Monday Message
9.19.16
It's rare that a dream stays with me so clearly after I wake up, so my mind has wandered back to it several times today. I thought about the emotions that felt so real: the anxiety, the excitement, the confusion, and the anticipation. Then I realized how closely this dream and these feelings can be linked to what we do each day that we set foot into school. Although we surely have a general idea based on experience what our days will be like, we can never be truly prepared for the unpredictable nature of our work. Some days we may even wake up feeling completely unprepared for what lies ahead. But isn't that also what makes this so wonderful? Each day is an opportunity to approach a situation from a different perspective because we deal in the world of people, not things. That unpredictability, a breeding ground for fresh perspectives and new ideas, is exactly what allows us to learn and grow from past stumbles. Only special people can do this difficult but rewarding job! And, unlike in my dream, we are able to lean on each other for support because we're all in this together. None of us works in isolation.
As we head into our second full week of the 2016-17 school year, I'm honored to be with you, fighting the good fight for kids, once again. And while I suppose I could wish you all a "predictable week", I'd hate to jinx it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go work on my opening monologue for this year's talent show. It's only eight months away, and I want to be prepared!
Calendar (AKA Where Will Tim Be This Week?)
Monday, Sep 19th:
- Results First Meeting w/ ITLs, 8:00 - 10:30 AM, HS LGI
- BOE Meeting, 6:30 PM, Tanglewood ES
Tuesday, Sep 20th:
- Admin Cabinet Meeting, 9:45 AM, HS LGI
Wednesday, Sep 21st:
- 6th Grade Tech Training w/ Jerilyn, 2:30 PM, Library Classroom
- MS/HS ITL Meeting, 3:00, HS Library
Thursday, Sep 22nd:
- Parent Open House, 6:30 - 8:18 PM (If we're being exact)
Friday, Sep 23rd:
- Writing Workshop Training for ELA and Special Education teachers with Jeanne Tribuzzi from Teacher's College, two sessions
Other Important Upcoming Dates:
9/27 - First HSA Meeting
**If you're looking for me, don't forget to check the big calendar hanging on the wall outside of my office.
Restorative Practices in the News
- From This Article: NYC schools saw a 10% decrease in school-related arrests in the last school year/A 37% decline in summonses issued by the NYPD School Safety Division, and a new push for Restorative Justice is given credit.
- Check out this op-ed by the Buffalo City Schools Superintendent:
Another Voice: Restorative practices are better than student suspensions
With a new approach to discipline, one Indianapolis high school cut suspensions in half
The Post Star's 20 Under 40 Award
- Dedication and success in their vocation
- A role model in their career
- Demonstrated leadership in their business and community
- Active community and volunteer participation
Olivia is being recognized for her work both here in the South Glens Falls CSD and as co-owner of the Hoppy Trails Brew Bus. Great job, Olivia!
Energy Saving Reminder
Tweets, Quotes, Blogs, & Other On-line Ephemera That Caught My Eye This Week
- Our first family Winch Word of the year went out yesterday. Feel free to submit anything you'd like added to these. I'm going to attempt to put one out bi-weekly.
- How to Have Better Student Discussions: Building student confidence in their discussion abilities
- One of my favorite education-related podcasts is Cult of Pedagogy by Jennifer Gonzalez. This weekend I spent some time listening to a recent episode around the topic of dialogue journals between teachers and students being used to build both writing skills and relationships. I hope you'll listen if you find some time. I like to listen on my drive in to work!