I blog for coffee!
That would be a great bribe if anyone ever read this blog but hey, anything for coffee . . . well, almost anything.
I've got a good one coming but need to think about it so while you wait . . . have a cup of coffee.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It reminds me of a book . . .
I'm tired, my allergies are driving me (somewhere), and I need a foot massage but I must share my thoughts after tonight.
Tonight, as has grown to be my school's custom, we held our beginning of the year Parent Forum. Each grade level meets at a different time and we hold a general session somewhere in between. It's always my dream that every parent would show so that we could all be on the same page but I know that's impossible in this crazy world of 9 year old football or 10 year old soccer. It's a great opportunity for us to look face to face, provide information and answer questions for clarification. We did have our best turn out tonight!
As I scanned the crowd, there were those "you've already ticked me off" faces, those "I have no clue what you are talking about" faces, some "this school has got it goin' on" faces, and some that can't be mentioned. But all-in-all, they were there because it's about their child . . . as it should be. They send us their best and they give what they have. This summer I was fortunate to hear Liz Murray speak. If you have not seen the movie From Homeless to Harvard, you should; it is the true story of Liz Murray's life. I wish everyone could hear her. One thing she said that I will never forget, is that people will ask if she was ever angry with her parents. She always replies, "no, for they couldn't give what they didn't have."
You know, that same goes for us all -- rich or poor. We can only give what we know to give. It dawned on me tonight that the parents of my school give what they know and have to give. But actually, this was not my 1st thought that stirred me to share. It was the little thought (that I chuckle at every time it pops in my head) and it comes from a book that has impacted me in so many ways . . . The Same Kind of Different as Me. (Check it out on my bookshelf). Sometimes when I compare parents or maybe think I know better than some, something pops in my head (I call it a loud thought from God) and reminds that they are "the same kind of different as me." I may be just as annoying, weird, different, goofy, or crazy to someone else. It's a God reminder that it's not for me to judge or second guess but to realize they give what they can and we are all the "same kind of different."
The matter of this principal is a matter of God . . . Matthew 7:12. . . "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you . . ." Because of God's grace, I'm forgiven for the moments I flub it up!
Tonight, as has grown to be my school's custom, we held our beginning of the year Parent Forum. Each grade level meets at a different time and we hold a general session somewhere in between. It's always my dream that every parent would show so that we could all be on the same page but I know that's impossible in this crazy world of 9 year old football or 10 year old soccer. It's a great opportunity for us to look face to face, provide information and answer questions for clarification. We did have our best turn out tonight!
As I scanned the crowd, there were those "you've already ticked me off" faces, those "I have no clue what you are talking about" faces, some "this school has got it goin' on" faces, and some that can't be mentioned. But all-in-all, they were there because it's about their child . . . as it should be. They send us their best and they give what they have. This summer I was fortunate to hear Liz Murray speak. If you have not seen the movie From Homeless to Harvard, you should; it is the true story of Liz Murray's life. I wish everyone could hear her. One thing she said that I will never forget, is that people will ask if she was ever angry with her parents. She always replies, "no, for they couldn't give what they didn't have."
You know, that same goes for us all -- rich or poor. We can only give what we know to give. It dawned on me tonight that the parents of my school give what they know and have to give. But actually, this was not my 1st thought that stirred me to share. It was the little thought (that I chuckle at every time it pops in my head) and it comes from a book that has impacted me in so many ways . . . The Same Kind of Different as Me. (Check it out on my bookshelf). Sometimes when I compare parents or maybe think I know better than some, something pops in my head (I call it a loud thought from God) and reminds that they are "the same kind of different as me." I may be just as annoying, weird, different, goofy, or crazy to someone else. It's a God reminder that it's not for me to judge or second guess but to realize they give what they can and we are all the "same kind of different."
The matter of this principal is a matter of God . . . Matthew 7:12. . . "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you . . ." Because of God's grace, I'm forgiven for the moments I flub it up!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Renewal of My Leadership
As an administrator, you truly never get a true time away from the job even if you are on a 207-day contract or 217. While many of my "weeks off" were interrupted with calls from highers that be, my official time began 2 weeks ago (thus the reason for no blogging activity). Now, as officially on the clock, I can say that I am glad to be back. I'm glad to have a routine; glad to be focused, glad to be exercising my calves by wearing heels other that flip-flops; and, most of all, glad to have an opportunity to start a fresh school year with new choices and opportunities.
Most educators realize that they never stop learning as long as they are teaching -- teaching that involves knowing, studying, listening, and "coaching." Last year I had the opportunity supervise a lead teacher who was also an aspiring administrator. While I tried to coach and teach, she in turn taught me. I learned because I wanted her to know what a good leader should be. In the course of it all, I assessed my own leadership and determined, that for me, it wasn't what I want it to me. One of the books that she had to read for one of her graduate courses was Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges (check out my Bookshelf). I bought it just based on the title; for that is what I pray to do this year. I owe that to my staff but more to my God.
In my sister's blog today, she speaks about the serman at church this morning -- Into Your Hands. You can read her's to get the jist or go listen to the mp3 on the web. I must choose how much of my week I am willing to give to God. Wow! In Lead Like Jesus, a leader must desire to be like Jesus even through the roughest of times. The author suggests that we must first know Jesus and develop habits of solitude with God, prayer, with God, and of studying the work of God -- hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Word. My reaction? . . . "Where doI find the time?!" As I continue to read, I have had to come to the realization that I have allowed myself to lose sight of Whose I am and my purpose in life. Am I a giver or a grabber? I've always considered myself more of a giver . . . but why do I feel the need for renewal? I need to become the giver, the servant for those that I lead. That is my prayer for the last 2 weeks and continues to be daily because for this principal, it's more than principle, it's what I am called to do because I am a child of His.
Most educators realize that they never stop learning as long as they are teaching -- teaching that involves knowing, studying, listening, and "coaching." Last year I had the opportunity supervise a lead teacher who was also an aspiring administrator. While I tried to coach and teach, she in turn taught me. I learned because I wanted her to know what a good leader should be. In the course of it all, I assessed my own leadership and determined, that for me, it wasn't what I want it to me. One of the books that she had to read for one of her graduate courses was Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges (check out my Bookshelf). I bought it just based on the title; for that is what I pray to do this year. I owe that to my staff but more to my God.
In my sister's blog today, she speaks about the serman at church this morning -- Into Your Hands. You can read her's to get the jist or go listen to the mp3 on the web. I must choose how much of my week I am willing to give to God. Wow! In Lead Like Jesus, a leader must desire to be like Jesus even through the roughest of times. The author suggests that we must first know Jesus and develop habits of solitude with God, prayer, with God, and of studying the work of God -- hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Word. My reaction? . . . "Where doI find the time?!" As I continue to read, I have had to come to the realization that I have allowed myself to lose sight of Whose I am and my purpose in life. Am I a giver or a grabber? I've always considered myself more of a giver . . . but why do I feel the need for renewal? I need to become the giver, the servant for those that I lead. That is my prayer for the last 2 weeks and continues to be daily because for this principal, it's more than principle, it's what I am called to do because I am a child of His.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
From Mixes to Fixes
Today was a day of mixtures. Working when I'm not "officially" at work yet because I've had a last minute teaching position open that I needed to fill. Of course, the best laid plans . . . However, it will all work for the best because as professionals, I know that all of my staff are there for our students . . . to help them "soar to excellence in 2009." (that would be our new theme). So in the mix of it all, I must ask a new hire to change grade levels just 1-1/2 months after telling her she's been hired for another; edit my "newsletter" for my staff that I created in a slightly different style (smilebox); inform my superintendent of my changes; and then inform those affected of the changes.
But, I couldn't let go of my summer yet, so I had one more little fling before starting back on Monday. I have been to more movies this summer than I've been to in the last 2 years. Today, my Mom, Sister, and I went to see Momma Mia. Now, I can see where one would either love it or hate it. You've got to be one of those eclectics of the 70's who L-O-V-E ABBA. Honey, Honey, we took a chance and it was Super! We definitely didn't call an S.O.S. to get us out. I foresee that it will be a winner take it all when it comes to awards. Knowing me, Knowing my Husband, he will love it too, so I'll be taking him (dot, dot, dot). Anyway, it was a fun, non-thinking time with my 2 favorite women -- we sang, we laughed (yes, my over-70 mother) and clapped. There was a time or two that I thought we were going to be Dancing Queens in the aisle (you had to know that was coming). It was definitely a feel-good movie for this principal as she prepares herself to get prepared for a new year.
In the last few years, I've tried to avoid saying that I've had a bad day or a good day. All are good days because they are days the Lord has given me. Today, when I thought things were looking uncorrectable and stress-filled, a fun time with family was a good dose for this principal. So, for a matter of principle -- family can always bring you back to where you need to be.
But, I couldn't let go of my summer yet, so I had one more little fling before starting back on Monday. I have been to more movies this summer than I've been to in the last 2 years. Today, my Mom, Sister, and I went to see Momma Mia. Now, I can see where one would either love it or hate it. You've got to be one of those eclectics of the 70's who L-O-V-E ABBA. Honey, Honey, we took a chance and it was Super! We definitely didn't call an S.O.S. to get us out. I foresee that it will be a winner take it all when it comes to awards. Knowing me, Knowing my Husband, he will love it too, so I'll be taking him (dot, dot, dot). Anyway, it was a fun, non-thinking time with my 2 favorite women -- we sang, we laughed (yes, my over-70 mother) and clapped. There was a time or two that I thought we were going to be Dancing Queens in the aisle (you had to know that was coming). It was definitely a feel-good movie for this principal as she prepares herself to get prepared for a new year.
In the last few years, I've tried to avoid saying that I've had a bad day or a good day. All are good days because they are days the Lord has given me. Today, when I thought things were looking uncorrectable and stress-filled, a fun time with family was a good dose for this principal. So, for a matter of principle -- family can always bring you back to where you need to be.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
It Applies to Everyone but Me Syndrome
Well, I think that I am actually ready to enter my first true "matter of principal." However, it's more of "principle." Years ago, our local newspaper had a journalist that was very clever in his writings -- I think he's moved to bigger places now. Anyway, I always wanted him to write something clever in respect to "it applies to everyone but me." Well, I guess I'll address the topic.
The phrase hits me on occasion when I'm out and about. It's like this . . .
Shopping centers have included in their construction ample parking for normal shopping days. Restuarants provide such necessary parking (unless it's our local steak place, SRLL and you have to park anywhere possible b/c she always has a crowd). However, for some reason there are members of society that have that it applies to everyone but me syndrome. You know the one, "It's not marked a parking place but this is close to the door so I'll park here." You have seen it -- the place just outside the 1st parking spot that places there car in the path of the drive.
How about when the teacher or school asks that projects, fundraisers, picture money, etc. be turned in by a certain day (with several reminder notices)? Once again, you see the it applies to everyone but me syndrome -- they want to turn it in 3 days later and don't understand why there's a late grade, they don't get their pictures, or their child doesn't receive a prize for so many sales. This one does become a matter of princiPAL.
What about yellow/red lights -- they apply to everyone but me. I remember Coach L. in drivers ed. telling me that yellow meant I needed to be prepared to stop, not speed up to run the light. Maybe that rule has changed -- I'll research that and let you know.
I guess you get the idea that this is a pet peeve of mine. While this blog is not necessarily to address pet peeves, this syndrome that is so common in today's society is Just a Matter of Principle. "Have we lost "principle?" this principal wants to know?
The phrase hits me on occasion when I'm out and about. It's like this . . .
Shopping centers have included in their construction ample parking for normal shopping days. Restuarants provide such necessary parking (unless it's our local steak place, SRLL and you have to park anywhere possible b/c she always has a crowd). However, for some reason there are members of society that have that it applies to everyone but me syndrome. You know the one, "It's not marked a parking place but this is close to the door so I'll park here." You have seen it -- the place just outside the 1st parking spot that places there car in the path of the drive.
How about when the teacher or school asks that projects, fundraisers, picture money, etc. be turned in by a certain day (with several reminder notices)? Once again, you see the it applies to everyone but me syndrome -- they want to turn it in 3 days later and don't understand why there's a late grade, they don't get their pictures, or their child doesn't receive a prize for so many sales. This one does become a matter of princiPAL.
What about yellow/red lights -- they apply to everyone but me. I remember Coach L. in drivers ed. telling me that yellow meant I needed to be prepared to stop, not speed up to run the light. Maybe that rule has changed -- I'll research that and let you know.
I guess you get the idea that this is a pet peeve of mine. While this blog is not necessarily to address pet peeves, this syndrome that is so common in today's society is Just a Matter of Principle. "Have we lost "principle?" this principal wants to know?
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