The Carleton Chronicle
A weekly update from your principal, Mr. Kausch.
Through the lens of an eighth grader.
6am - First off, I very rarely "think" about what I'm going to wear to school, I do my best to match, and make sure that if I'm wearing brown shoes I have a brown belt, but there isn't too much thought involved. I spent more time than ever thinking about what I would wear to school. Why is this? What was I so concerned about?
7:40am - Melvin arrives at school and picks me up from the office. We do a couple of laps around the building, drop off his books, and take one more lap before heading to first hour. Kids are whispering... Students are asking Melvin what's going on.
7:51am - We head to Social Studies. I find myself looking at the classroom and the teacher through the eyes of an "evaluator." I snap out of my administrator role and realize that I just missed several minutes of content and I am feeling behind. I want to look over at my neighbor to see what I missed. What will the kids think if I do this? I eventually catch up and even volunteer some answers because my confidence is growing. Mr. Knowlton calls on me with a few minutes left for a randomly drawn trivia question and I feel my heart race, I get the answer correct and feel relieved!
8:56am - Gym...not going to lie, I was already looking forward to this class before the day started. We do a building run (I am thankful that Melvin starts to walk on the opposite side of the building), go through a series of stretches, and then play soccer. Kids were amazed that I could play soccer. I got comments such as, "Wait, how are you so good at soccer?" "Mr. Kausch, when did you learn how to play soccer?" I find these odd, as I grew up with soccer and obviously had some assumptions that every student knew the rules, and was exposed to sports at some point previously. I have my first (and only) sip of water.
10am - We walk to Science class (with our books already in hand) quickly because we don't have much time to get to class (passing time seems so quick today). My socks and shoes are wet from being outside. Why didn't I bring a change of socks? I should have planned better.
10:10am - I jot in my notebook that I'm hungry. I am thinking about it. What's more is, I am thirsty. My science teacher takes a sip of water...I'm jealous! My mind goes to, "I think I have a Vitamin Water in my locker, I'll try and sneak it in next hour." My mind continues, "My socks are really wet, this is so annoying, why didn't I bring a change." Whoops, I just missed the instructions for the lab. I head over to the lab area with my partners and begin to ask questions. The students are extremely helpful. Mrs. Wendt comes over and begins asking questions of my group. I am thinking...I am learning...this is fun!
11:37am - We walk into 4th hour ELA class, Melvin sits in the front. I ask him why, his only response, "We don't have assigned seats in here." I sit down. I hear whispers again. The students are talking about me. I become self conscious, I feel vulnerable with my back to the students. What are they saying? Why do I care? I find this enlightening.
I want to tell you a little about me for a moment to explain why this is so interesting to me. I have three college degrees, a loving family, and two amazing boys. I have performed in front of thousands of people, presented masterclasses, and have coached sports. I have suspended students, expelled students, taken families to court, and made very difficult decisions surrounding education. Never once, have I "cared" what people were saying about me. I have not lost sleep about the names that I was called by students or parents (to my face or behind my back). But today is different...I realize that middle school is a difficult time in our life, it is important for us to reflect upon that.
12:08pm - Lunch!!! Mrs. Juronoc buys some students pizza, pop, and cookies that have helped her in the classroom. I am reminded that it pays off to be helpful, I feel guilty for being recognized, because I didn't do anything. I don't care, my stomach is growling. I ask for another piece of pizza!
12:42pm - As I'm walking to Spanish class, I learn that I'll be taking a quiz. Kids are saying, "It's not that bad" and "I found it pretty easy." My anxiety rises, I've never taken Spanish before, I took German in High School. I sit down in class and begin cramming for my quiz. I franticly familiarize myself with the Spanish alphabet and counting to 15. In my panic, I mistake the number 9 for an a. How could I make this mistake? A girl next to me let's me borrow her notes and her book and for this, I am thankful. I learn that she's only been in our school for three days and is doing great! I am impressed with her tenacity and ability to catch on so quickly. I wonder if Mrs. Lutz will think "El-ten-o" will be an acceptable answer for ten. Maybe she'll give me half credit for making her laugh...no such luck!
1:46pm - Last hour! I say to myself, "Finally, because my brain hurts!" Math class gets started and I learn that we'll be working with a partner. Mrs. Juronoc tells the class that we may have time to go outside for some partner work and I'm pumped...maybe my socks will dry out in the sun. My groups members and I use our time wisely, we work hard through the learning activity, and rely on each other to check our work (this was allowed) and we all go home without any math homework for the weekend. I'm overjoyed and amazed that I can still remember eighth grade math.
2:46pm - The bell rings. I go back to my office and attempt to read and reply to 76 emails. Melvin goes to football practice. We'll end up seeing each other later at the girl's volleyball game where he helps as a line judge and I support our student athletes. He's got a smile on his face...I'm exhausted!!
Here are some of my takeaways from this experience.
-Students and teachers genuinely help one another and came to my (and other's) rescue multiple times throughout the day. We've got some great students and fabulous teachers that come to school every day.
- I really learned things. Topics that I haven't thought about for years. I feel more well-rounded and feel accomplished...and smarter than I was yesterday. I wonder, "Do I always feel this way?"
-Students do not drink enough water during the day. This is especially true for our student athletes. I went all day only having one sip of water from the drinking fountain, and then some Pepsi during my special lunch break.
- It is imperative to work hard, pay attention, and use your time wisely. You get out of school what you put into it. I could have coasted throughout the day, but decided to participate in gym class, finish my homework during class time, and even read some of my book when I finished my ELA assignment before others.
-Lastly, over the weekend, I read an excerpt from Kids Deserve It, and it summed up my thoughts nicely. "As educators and adults, we must remember our sense of childlike wonder, the immense human need to be valued and noticed, and our ability to be creatively inspired and, in turn, inspire others.
Melvin and me
Mrs. Lutz's class practicing their speaking
One book I am currently reading
Thank you!
Thank you for those that also went to Coco Bean Creamery and Cafe this past week for our first "Dine in to Donate." We will have more of these in the future as an easy fundraising opportunity.
Crosstown rivals
Running some drills before game time
Post game pep talk
General Announcements
October 28th is the last day of the 1st marking period. Please encourage your child to turn in missing assignments and seek extra help, when needed.
Save the date! Our next Booster Club meeting of the year is next Monday, November 14, at 6:00pm in the media center.
Carleton serves breakfast! Students can join us every morning and get their first meal of the day in our cafeteria beginning at 7:15am.
Events for Your Calendar
October 18, 2016 - Carleton Football vs. Wolfe
October 19, 2016 - Carleton Volleyball vs. Carter
October 21, 2016 - Band students perform with the Cousino High School marching band
October 25, 2016 - Carleton Football vs. Lincoln
October 27, 2016 - Carleton Extravaganza (all students must have student ID to gain entry)
October 28, 2016 - Half Day of School - End of 1st Quarter
About Us
Email: ekausch@wcskids.net
Website: http://school.wcskids.net/carleton/
Location: 8900 15 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI, United States
Phone: (586) 825-2590
Twitter: @EricKausch