Friday Focus
December 7, 2018
Music Program Notes
Thank you for all the help with our Christmas programs. It makes a huge difference and the families love seeing you and celebrating this wonderful time of the year. I also appreciate how you dress up for this event.
Valerie and I have been thrilled with the attendance the past several years. We have considered various venues and time frames to make the experience even better. Next year we are going to split the times. For example we may start the first grade show at six, clear the auditorium, and start the third grade show at 7:15. We will make exact time decisions next school year.
Christmas Break Work
Good News Update- I heard from David and things went well!! Thanks for all your prayers!
Get Fired Up
Here is the link to a website for a free conference over break. There are some pretty awesome people presenting! There is a teacher from the Indy area presenting. She teaches high school English, but has amazing activities for all grade levels!
Dates
We have a staff meeting Wednesday. We will meet in the media center. We will be done at 4:20.
The Pendletones will be out on Friday at 10:00 for a thirty minute concert for all of us. We will all meet in the main gym.
PD in PJ
Free PD in your PJ opportunities - Ditch that Textbook Digital Summit. Nine-day, FREE virtual event from mid- to end of December. Registration: http://ditchsummit.com/
Matt Miller, the author of Ditch That Textbook, spoke at ELEAD a couple of years ago. He is a Spanish teacher at Turkey Run High School and is very passionate about going digital.
Valerie's Vision
Open Mouth and Try Not to Insert Foot
We all have opportunities to filter our responses to students, staff members, community members, and parents. Sometimes your filter is 'on point', other times it doesn't quite work.
Case and point: If you haven't heard about the reference to the "cheap" mice we have with our Chromebook carts, be sure to ask Mr. Lord about them. I am still cringing over my comment.
This week, while talking to a student, she shared some song lyrics that she wrote to help her overcome her suicidal thoughts. Believe it or not, my filter actually worked.
Instead of reacting negatively or shocked about her innermost thoughts, I took the opportunity to point out that she has many talents with writing. Throughout the week, she continued to come back and share with me other songs she has written.
We all have these opportunities when others seek our advice. It is important to remember that sometimes taking a deep breath, thinking about your word choices, and making sure you've got your filter on is what needs to happen. Many of you are masters at filtering. And believe it or not, choosing to take the optimistic route does truly have many benefits.
Sometimes our most innocent comments can hurt another person. Be cognizant of your words. Remember your filter. Realize the impact you truly to have on all. Most importantly, if you happen to open your mouth and insert your foot, be sure to make amends with anyone who may be affected by your words.
"In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact." -- Les Brown