Bulldog Weekly Update
September 20th - September 24th
Culture of Achievement
Notes from the Principal's Desk
I appreciate all of you, your dedication, and your hard work this week. See the above pictures from our successful Open House/ Curriculum Night. I wanted to share an article from the Daily Coach that I found a little humor and inspiration in. We can all take a few lessons out of Coach Lasso's playbook when dealing with our families and students. As we return in the midst of the pandemic, we are unlearning and learning how to engage and re-engage our youth and families back into the routines of school. Let's keep in mind a few of his takeaways.
If you haven’t watched the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso,” you need to re-arrange your schedule and devote some time to it as it has some great leadership lessons.
Lasso, a coach of college-level American football, is unexpectedly recruited to lead an English Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond, despite having no experience in the sport.
The show is funny and makes you feel good as Lasso and his American assistant navigate a new culture and the seemingly impossible task of coaching a sport they know nothing about. Some might view the show as overly silly, but if you peel back the humor, there are still several tangible takeaways for all of us.
BE A GOLDFISH
Which is the best animal to embody when you make a mistake? The one with a memory that lasts between 5 – 10 seconds, of course. Next time you need to shake it off and get back to optimal performance... be a goldfish.
BE AUTHENTIC
Lasso might seem quirky, weird and have strange analogies that don’t translate to the English culture, but he is real, genuine and demonstrates consistent behavior.
NEVER TAKE THINGS PERSONALLY
Lasso is constantly roasted by the press and Richmond fans, but he never takes their insults personally and has complete faith in his leadership methods. Nothing will deter him.
TELL THE TRUTH TO THOSE YOU LEAD
It is painfully obvious from the outset that having uncomfortable conversations is not a strength of Coach Lasso’s, which is to be expected from a man who is always so darn friendly. Despite his discomfort, he still finds the courage to have the crucial conversations anyway, because he knows they will improve the individual and serve the culture of the team.
BELIEVE
Belief can be defined as a mental attitude of acceptance of something as true. Beliefs are the core of human development and they are also what keeps us alive. They are the things that we take for granted. They influence our lives and make us who we are.
EMPOWERMENT, THEN CONFIDENCE
Empowerment and confidence are two aspects of human personality that should never be sacrificed. To achieve these, one has to learn to be patient, kind and confident. One needs to find a way to get rid of negative thinking and start focusing on the positive aspects of life.
NOBODY IS BIGGER THAN THE TEAM
Coaching a team of high performers will likely mean managing large egos and resolving personality conflicts. Lasso tirelessly communicates his message that the team comes first, no matter your talent or superstar status. This is probably why the head coach is called the manager in English football.
POSITIVE THINKING
Not everybody knows how to take Lasso’s almost over-the-top enthusiasm and positivity, but despite their initial resistance, they inevitably develop a soft spot for him. Lasso’s “can-do” attitude creates a ripple effect that raises the collective vibration around him.
HUMOR HELPS EASE TENSION
It is a comedy after all, but there is something to be said about injecting humor into a high-pressure environment at the right time, helping to ease the tension and remind players to relax and enjoy their work.
LOVE CHANGE
We don't have to be afraid of change. We need to see the positive side of it and try to find a solution that is better than what we had before — which Lasso has mastered.
Watching Lasso will make you laugh, learn and most of all think how you can adopt some of his quirky behaviors into your own leadership style.
Please see a few notes from my desk below.
Attendance - Please post your attendance, homerooms must post attendance by 8:16 am
Technology- Please put in a help desk ticket for student laptop issues. If you need assistance for a student please be as specific as possible regarding the laptop issue with the student name and LASID.
Week at a Glance
Monday 9/20
- Math IREADY Assessments (all must be completed by Friday, assessments must be given in core classes)
9:30 - School Operations Meeting
Tuesday 9/21
- No School
Wednesday 9/22
ILT 3:30
Thursday 9/23
Pool Testing
Cross Country Meet 4:30 Shedd Park
Friday 9/24
Fun FriYAY! Wear your college wear/Butler Pride
Quick Reminders
- No School - Tuesday, September 21st
- ELA IREADY -9/27
- Please see the email that I forwarded to you from Laurie Casna that gives information on PD for the year.
- Mandated training must be completed asap (https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cSLmF7Tg47uO2WFRc2llgNjnvxiYb4lbJ4lWGj6Clzg/edit?usp=sharing)
- Staff Monthly Challenge - See Amazing new staff newsletter and office staff board in the office- Winning Grade Level Team gets a bottle of wine
- Teachpoint- Check /verify educator plan on your evaluation tracking statement -and please sign off. Any questions, please see Mrs. Pena
ILT Updates
Click on Bulldog to see the video or use the above link.
What is acceleration vs. remediation?
RJLT (click Bulldog to see video)
Please take the time to watch this video that is under 10 minutes long (https://youtu.be/f6cqj_rUn_U). It provides those of you new Restorative Justice a great foundational understanding of the theory and practice and for those returning to RJ- it will solidify your understanding. The video also provides you with tons of resources as well.
5 Myths of Restorative Justice (RJ):
- RJ is an alternative to suspension
- Just follow the checklist of steps to accomplish RJ
- RJ is NOT your one-step solution to racism and inequity
- RJ is best implemented when community members can choose to opt-in
- RJ produces immediate results
See Lori Casey for assistance.
PBIS
Routines and Rituals are essential to building classroom community. See Deanna Goyette for assistance.
Monthly Motivation
It's always great to start on an inspiring note.
Staff Birthday Shoutouts ~ August & September
Megan Curran - 8/5
Thyda Horm - 8/18
Aaron King - 8/29
Bridget McNulty - 9/1Kelsey Hammond - 9/21
Geraldyne Colon - 9/26
Josalyn Burgess - 9/27
Butler Community
Email: jmoody@lowell.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Domain/10
Location: 1140 Gorham Street, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: 978-937-8973
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpsdbutler/