Sunday Shakedown
Weekly Memo for Washington Elementary
Principal Post
As she began her talk focusing on immigration and its effects on children across America, I confess that at first I wondered if the message would be relevant for me considering that we do not serve a large population of children who are affected by issues surrounding immigration. Very soon, through her story, I realized that I was wrong and I felt convicted. The greater theme of her message dove much deeper than immigration. Her theme actually challenged each of us to consider what it means to be human and reflect upon what each of us need in order to find our identity. I was affected by how much our identify influences our innate motivation and inspiration to feel that we matter and have something to contribute to the world around us.
We heard story after story, both from our speaker and from educators in the room, that told of children waking up each morning hoping for survival…hoping for belonging…hoping for a chance to succeed. These hopes are what unify all of us, but may more often present themselves more significantly in the lives of those who are considered a minority. I was struck by Ms. Hinojosa’s statement that she strives never to use the word “minority” because of the connotation it has to whomever is in the described “minority.” The word itself causes me to think of a sense of powerlessness or to perceive that a “minority” is somehow less than whoever may exist in the majority. Who of us would feel comfortable being in a minority group regardless of what classified us as such. Certainly, at Washington, I think of our economically disadvantaged students. In thinking of survival, it caused me to think about our role in helping these students to survive. What is our role in helping these students rise up, push beyond their circumstance and find their identity and voice?
Once again, it made me reflect upon our profound impact as educators. We have been working on our Vision as a school. We cannot expect students who come to school lacking a feeling of purpose, lacking an identity and lacking motivation to acquire it without support. How will we support our students to success? How will we connect with our students and seek to motivate them towards behaviors and goals for which some have had little to no experience? How can we hook students and engage them in academic work that will allow them to use what they learn to work toward their purpose in life? A sense of purpose, voice and identity must exist before a child will be motivated and inspired towards anything more than survival if basic needs are lacking.
Haim G. Ginnot says, “I’ve come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate.”
The article I sent in the beginning of the year about culture (Finding Your Marigold) matters. What we believe about our students matters. How we talk ABOUT our students matters. How we respond to our students matters. A phrase often attributed to Peter Drucker claims: 'Culture eats strategy for breakfast.' In order to create and sustain a positive culture for ALL students requires our faith in our students and commands that we commit to our ownership and accountability to support all students. It requires that we function positively TOGETHER and collaboratively and that we hold fast to what we know best….WE ARE CHANGE AGENTS. We have the power to positively affect the lives of children and change trajectories.
As we finish this year, I really want all of us to reflect upon the many successes we have had with students. I want us to think about what surprised us most in terms of a positive change we saw in a student BECAUSE of the intentional actions taken. We must capture our successes and focus on the impact for good that we make. Focusing on the wins, listening to and associating with the Marigolds among us who are sold out for kids and are sold out for supporting those around them to do better….that is how we will change students’ lives and that is also how we will continue change the lives of children at GWES.
Thank yous, appreciations, and celebrations:
- Thanks to Sue Trent for holding down the fort while I was gone
- Thanks to Patriot Promise team for helping plan our celebration on Tuesday
- Thanks to Kristian for offering to DJ/MC our kickball game tomorrow-may our legacy continue!!
- Thanks to our PTA and Ms. Garland for a special day for our teachers on Thursday
- Thanks to everyone for sticking to the instructional integrity of the end of school, I know you are spent and the kids are too! We can do this!!!
Week of May 14-18
Kickball at 1:30
Faculty meeting at 3:45, Wehking shower
Tuesday:
Patriot Promise Celebration
Wednesday:
Birthdays with the Principals
Thursday:
LCF celebration at Allendale
ECLC in auditorium 9:30-10:30
Volunteer thank you yogurt bar (2:00-3:00)
Friday:
Leadership meeting 7:45
Coming soon:
LCE field trip to bowling alley May 22
Fifth grade promotion May 23
May 24th last day for students
FYI and Reminders:
- For classified staff, all comp time must be used before the end of the year. Talk with me about flexibly scheduling this time off so as to not have too many out on the same day.
- Please remember that fundraising sites like "Go fund Me" ,"Donor's Choose" and "Fundly" are not allowed in KCS. No KCS employee raising money for KCS, your classroom, or school events can use these sights to raise funds. Secondly, if you are applying for any kind of grant you must follow KCS procedures. This means that you complete an Intent To Apply form. This form starts the process with the district to "register" your fundraiser and clarifies any district wide concerns with a particular grant or grant funding. You may not apply for a grant unless this form is completed accurately, returned to ASC, and gets Board approval. Amy Doran (378-2174 ) can answer any follow up questions.
- End of Year documentation due dates are upon us, don't forget to reference your check sheet
Professional Learning: New Resources to Share
Professional learning calendar:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TnP8coW70cUnlW0gLTJ6H4Oy5FNS8Sbw/view
WSIC News
Link to the WSIC, please be certain to watch each day: https://goo.gl/vjw2eP