Monday Message
4.4.16
Taking Risks
I know when I'm getting stagnant because my entire persona begins to shift. I lay in bed at night running over all of the mistakes I made on a given day. I spend way too much of my energy on menial tasks because my focus is off, and I find myself stuck at my desk when I really want to be out with all of you and our students. It turns out that jumping in and trying something new with the understanding that the something new may or may not work as expected, also known as ready-fire-aim, is one way that I can keep myself from getting stagnant. Now, this "something new" isn't always a big deal. Maybe it's creating specific times of the day when I'm allowed to look at emails. Perhaps it's starting my day with a new routine, my latest one being short mindfulness exercises first thing in the morning. It can even mean re-affirming my involvement in something that's gone by the wayside (mobile desk, anyone?). What I'm saying is this does not have to be life-changing.
Of course the most meaningful opportunities come when working together with all of you to implement a new approach like After-School Academic Success, R.A.C.E to Bulldog Pride, blogging in the classroom, or even applying for a 21st Century learning space. The thing that binds all of these together is that jumping in and trying them rather than just talking about trying them is what makes them successful and, in turn, energizes me as an educator. Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words, as they say. I am a better principal when I am acting along with you, taking risks, trying that thing I've been wanting to, reflecting on why it did or didn't work, and collaborating to make it better. If we just talk about the changes we want to make, the only thing that's going to expand is our breath-capacity.
Do you have something new you've been wanting to try out? Now is the time! Jump in. Try it out. If it doesn't work, that's OK! Let me know how I can help, and we'll try together.
Calendar (AKA Where Will Tim Be This Week?)
State Assessments Testing Schedule: http://bit.ly/1RSObGw
Monday, April 4:
- SchoolTool unlock for the end of the 3rd Marking Period
- Admin Cabinet Meeting, 9:30 AM, HS LGI
Tuesday, April 5:
- NYS ELA Assessment: Day 1
- The faculty meeting is moved to April 19th for a budget presentation from Dr. Patton.
Wednesday, April 6:
- NYS ELA Assessment: Day 2
Thursday, April 7:
- NYS ELA Assessment: Day 3
Upcoming Dates:
4/11 - BOE Meeting
4/12 - Faculty Meeting Budget Presentation
4/12 - SchoolTool lock for Marking Period 3 at 11:59 PM
4/13-4/15 - Math Assessments
4/16 - Senior Citizen Dinner
**If you're looking for me, don't forget to check the big calendar hanging on the wall outside of my office, updated for April.
R.A.C.E. to Bulldog Pride Reminder
R.A.C.E. to Bulldog Pride Submission Form: http://bit.ly/1S5SyRa
Kathleen Skellie's Instructional Coaching Blog Part 2
Note from Tim: In an effort to mix things up, you'll remember that I've asked Kathleen to share some takeaways from a recent literacy training with Dr. Tim Shanahan. Linked below are both the first and now the second part of a three part series that focuses on helping our students develop a growth mindset by encouraging them to stretch while still offering support.
Part two reflection (NEW - I had to link it because Kathleen has very nice charts that wouldn't carry over to Smore)