Degan Elementary Eagle Eye
May 9-13
Avengers: Age of Degan--No Excuses!
I am so incredibly proud to have our campus named Strategic Design in Action Winner. It has taken persistence and three years of nominations, but having that come true on Friday was just reinforcement that our flywheel is moving. That the changes we are making are working, and noticed. One of the most meaningful moments was right after we were announced as the winner, Board Member Tracy Scott Miller came over to show me that he was wearing one of the eagle pins that we give to our students at the SOAR ceremonies. When we returned to the table, he pointed to it again and said, "this is the theme of the night. Be like Degan." What a tremendous compliment.
Later that evening, I was overwhelmed and humbled to be named Elementary Principal of the Year. I know as I read the nomination, I struggled to believe the person on the page was me. After my experiences in Wylie with their current superintendent and his awful treatment of me, it is hard to reconcile these two completely different images. However, what can say is that Jim Collins, author of Good to Great says "great vision without great people is irrelevant." something I know beyond a shadow of a doubt is that I am blessed with great people. You implement "best practices" better than any other group I have ever seen. I am honored to share your greatness and the amazing things you do for students each day. My hope is that any recognition I receive is always reflected immediately back to you...the ones who get it done every day with students.
I am grateful that STAAR testing has finally arrived. I'm not sure that the benefits of additional weeks prior to testing outweighed the additional days of being tired and unable to move on, but it is what it is. This week, I students get to demonstrate their knowledge. I believe they are prepared and I am sure we will get through this week as seamlessly as possible. Then we can move into our final weeks with these students and celebrate all that has been accomplished this year!
Congratulations, again! You are Strategic Design in Action. No one does it better than you! I have the best job in the world to get to serve with you!
Vanessa
Tweet for Your Feet! Week 4
A few good articles worth reading this week...
Week at a Glance
May 9th- STAAR Testing-Math 3rd/4th and 5th Grade Retesters
Degan Avenger T-Shirt
May 10th- STAAR Testing-Reading 3rd/4th and 5th Grade Retesters
Degan No Excuses Polo
Raising Canes Fundraiser
Kinder Kick Off (Rescheduled )
All PDAS must be complete
May 11th- Day 3- STAAR Testing Science 5th Grade
"Got Grit" T-shirt
May 12th-Think College Thursday
Muffins with Mom
Design Team
May 13th-Club Friday 3rd/2nd
2nd 3rd Week Grading Period Ends
On Deck:
Zoe's Fundraiser
Writing Initiative Day
Volunteer Luncheon
Talent Show Dress Rehearsal
Senior Breakfast
Staff Meeting
Final SOAR Ceremony
Awards Ceremonies
5th Grade Memories Program
Final Day of School
Teacher Work Day
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be educated in a way that prepares them for college. When schools exhibit a culture of universal achievement by believing in students, they collaborate around that belief. During collaboration, they align their standards as a team. As teams align standards, they need to assess the standards and manage the data. Then, and only then, can they pursue meaningful interventions with their students.
Degan Elementary
Email: stuartv@lisd.net
Website: http://degan.lisd.net/
Location: 1680 College Parkway, Lewisville, TX, United States
Phone: 469-713-5967
Facebook: facebook.com/deganes
Twitter: @deganelementary