Tomorrow is our last day of school, and my last day of kindergarten. First Day of Kindergarten-September 2012 After six incredible years of listening, learning and leading I am graduating from Woodson Kindergarten Center. Starting July 2nd I will be starting a new role in a familiar school-as the Principal of Ellis Middle School. While … Continue reading A Change in Course.
At mile three of eight on the 10th week of marathon training it happened. Something pulled, popped, or went out of place in my right leg so bad I had to call for a ride home. I was frustrated, disappointed, and discouraged. In the moment I thought my marathon training was over, I thought about quitting, … Continue reading Failing isn’t a final destination.
I have had a love/hate relationship with my phone. The beeps, the notifications and don’t forget the storage reminders! This week our #PrincipalsinAction voxer group had a conversation about our phones and it got me thinking…. Do I spend more time on my iPhone than I do with my friends and family? Over the past … Continue reading Breaking Up With Your Phone.
I love music. Love it so much my first degree wasn’t in education-it was in Music Therapy. I know the many ways music can heal, inspire, encourage and support people through all sorts of seasons. So this post is a sort of ‘Sonata of Songs’ for school. To see if you are ready -click this … Continue reading A Principal’s Playlist.
Well Parents and Caregivers-you have successfully made it through the first few days of kindergarten. Kids were up dressed, lunches packed, hugs and kisses and away we went. This week parents all over will be asking “How was your day?” when their children will get home. One instance I heard about included a mom who … Continue reading So How Was Your Day? Conversation Starters for Kindergartners.
August. The month for educators of excitement, anticipation, and the start of a new (school) year. Many of us left our classrooms/schools in June with a list of books to read, conferences to go to, and big ideas for the next school year. If you are like me June-July-August are months that help me ramp … Continue reading Before the Bell Rings: 4 Ways to Stay Balanced with School and Home.
So much information out on the web talks about Kindergarten Readiness and the importance of critical features that support young learners. Not as much focus on us…the parents and how we cope, adjust and support the first year of K-12. I am no expert-but I am a parent, and a practitioner. My first son went … Continue reading Welcome Moms and Dads! Are You Ready for Kindergarten?
Summer is in full swing which means swim practice, summer school, family events…and well three professional conferences in three weeks. By July 11th I will have been in Saint Paul, Minnesota; Denver, Colorado; and Washington DC for three amazing conferences. Oh and on the 4th I am running my 2nd half marathon of 2016. While … Continue reading It is NOT the Quantity but Quality of Time.
This past month I was asked to write a SmartBrief for GreyEd on our use of blogs and videos to support Kindergarten Readiness-I hope you enjoy! Continue reading Use blogs, video to build parent partnerships #SAVMP #PrincipalsinAction
A seesaw (also known as a teeter-totter or teeterboard) is a long, narrow board supported by a single pivot point, most commonly located at the midpoint between both “ends”; as one end goes up, the other goes down. Growing up I loved the seesaw. The ‘highs’ were just enough for a girl who dislikes heights … Continue reading Enjoying the Ride: Understanding the Ups and Downs of Leading a School.
Principal in Balance: Learning to Lead in Work and Life 