The Coffee Break
Welcome JPII teachers to 2018-2019 school year!
Faith
With the most recent change of job titles, I have spent some time reflecting on some of the best leaders and worst leaders that I have had the opportunity to learn from. I believe there are lessons to be learned from both. To be completely honest, I truly never even considered being a principal before this year. I have always been wildly passionate about literacy and loved teaching. I can truly say one of the most rewarding experiences in life for me is watching a child unlock the reading code. Witnessing this in action the last year, truly reinforced the love of teaching for me, and I will be forever grateful. In accepting this position, I truly have to think of the JPII school as my classroom because the thought of not having my own classroom again is unbearable to me.
One of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make was leaving the district and the many teachers I worked closely with over the years. Looking back at it now, I can say I know God was closing a door and rescuing from an extremely difficult situation. I truly put my faith in him and he lead me to JPII. Last fall as school started it was a very different year for me, but everyday I would put my faith in god and focus on the good to come. Everyday god would surprise me with a special blessing such as: a smile, a child's encouraging words, or perhaps a latte (always the way to my heart). Everyday I would tell the kids in my class and myself "you can do hard things". I would see them take risks and I remind them of the power within them. I truly saw the power of growth mindset in action. The words we say to ourself and to our students matter. Is there a word that keeps presenting itself to you? Try posting it some place this year as a reminder and see what happens. It never fails to surprise me what great blessings lie ahead. As I once again step out into the an unknown role, I will rely heavily on my faith. With that being said, I am super excited for this new learning opportunity. I know so very well how hard and scary change can be. I thought it may be helpful in the uncertainty of a new school year to know what my values and beliefs are. My passionate beliefs will impact my decisions for this year:
1. I believe in second chances. I am so thankful that God has given them to me in my life.
2. I believe in taking risks, learning from our mistakes, and trying again.
3. I believe we are better as a team. We can respectfully disagree and still be professional. God gave each one of you gifts and when we work together, we learn from one another.
4. I believe ANYTHING can be learned. In my own life, I have had to relearn how to walk (it is a lot more difficult than it seems). There are no limitations to learning.
5. I believe in teachers not in programs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The joy of teaching comes from a teacher's craft. This is individualized and personalized for all of us.
4. I believe in being purposeful and intentional. I will do my best to not have a staff meeting with information that I can send out in an email. Our time matters!
5. I believe in transparency. If it is possible, I will offer you a voice in the decision making.
6. I believe in kindness. What we model, is what we get in return. I will discipline and teach students consequences for their actions, but I will not yell at them or belittle them.
7. I believe in honesty and integrity. Words and actions must match.
8. I believe in students, teachers, and parents. I will always assume positive intentions.
9. I believe every child deserves at least a year's worth of growth in our hands.
10. I believe a leader is someone who takes away the barriers inhibiting growth, who listens, who helps problem solve when needed, who inspires others, and who supports one another. I believe we are all leaders and have the ability to make a huge difference at JPII. Let's make this year a great one!
Let's Be Marigolds
JPII Staff BBQ at my house
Wednesday, Aug 8, 2018, 06:00 PM
1605 Sunridge Ave. (Close by Bell Nob Golf Course)
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
JPII Building Use- Retreats
Class Lists
Classroom Needs
Specials Schedule
Robotics Coaches Needed
We have an exciting opportunity at JPII to participate in learning and competing with robotics. If you are interested or know of anoyone that would be interested in helping coach a robotics team please email me. Depending on the interest, we may have more than one team. This could likely be an after school club or possibly an elective for the middle school. The first training will be offered Friday, August 3rd & Saturday, August 4th at AREA 59 (in Gillette). Below is the link to more information about the VEX IQ.
https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/vex-iq-challenge/August Dates
- August 8th- JPII Staff BBQ at my house
- August 13th- First day back-- Staff Retreat (9:00-4:00) Location to be announced
- August 14th 8:00 Staff meeting in the library
- August 15th- Meet and Greet at the Fishing Lake (Edwards Shelter)- Bring a Dessert
- August 20th- Open House (4:00-6:00)
- August 21st- First Day of School (1st-8th)/ Orientation for Pre k (9-10) & K (8:15-9)
- August 22nd- PreK & Kindergarten first day of school
- August 22-24th- Mallo Camp
- August 31st Early Release