Mustang Message
March 20, 2017
A Principal's Perspective
In last week's Mustang Message I included Joshua Rhine's reflections on the message from Chris Field. I want to share another part of Joshua's reflections this week. This particular part reminds us all of the power that an educator has teaching students. Students that are excelling, struggling, compliant, challenging with their behavior, entertaining, etc. can all be found in each classroom on campus. Even in a busy, stressful spring season, we make a choice each day as we walk through the doors to help each student write their story of success. Success because of the power of one educator in one classroom.
“Stories explain us. They do not excuse us.”
"The longer I teach, the more my eyes are opened to the human condition. It really is a beautiful tragedy. To see the wonderful successes and painful heartaches happening all around us in the same day is an odd thing. But it is our reality. When I hear about the chaos in a particular child’s heart, a little piece of mine breaks along with it. These kids are my family too. I sometimes begin to despair thinking there is nothing I can do. I cannot change home. I cannot change history. I cannot change parenting. Then a book quote, a person, or simply a random positive thought comes brushing past and I wake up. I know I can do “something” for this kid. I will not stand idly by as the child spirals downward into the abyss of nothingness. I won’t allow it. My pity will not breed mediocrity. I am an educator, and that is what I will do. If anything, the kid with challenges may need to be pushed even harder. Their story, that beautiful tragedy, is what will make them stronger. It is my job to help them see it."
Happy Spring Break! I hope that you get the chance to relax and rejuvenate!
Be Innovative - Design the possibilities!
Donna
Morning Duties for the Week
Morning Assembly (7:20): Michelson
Gym (7:20): Henry
Cafeteria (7:20): McMurry
Bus (7:15 - Buses/ Cafeteria after all buses arrive): Fortner
Parent Drop Off Direct Traffic (7:20-7:50): Littlefield
Parent Drop Off Car Doors (7:20-7:50): Hastings & S. Rhine
Counselor Schedule: 1st & 2nd
Librarian: GP
Week at a Glance
Saturday & Sunday - Bush School Faculty & Students creating a USA map in front of school. Last week it was raining. So this weekend we are trying again.
Saturday: Water off
Monday: Report card grades due by 8:00 am; Start of 4th 9 weeks!; Specialists & Admin Leadership Team Meeting @ 3:00
Tuesday: 4th graders - Lunch with principal @ 12:25; GP Tech Training @ 3:20 - Look for e-mail from Chris Parr; World Down's Syndrome Day - Wear crazy socks & Jeans!
Wednesday: Lunch Lounge Wednesday - Eating in the teachers' lounge? Wear a GP shirt and jeans! New Location: Lunch Lounge Wednesday will meet in the Science Lab - more elbow room!; Specialists & Tech/Parr Office Hours 3:15-4:15
Thursday: 4th graders - Lunch with principal @ 12:25; SIT Group #5 (Simmons/Hughes/S. Rhine & Weber/Littlefield - Make up sessions); Awards Assembly: 8:30-K, 9:00-1st, 9:30-4th, 1:15-2nd, 2:00-3rd
Friday: 4th graders - Lunch with principal @ 12:25; ELA Meetings K-4 during conference
News & Notes
- This week I volunteered at Chrissy's Closet. What a great resource for our families! While there, I visited with several of our GP families. Chrissy's Closet is in great need of adult and children's shoes. They are in desperate need of boys' clothes. If you have shoes and/or boys' clothes you can donate, please bring to school and we will send them over to Chrissy's Closet. Donation spot: Office time out room Deadline for Donation: Friday, March 24th.
- If you did not receive a staff picture, please come by my office. We ran short of the initial order. I received a new set of pictures. Want to make sure that everyone received a staff picture.
- Saturday, March 11th, the water will be turned off on campus as a new waterline will be installed for Pecan Trail.
- After spring break, be aware! You will be required to create a new password for your computer. Please do not change before spring break because you will have to think of a new one after spring break!
Mustang Yee Haws!
- Congratulations to Tyler Hogan, Amanda Simmons' son, and Zephyr Seagraves, Tami Seagraves' son! Both were selected as CSISD Education Foundation's Hall of Fame senior students!
- Congratulations to Kathe Hawkins who will be retiring this year! Kathe will spend more time with her grandbaby and serve as director of her founding organization, Mending Hearts. Mending Hearts provides grief counseling to families who have lost a loved one. What a service to our community and school family!
- Congratulations to Michelle Prukop who will be our new ESL specialist for GP and Pecan Trail!