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.
My professional challenge started on November 14th, 2017 in the Red Bunny room. Armed with extensive lesson plans, and a nervousness I haven’t had in years, I walked into a classroom of 25 students ready to teach for an entire day. This challenge was completed on March 22, 2018 in the Blue Chipmunk room. During … Continue reading Reflections from 13 days of Teaching Kindergarten. #HackingEarlyLearning
The 2006-2007 school year was the last time I was listed as the teacher of record for any classroom. In November a veteran teacher met with me and asked me to sub in a class to get a feel for what teaching is like today. I took this to our Site Team to ask-would any … Continue reading Teacher for the Day. Reflections from a Principal turned Kindergarten Teacher. #HackingEarlyLearning
Having your first (or second, or third) child enter the K-12 system can be a milestone in so many ways for families…and for teachers and leaders. Setting the tone with when and how you communicate goes a long way in establishing trust and building relationships with the stakeholders you will be serving in this important … Continue reading Rule #4 Over Communicate.
Having your whole school graduate every year is a big task. When it is a child’s first year of school it is critical we get it right-every time. Because of this #WoodsonK has routines upon routines for support staff and families with this big day that we practice multiple times. Step One: Kindergarten Registration. … Continue reading Rule #2 Set the stage: practice, practice, practice.
Redefining the role of leading at Pre-3rd grade also means redefining where the leader does the work. Being out of your office and where the students are shows all those around you who you are here for and that you are ready to see and fill a need where ever it may be. On … Continue reading Rule #1 Stay out of your office on the first day.
I will admit it-I like shiny new things. I have always loved the Back to School time of year. Buying my new school agenda (thanks Amber Teamann for sharing Erin Condren with me this year), creating the school year calendar in my office and that sense of a fresh start is exciting for me. … Continue reading Be Careful of the Shiny New Tech Tools as You Start the School Year.
We can all learning something new each and everyday. From tying our shoes or begining to read; to learning a new social emotional curriculum and working in a Professional Learning Community our learning is really never complete. Don’t be afraid. Learning meanings taking a risk, trying something new in the hopes of learning and … Continue reading What I Learned While Leading from the Sandbox.
http://www.transformativeprincipal.org/?s=Jessica+Cabeen Overview: Woodson has been an all-day everyday Kindergarten Center for the past 11 years. In the past 4 years enrollment has fluctuated between 360–425 students (currently about 385 with our preschool class). 51% of our students are students of color, and we have a 61% free and reduced lunch student population. We have … Continue reading How a Kindergarten Center is Amazing with Jessica Cabeen Transformative Principal 099
Leaders at system, district and school levels need to influence the culture and processes that support learning and working together in purposeful ways at every level of the organization if they are to produce greater learning in students. Coherence. Michael Fullen and Joanne Quinn This summer (kicking and screaming) I am a parent in transition. … Continue reading Building Relationships and Setting the Stage Before K: Transitions.
Principal in Balance: Learning to Lead in Work and Life 