The Cardinal Way
Sharing and Learning at Southport Middle School
In the Middle Of It - Some Other Beginnings End
As I sit at my desk, here on the last day of school and all the students and staff have left the building, I find myself writing maybe the most difficult post since I have started this blog. This is my last official post as the principal at Southport Middle School. I started this blog three years ago as a way to share my learning and model the reflective practice I believe all successful educators need in their lives. I have found myself randomly clicking on the archived posts over the past few weeks and rereading and reliving joys, successes, epic failures, and most importantly my learning. What a journey it has been! It has been an honor to serve in the capacity of principal at Southport Middle. Words cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity to lead this community of people on our journey over the past five years.
Change is difficult, but... “every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.” Personally, I have learned and grown, as a leader and person, a great deal over the past five years. The principalship, and people I have worked with, have provided me with opportunities to grow that five years ago I would have never expected. In my opinion, I have changed more personally and professionally while serving as principal than any other time in my life. And for that I am forever indebted to the people I have come to know and respect during my tenure here at SMS.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words… here are some of the mind snapshots I have taken and reflect on often: Innovation Day, Captain America, Mr. Miller being taped to the wall, lunch (and sometimes dinner) from the concession stand, field day, undefeated seasons, amazing musical performances, becoming Cardinals, Mrs. Quinlan’s food exchange program in the cafeteria, opening day meetings, the TAP rubric, kids thriving in classrooms, Abel, Mr. Kight’s Christmas party with Pictionary, busted water pipes/overflowing toilets/rainy days at bus duty...all ending in another pair of wet shoes, the anarchy that breaks out when the network goes down, and the over-under on the last day dismissal.
All in all, I have a beautiful collection of memories that I will cherish from my time here.
I want to end this post with sharing my appreciation for the people who have supported me, challenged me, and pushed me to be the person I am today.
My gratitude for an amazing teaching staff goes beyond an appreciation of their daily work. Their dedication to students and Southport Middle School makes me proud to serve beside them.
I am thankful for the wonderful support staff that makes Southport Middle run smoothly every day. Their efforts to keep our offices orderly, serve lunches with a smile, positively support students’ work in classrooms, and maintain a clean school can sometimes go unnoticed, but they are vital for a great school environment!
I am grateful for the remarkable group of students that attend SMS. I am humbled every day by their spirit, youthful exuberance, and commitment to learning. We have the best group of students anywhere! I cannot wait to continue their journey with them at the high school level. I know the level of preparation that takes place here at the middle school, and I expect great things from these students at the high school level as well.
I am indebted to community in which I serve. The community support for Southport is overwhelming. I am grateful to live and work in such an amazing township!
I am thankful for my loving family. My four amazing children, my wonderful wife, and my parents are each supportive of my personal journey, and provide me with the courage and strength to strive for greatness every day! I would not be able to do the things I do without their love and support.
It is with a thankful heart that I move into my new position, but I will never forget the people and the events that helped to prepare me for the many new challenges ahead. I hope that you will all continue to follow me as I grow into my new role, and celebrate my new beginning at Southport High School.
And as always…Keep learning; keep growing; keep sharing!
This is cross posted on my Principal's Blog
Cardinal Spotlight
Every single person at Southport Middle deserves a huge thank you for making this year a success. Your efforts this year to help our students learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally have been impressive. Thank you! I hope each of you has a restful and relaxing summer!
Grateful Friday Challenge
Week 37 Grateful Friday Challenge
Write one last thank you note to a staff member who has made a significant impact on your life this school year. Deliver that note to them before you leave for summer break.
Mr. Knight's Interesting Read for the Week
Interesting Blog Post: 7 Characteristics of Highly Successful Innovators (many of these characteristics are why each of you are amazing educators)
Great Video: Leave the World Better Than You Found It
#180DAYSOFLEARNING
Jeanne Fitzgerald
Metric 500
Melinda Weiss
Field Day
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