Welcome Back!
Warner Kickoff 2018-2019
Pretty Lonely without Staff and Students
- John Eldredge
This summer two books have left a lasting impression. The first was Wishtree by Katherine Applegate and the second was Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. The stories were vastly different, but both had lessons that resonated.
First, this from Wishtree..."But sometimes things happen that aren't so good. When they occur, I've learned that there's not much you can do except stand tall and reach deep."
What a powerful and real message. The message I hear is, you cannot control every situation. At some point something will happen that is challenging. It's important to find that inner strength and rise to the occasion.
Each new year is an opportunity to continue to grow and push beyond the places we've been. This year is shaping up to be fantastic! We are re-committing to our Professional Learning Communities, we are fully invested in Social-Emotional supports, and we are dedicated to ensuring ALL students succeed!
When you experience change, you are bound to feel a variety of feelings. You may feel excitement, anxiety, apprehension, anger, frustration or joy. We will all feel something as we charge into the new year. The challenge is being okay with being uncomfortable. The real growth often happens outside our comfort zone. We continuously ask our students to try new things and to trust the process. We as the adults must do the same.
Second, I absolutely loved reading Boys in the Boat! From the heart wrenching stories of overcoming the Great Depression to the sheer joy and jubilation of winning at Poughkeepsie. This true story had me! It also had several moments that made me pause and think. One such moment in the book was George Yeoman Pocock telling Joe, "The very problems you must overcome also support you and make you stronger in overcoming them."
I'm a believer that we all grow from overcoming adversity. Once again, the power is in the journey.
Educating kids is hard work. Not everyone can do what we do. It takes patience, commitment, passion, resolve and a dedication to continuous learning. Educators are special. You are special!
Recently a group of us attended the PLC conference outside of Chicago. Full transparency...it was powerful. The conference brought a strong realization that the work we do takes commitment. If it was easy everyone and everything would already be perfected. However, we know that our work is far from done and we know that our dedication and commitment to kids must drive us forward. That being said here are some things to expect.
- Expect a strong focus on Tier 1 instruction and Essential Standards
- Expect a commitment to the 4 PLC driving questions
- Expect a shift in intervention & enrichment
- ALL means ALL!
I believe in EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU! Our building is ready and committed to kids. I'm excited to see you on Monday, August 20th. That morning we will dive right into the foundational keys.
See you all soon,
-Ben
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, August 14th: Class Lists Posted at Warner 3pm
Tuesday, August 14th: Back-2-School All Skate bash! (6:30-8:30 everyone is welcome)
Monday, August 20th:
8am breakfast at Warner
8:30 Staff Meeting
11am - 12pm Lunch on your own
12pm -2:30pm Imagine Math training (location TBD)
2:30pm SEL
3:30 End of day
Tuesday, August 21st:
7:30-8:15am District Breakfast
8:15am - District PD
12pm - Warner lunch provided by the Warner PTO
Afternoon is 100% your time
4:30 - 5:30pm Y5 - 1st Back-To-School Night
5pm - 6pm Dinner provided for families. Free for 18 and under. $2 for adults.
5:30 - 6:30pm 2nd - 5th grade Back-To-School Night
Wednesday, August 22nd: Full Day of School 8:30 - 3:30