The Cardinal Way
Sharing and Learning at Southport Middle School
Student Success is a Team Effort!
IN THE MIDDLE OF IT - Thoughts from a Middle School Principal
I had a colleague ask me this week about why I take the time to write a weekly blog. He asked, “How do you know if anyone even reads what you write?” I think my answer might have caught him by surprise. My response to this question wasn’t focused on others reading my blog, it was focused on my own personal reflection. I went on to explain how my blog posts help keep me focused on my personal: reflecting, learning, and sharing. These three elements, I believe, are key to my leaving each day better than when I started it.
Reflecting. I challenge myself to write a blog post once a week, which requires consistent reflection on what I am doing. Over the past year, since I have started blogging, I find my daily focus has shifted. I go into each week unsure when, and where, the inspiration for my next post will present itself. Therefore every experience, could be my next post if I keep an open mind. I am more thoughtful about what I am doing and why I am doing it. I look at challenges differently, as I try to always find the positive in each situation. This reflective practice is my first step in learning.
Learning. Reflection focuses me on finding the learning opportunity in every situation. Turning my reflections into a blog post is the catalyst in the learning process. Sometimes the writing helps me make sense of a challenging situation, other times it just gives me an opportunity to think about my personal beliefs. Either way, my focus is on learning. Each week, I am challenged to look for and think about ideas, topics, or beliefs on which I can write. Therefore, I am constantly questioning how things can be better or challenging and fully vetting a personal belief. I write to learn; I write to grow; I write to find ways to leave each day better than I started it.
Sharing. Now for the scary part, sharing my personal thoughts. There is a great deal of vulnerability in leadership. Sharing my thoughts is not always easy, but it is a vital part of reflecting and learning. Blogging provides transparency. No one has all the answers, and we all have something to learn each day. Blogging models this belief in learning, as I share my challenges, thoughts, and learning with the world. The role of principalship can be a lonely position at times, and it is easy to become isolated in our own schools. So, it is refreshing to read blog posts from other educators. Reading other posts from those out there learning and growing, helps me to remember that I am not alone in my struggles.
So, blogging is really not about others, what they think, or even how many people are reading my thoughts each week… it’s about my personal growth. Don’t get me wrong, I do hope others read and find inspiration in my thoughts. I appreciate comments left on my posts or when staff or community members comment about what I wrote. My thoughts are my thoughts, they challenge me to be better and I hope if you read my posts, you question your own practices and find ways to improve. Keeping reflecting, keep learning, and keep sharing. I would love to hear your thoughts!
This is cross posted on my Principal's Blog
Damar Christmas Party
Saturday, Dec 6, 2014, 01:30 PM
6067 Decatur Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46241, United States
CARDINAL SPOTLIGHT
- Thank you to Kristi Mendel for hosting her annual Thanksgiving luncheon. The students do a great job decorating the room. This a a great event to welcome students' parents into our building.
- Thank you to Stephanie Quinlan for setting up the Giving Tree and organizing our Christmas celebration at Damar this coming weekend. Kindness is our strength!
- Amy Gaisser and Georgina Mayorga are hosting a EL parent day at SMS on Saturday. Thank you for finding a way to get our EL families involved in the school, even though that means giving up a Saturday because it was the best time to get parents in the building.
Staff Christmas Party
Saturday, Dec 13, 2014, 07:30 PM
851 Richart Lane, Greenwood, IN, United States
INTERESTING READ FOR THE WEEK
- 5 Ways to use Google Reverse Image Search via @medkh9 (Educational Technology and Mobile Learning)
- The Colorful Principal: Sharing Joyful Moments - This is a great blog post about positivity. I enjoy reading Ben Gilpin's blog. He is also a good follow on Twitter (@benjamingilpin)
#180DAYSOFLEARNING
PEERS PROJECT in Health
Thanksgiving with Mrs. Mendel
Natasha Bynum
Lori Farnworth
Brandi Battinau
Chris Stevenson
Jeff VanMeter
EDUCATIONAL HUMOR
Southport Middle School
Website: http://websites.msdpt.k12.in.us/sm/
Location: 5715 South Keystone Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Phone: 317-789-4600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthportMiddleSchool
Twitter: @SouthportMiddle