues.

Even the name of the group itself says a lot.  Compelled Tribe is really who we are and what we do.  When I think of someone who is compelled, they are doing what they have to do, what they feel they MUST do.  Tribe refers to our group...more than just a group of educators, people with a common purpose, a desire to help one another, a unified team!  After being a member of the compelled tribe for most of this year, we are at the point where we are reflecting on what it means to be in the tribe and also have a chance to extend an offer to another educator who may want to join our group.

As luck would have it, I was contacted several weeks ago by Sandy King, an inspirational educator from Utah asking about the Compelled Tribe and how we operated.  She was intrigued with the group. Now, I get to formally invite her to join the tribe and have her contribute with her blog and her thoughts on education. Being a part of the tribe has inspired me through reading the great thoughts of committed educators and it also feels great to be a part of such a dynamic team!  I'm honored to be a part of the Compelled Tribe and excited to see it grow with another great educator.  Welcome aboard Sandy!

PEARLS OF WISDOM

"What tribes are, is a very simple concept that goes back 50 million years. It's about leading and connecting people and ideas." - Seth Godin

"The building of friendship, family, community and love is complicated. We are so isolated in this country, no longer supported by tribes and villages." - Jasmine Guy

"Social cohesion was built into language long before Facebook and LinkedIn and Twitter - we are tribal by nature." - Peter Guber


UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, June 8: Field Day!
                           1:00 pm Jon, Meghan, and Alena to Central Office for Title I meeting
                           5:00-8:00 Retirement Party for Jan!

Tuesday, June 9: 8:05 Follow up meeting with special education team (Jon, Amy, Jadie and guests)
                           9:15 Jon parent meeting
                         
Wednesday, June 10: 4th Grade Picnic

Thursday, June 11: Last Day for Students
                               10:00 Assembly (Principal Awards & Music of Pato)
                               11:40 Clap Out for 4th Grade Students
                               12:10 Dismissal

Friday, June 12: Last Work Day for Teachers

Wednesday, June 17: Report Cards mailed home

Thursday, June 18: Last day to be in the building