What a great start!

I cannot say enough about the first two weeks of our school year.  The dedication of the staff is second to none.  It is with awe that I have observed the seamless transitions our students have experienced moving from one grade to the next.  New routines were quickly established and the students are settling in beautifully!

I could not pass up the opportunity to snap a "First Day of School" picture as I begin my journey at MStM.  Taking a photo by this historic bell seems pretty appropriate!  Ringing in a great year!

As we begin this year, we are focusing on individual professional development plans for teachers and working to provide personalized learning based on these plans.  This approach just makes sense!  As a teacher, I spent years in professional development sessions that were basically a one size fits all approach.  I see in our future targeted learning for teachers in multiple areas, including literacy and math strategies, classroom climate and differentiated instruction.

I am eager to be in classrooms and see the learning!  The dust will never settle around here.  There is way too much to learn and be able to do!

Go Blue Devils!

Anticipation

Anticipation - noun.  1.  the act of anticipating or the state of being anticipated.
2.  realization in advance.   3. expectation or hope.

In May, we anticipate summer vacations, family gatherings, barbecues, sporting events, time at the lake, and a multitude of other activities to relax and perhaps recharge. Hopefully, whatever happenings have been on the schedule, we have all had a chance to play at least a little bit!

While the feelings of excitement to begin the school year are daily on my mind, at the same time, I will soon gain a son-in-law.  My oldest daughter and her beau will tie the knot in under two weeks.  The expectations, hopes, and anticipation for this event have long been in the making.  This couple is thoughtful, kind, level-headed and wise beyond their years.  They are the kind of "kids" every parent and school hopes to nurture along the way and be proud of when they grow up and become great members of their communities.

Anticipating a beautiful wedding with family and friends very soon and looking forward to a fantastic school year to follow!

The Energy Bus

I am settling into my new surroundings...now just need the kids and teachers!  I had the opportunity to attend a new Elementary Principal's Institute this week.  What great people I will be among as I begin this journey.  One principal shared the following with us:

10 Rules for the Ride of Your Life
1.  You're the driver of the bus.
2.  Desire, vision and focus move your bus in the right direction.
3.  Fuel your ride with positive energy.
4.  Invite people on your bus and share your vision for the road ahead.
5.  Don't waste your energy on those who don't get on your bus.
6.  Post a sign that says "No Energy Vampires Allowed" on your bus.
7.  Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them during the ride.
8.  Love your passengers.
9.  Drive with purpose.
10. Have fun and enjoy the ride.

10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team with Positive Energy!
www.TheEnergyBus.com 

I am thinking these are great rules for life outside of the school building as well.

Here's to "back to school" right around the corner!

Thus it begins...

I am beginning a new journey soon and thus, have decided to create a blog.  I have accepted a position as elementary principal and I cannot wait!  Being where the action is….with students and teachers, is truly what fills my bucket!  My career as an educator has blossomed and grown over the years and for this, I am extremely thankful.  My greatest hope is to continue making a difference in the lives of those around me.  Education is big business…being a part of "growing" kids to their full potential is full of rewards and challenges.

I got to thinking about blogging as an administrator and something that permeated  throughout the process was the fact that being a mom to three wonderful (now adult) children has really shaped who I have become as an educator.  Each of my children presented different learning styles.  What stands out the most to me, is the need to meet each and every child at the door.  Differentiation.  Period.  It is quite wonderful that the opportunity to provide different paths to learning for students continues to grow!

So, in my humble attempt to simply provide food for thought, my personal goal is to share the most happy moments in my path as an Elementary Principal!

It's summertime!  But I will be transitioning to my new role and look so forward to sharing.