Delicious!

Over the past several months, I've had the pleasure of working with Ms. Rita, our substitute Library Media Specialist. She has been filling in for someone who is not an easy act to follow. Right away, I saw that she was going to fit in by her love of the children and by her vibrant personality and her willingness to step up and help with anything needed. From morning bus duty to jumping in to sub for a class when needed, she always rises to the occasion. She also holds small intervention reading groups with students. However, my favorite thing about Ms. Rita is the fact that whenever someone asks "How's it going Rita?" she always responds with the same answer..."Delicious!".

At first, I got a chuckle out of that response, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized what a powerful statement that was. Her day was not just good, or even tasty...it was delicious! What a vivid word and certainly fitting of her attitude and passion for life. In talking with her, I have discovered some of the amazing and varied experiences she has had and also how intentional she is in things. She juggles a vast amount of responsibilities in and out of school and quite frankly could be enjoying a restful and well deserved retirement. However, she makes the choice to come into the controlled chaos of a school day each morning and does it with a smile. Another thing I've learned from our conversations is that she is a continuous learner. She often shares her reflections with me about my blog posts (which I was flattered she took the time to read) and then shares out her own experiences, both from her childhood and from her years as an educator. I can tell from her stories that she is not just reflecting on her experiences, but looks for new knowledge and applications as well.  What a role model for our students!

This week, we say goodbye to Ms. Rita. Fortunately for our district, I have learned that another school will soon get to have the great experience of having her as a substitute Media Specialist for the remainder of the year. It seems that retirement still eludes Ms. Rita. I've enjoyed our time together and more importantly I've learned about the type of life-long learner I want to be (even after I've retired). Recently, I was asked to summarize a conference I attended. When the time came to respond, I took a page from Ms. Rita's book and replied, "Delicious!"

Ms. Rita

PEARLS OF WISDOM

"The truth is that life is delicious, horrible, charming, frightful, sweet, bitter, and that is everything." - Anatole France

"I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity." - Albert Einstein

"My idea of a delicious time is to read a book that is wonderful." - Bell Hooks 

Delicious! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, March 14: Administrators PD at Riley 8:00-11:00 am
                               Luncheon in the LMC 12:00-1:00 (Farewell Rita & Welcome Back Lindsey)
Tuesday, March 15: Jon Conference Call in office 8:00-9:00 am
Wednesday, March 16: IEP (Sandi/Shannon) 8:20 am
                                     IEP (Rachel/Shannon) 2:30 pm
                                    District PTSA 6:00-8:00 pm
Thursday, March 17: Staff Meeting 8:00 am
                                 Living Wax Museum in the gym all morning
                                 Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm
Friday, March 18: Title I Principals Meeting at Central Office 8:00-10:00 am
                             PTA Popcorn Sales
                             Deadline for Teacher Surveys

Monday, March 21: IEP (Sherry Lynn/Shannon) 8:20 am
Tuesday, March 22: Elementary Principal Meeting at Wayne-RESA 7:30-9:30 am
Wednesday, March 23: Achievement Team Meeting 8:20 am
                                     4th Grade Visit to Johnson Upper Elementary 9:15-11:15 am
Thursday, March 24: Staff Meeting 8:00 am
                                 Pirate Activities in the gym (lunch in classrooms)
                                 PTA Popcorn Sales
Friday, March 25: No School - Spring Break Begins!