Phillips Friday Focus
February 8, 2019
The Difference Between Your "What" and "Why"
When you know your "why," your "what" has more impact because you're walking in or towards your purpose. What a difference it made in his song!
Your What: You're an Educator
Your Why:
What is your 'why?"
- I don't want bad data next to my name.
- I don't want kids to be unsuccessful.
- I don't want kids to be unsuccessful and leave my classroom not ready for the next grade.
- I want to know that at the time of testing, I have done everything in my power to promote and ensure the success of my students.
- I want to invest in young people and help them realize their potential.
- I want to make students feel safe and loved while at school.
- I love kids and want to make a lasting difference in their lives.
But you can see from the list as it goes down that each sentence is laden with more purpose and heart. Those are the types of people we want here, those are the types of people our students need. Every lesson and staff action should be driven by what's best for students, not staff.
It sounds very idealistic and if I'm being transparent, there are often times I have to remind myself of my own "why." When things are rough, people are angry, or if I'm just tired, reminding myself of why I chose this helps me refocus. The best remedy for me is to be out among our students or in your classrooms watching you serve our students with purpose and passion. Those are the best pieces of what we do. What's your "why?" Write it down and put it where you will see it frequently. Better yet, tell a colleague so they can remind you when you may need it.
Staff Shout Outs!
What's Ahead...
February 11- 11:30 Lunch and Learn for our ELL Parents in the Library, Telpas practice begins, Telpas writing calibration after school, 5:30-7:30 Latino Family Literacy Project
6:00 school board meeting (Dabbs will be honored for TOY)
February 12- GT Field Trip (grades 1-3),Writing calibration if needed after school
February 13- GT Field Trip (grades 4-5), 4:00 Teacher meeting
February 14- 8:05 Support staff meeting in room 2, Valentine exchanges, jean day
February 18- Planning Day, 8:00 STAAR Training
February 20- 4th grade Writing Benchmark, 5th grade Math Benchmark, adjusted schedule
February 21- 5th grade Reading Benchmark, adjusted schedule
February 25-27- Skyranch Camp/5th grade, Telpas testing starts this week
March 1- National Read Across America Day
Happy Birthday!
February 28- Shana Holder