Thursday, February 25, 2016

Straight from the Heart

Anyone who takes a good look around at the educational landscape can see pretty quickly that this is not the easiest time to be an educator. In fact, it may be one of the toughest time ever. Budgets are bleak, legislators can be adversarial, and the media only seems to report the negatives. Things look bleak in education. The amazing thing to me is that in the midst of all the strife, the cuts, the challenges, I see teachers every day beating the odds and rising to meet every challenge put in front of them. Let me share some of the things I see on a daily basis.

I see teachers giving up their prep time to fill in for teammates when there are no subs, teachers taking classes and attending conferences so they can get better at their craft. and teachers serving on building and district committees to find better ways to meet the needs of students. I observe them meeting with parents before and after school so they can find out what motivates a child to help them succeed. I watch them as they learn how to use new technology to enhance classroom instruction, dive into data to see who needs help and in what areas they most need it. and getting creative with interventions and reinforcements to help meet the individual needs of learners. I see teachers supporting one another, encouraging one another, and inspiring one another.  That's what I see every day at our building! 

Just last week, a parent approached me in the parking lot. He told me that he had been very nervous about moving to our school in the fall, because his daughter was shy and didn't adjust well to change. He was happy to say that his daughter felt at home from the first day of school and was doing extremely well. The fact that he took the time to tell me that meant a lot (both as a principal and as a parent). We always hope we are creating a warm, yet challenging environment for students, but it's nice to hear that confirmation from a parent. I know that comment won't make the evening news and the things I see on a daily basis won't make their way to the papers, but it just confirms what I already know in my heart. Educators today face some of the toughest challenges, but that just makes them shine all the brighter. Teaching is not for the faint of heart, it's for those with the biggest hearts!

Our Awesome TEAM! 

PEARLS OF WISDOM

"It is the extreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." - Albert Einstein

"The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate desserts." - C.S. Lewis

"I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well." - Alexander the Great



Herding Cats? No Problem! :) 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Monday, February 29: Before School Math Club resumes
                                     March is Reading Month Kick Off Assembly 10:00 am
Tuesday, March 1: SHADOW A STUDENT DAY! Jon will be following the schedule of a third grade student for the day (I will resume my administrative duties at 4:00 pm:)
                               District School Improvement Team at Central Office (Jon) 5:30-7:30 pm
Wednesday, March 2: Tornado Drill 1:30 pm
                                    Student of the Month Assembly 3:00 pm (First Things First)
Thursday, March 3: Staff Meeting 8:00 am
                                 Elementary Principals Meeting 12:30-4:30 pm
                                 PTA Meeting 6:30 pm
Friday, March 4: Jon to Lansing for MEMSPA Board of Directors Meeting (Deann Urso on call)

Monday, March 7: Parent Meeting (Rachel/Shannon/Jon) 8:20 am
                               Pizza Kits Delivered (Pick up from 4:00-6:00 pm)
Tuesday, March 8: PBS Committee 8:05 am 
                               Michigan Primary Voting in the Gym (lunch in classrooms)
Wednesday, March 9: REED (Shannon) 8:20 am
                                    Informational Meeting for incoming Kindergarten families 6:00-7:00 pm
Thursday, March 10: MACUL Conference (Mike D. on call)
                                   PTA Skate Night at Riverside Arena 6:00-8:00 pm
Friday, March 11: MACUL Conference  (Mike D. on call)




3 comments:

  1. I totally agree, and leadership is so much more rewarding when the whole staff is bighearted and in it for the students. #leadpositive

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jon, I understand why you are so proud! You are such a positive role-model of going above and beyond. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jon,
    Now that sounds like an environment focused on relationships first! It brings a smile to my face when I hear positive stories like yours from educators. Way too often we hear the stories of despair and struggle, yours is much more uplifting. Thanks, Jon!

    ReplyDelete