Run, Carver, Run

I've never been a reader. Yes, I know, I know.  How is that possible? I'm a teacher and a principal. I do take the latest Nicholas Sparks books on vacation so there's that, but to call myself a reader would be stretching it. Here's the best excuse I can come up with. There was no A.R. in Sparta, Mo in the 70's or 80's and I would have rather been watching TV at night than reading a book. I do remember crying and crying to convince my mom to order the Dr. Seuss set with the plastic book holder from Scholastic. Yes, we had Scholastic book orders even back then. She gave in and she NEVER gave in on book orders so the tears must have helped. I still have those books so there must have been a part of me that always wanted to be a reader. Fast forward to 2017. Our superintendent, Mr. Decker, has us reading books each year. When he first told the administrative team he wanted us to do a book study I thought...well, let's just say I was not excited to say the least.  Some have been better than others, and I've learned something about myself from each one of them. Each topic got me interested in reading more on my own. I now find myself on Twitter searching to see what the educators I follow are reading. I'm also having more conversations with colleagues about what they suggest. One of our teachers, Mrs. Barratt, and I were talking about Ron Clark recently and she told me I should read Move Your Bus. She had a copy, so I borrowed it. What a great read. Quick, entertaining and to the point. He talks about Runners, Joggers, Walkers and Riders. The kind in the educational world, not on the track. You get the idea. Obviously not everyone is a Runner, but everyone can be. That begs the question. Why would we all NOT want to be a Runner?
    Runners work hard, never complain, have a positive spirit, and a strong work ethic.  They are the driving force behind the success at school and they never make excuses.  Why would we all not want to put in the effort it takes to be known as a runner?  Running can be hard work, but so worth the end result. I wouldn't say I have always been a runner, nor would all of our teachers say that about themselves either, but I can say without a doubt I feel like not only myself, but our building is running and running fast. This school year has brought a renewed drive and attitude with the faculty like I have never seen in all the years Carver has been open. I used to think about an idea, present it slowly, try to coerce many to do it and hope they would all eventually come around, but not anymore. Just last week, I sent an email early one morning telling the team I would love to try an idea called Trading Places.  The teachers were going to switch jobs with another teacher in the building for the day.  I hit send and within a few minutes I had a list of teachers saying they loved the idea.  By mid morning, I sent out another email updating everyone with the names of those willing to Trade Places. By the end of the day, the date to have the Teacher Reveal Party (where we would all find out where we were going for the day) was set and the day to change positions was on the calendar.  We weren't waiting weeks to trade. No. It would happen in less than a week. That is our state of mind now. Present an idea and the team will find a way to make it happen and happen quickly. We are Moving Our Bus and running, running, running. Walkers would have questioned it. Not one person in the building did. Walkers would have found something wrong with the idea. Not one person in the building did. Walkers would have spread negativity about the idea. Not one person in the building did.
    I challenge everyone to ask yourself if you're a runner and if you're not ask yourself why you aren't. What is keeping you from being one?  I think if the team were honest, they would tell you some of them have been Walkers working on jogging and Joggers working on running, but the point is we are all getting there and the change in the building is palpable.  There is no time for negativity. There is no time for excuses.  We are changing the feel in the building and it is AMAZING! It's now an atmosphere of what are we doing next week instead of next month or next quarter. Next week alone, we have the Teacher Reveal Party after school on Monday, the Student Led Edcamp on Tuesday and Trading Places on Wednesday. We are MOVING OUR BUS. Now, I think I'll go read There's a Wocket in my Pocket for old times sake. See Mom. I told you I'd read them. ❤️

Relationships Matter

"That was one of my most memorable elementary years...And every year I always think of you on your birthday." "If you are free over the summer, Elise and I would love to go to lunch with you." Those words were spoken by Maggie Scanlon and Kashina Harris who happen to be two wonderful young ladies I taught when they were 8-years-old. They sent me those messages on facebook as adult women and I still love reading them today.  During my first year to teach, I encouraged Maggie to keep writing even after editing PAGE AFTER PAGE of her stories in third grade. She wrote more than anyone in the class and it took quite some time to make those changes. I told her she was going to be a writer one day and she ended up getting a degree in journalism.She later became a teacher and I'm sure is making an impact on kids' lives daily. Kashina used to call me on the phone just to talk when you was in fifth grade (she was one I taught in third grade and then again in fifth).  I remember thinking, "Should I be talking to a little girl on the phone who's in my class." At the time, I didn't realize the importance, but 24 years later, it's apparent to me how important talking to her really was.  They are all grown up now, but we've  seen each other through the years, and it's clear we have the same sweet memories of 1992 in Rogersville, Mo  Others from those years have asked me to be friends on facebook as well.  Ashley Parent told me I was one of the reasons she had become a teacher. I know she's a great one. I swelled with pride when I read her comments. When someone tells you that you were instrumental in their life, you can't help but be overcome with joy. I feel sorry for those people who go into professions who never experience what we do as educators. Those girls were my girls then and they are still my girls now. Why? Because we built a relationship.

I look back on the people in education who built relationships with me.  Mrs. Turner, my 4th grade teacher, is now a friend on Facebook, but back in 1980 we talked weekly about what was happening with J.R., Bobby and Miss Ellie.  She even brought me back a rock (or piece of tar) from Southfork, which I still have today.  Why? Because we built a relationship.

Connie Bryant worked with me at Goodman Elementary when I went to work there as a third grade teacher.  I eventually became the principal at Goodman and then Carver while she became the Director of Field School/Federal Programs and most recently she retired.  We could have spoken occasionally, but instead we have remained close friends through the years and every time I call or see her, I'm greeted with "Hey Boss" and a big hug.  Just recently, she "took care of me" when she offered to go to Sam's to get goodies for a meeting I was hosting. Why? Because we built a relationship.

I love watching the relationships with coaches and players as well, but in this blog I'll talk about my favorite coach (well sort of,,, I was no athlete) so I guess he's my favorite coach to watch...Coach Burr. I've always loved watching players Robert has coached or is coaching come up to him just to talk or even get advice.  Many have told me stories about him and what he has said to them on and off the field and we've laughed and laughed.  Where do you think Logan Burr got the nickname Jelly? Some of them have a pretty good impression of him that's spot on as well. The Storm girls can tell you more about a hobo and a ham sandwich if you ask. Why do they remember those stories? Because he built a relationship.

Relationships matter. This week I challenge all educators and coaches to think about the relationships you've built with kids and colleagues. If you haven't built any, YOU ARE IN THE WRONG PROFESSION. What if I had discouraged Maggie from writing? What if I had ignored Kashina when she called? What if Ashley had not had good memories of her third grade teacher?  What if Mrs. Turner had told me to quit talking about J.R.? What if Connie and I had quit talking when we no longer worked in the same building? What if Robert had just ignored Logan when he said his legs were like jelly? Listen, encourage and have fun with kids...Relationships matter.

Are You Ok, Good or Great?

I took our unexpected day off last Friday to go to school to pick-up my office, work on a presentation and begin my next blog, but nothing was coming to mind. I had some ideas such as the No Worksheet Holiday we had just had on Thursday.  It was Amazing! Our teachers did an awesome job presenting science experiments, technology lessons, and junior edcamps. We had also just had our first ever Kindness Kick-off where we stayed after school to work on activities for our upcoming Kindness Week.  Both were great topics, but I put them in the back of my mind as possibilities and decided to do some research. I came across an article titled What Makes a Principal Great?  It caught my eye immediately.  I chuckled to myself and remembered some interviews I conducted a few years ago when I asked some potential teacher candidates a specific question. "Are you an ok, good, or great teacher?  I won't share their responses, but they were interesting to say the least. I also asked that same question a couple of years ago when meeting with some Carver teachers. I decided what was good for the goose was good for the gander. I needed to ask myself if I am an ok, good or great principal? I read the article, reflected for some time and came away with several "musts" that I believe I have to do in order to be a GREAT principal.

1.I must create a family atmosphere. It was a goal of mine this year to implement nights where we could get together as a faculty and work on school initiatives, but enjoy each other's company and get to know each other better.  We've done a number of activities and I hope it's made a difference because I sure have enjoyed each one of them. Who knew there were three teachers in the building who were great artist as well (Amy, Erin and Elizabeth L.). A family who works together sticks by each other's side no matter what.  So much GREATNESS can be accomplished when everyone in the building is there for each other because we feel like a family.  

2. I must treat my team as professionals. Although the team knows I'm the first one to joke around, they also know my expectations are high. They know they must teach the standards, but they also know How they present their lessons is up to them.  I trust them to know their students and what methods work best. I ask their opinions often and value each response. Teaching kids is our priority and they rise to the occasion every single day. I've been meeting with them individually to get their opinions on several topics because I value them and I hope that I convey that daily. Treating our colleagues the way we want to be treated is a must.

3. I must be student-centered. Although, I don't know everything about all 550 students in the building, I do know a lot about many of them. I love hearing stories about their parents, their siblings, the sports they are playing, the instruments they love and the kinds of pets they have.  I loved covering a classroom last week and teaching them a quick lesson that had them problem solving.  It's always exciting to watch their minds at work. They often send notes and letters to me as well. I received one just last Thursday telling me I was the best principal in the world. While some may argue that, it still makes my 18-year-old self who dreamed of being a teacher and making a difference, smile from ear to ear.  I believe educators should treat our kids at school the way we want our own children treated. 

4. I must develop leaders.  A former superintendent once told me that was a strength of mine.  Three teachers in the building have become principals in the district over the past few years, while others have leadership roles within our building.  I love seeing teachers grow as leaders, either by becoming more confident in their presentations in front of their peers during activities such as Worthwhile Wednesdays or leading a team during collaboration on Fridays. I compare this feeling to a mother with her children. You want them to succeed and when they do, you feel nothing but pride.  A leader of leaders is a must in my opinion. It's what all GREAT principals should strive to be. 

5.I must have good help. The same superintendent who told me developing leaders was a strength of mine also told everyone she came into contact with, "You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with so surround yourself with stars". I have GREAT people who surround me on a daily basis.  My assistant principal, my secretaries and the entire Carver team. We shouldn't be expected to do it all alone.  The GREAT things happening in our building  happen because we do things as a team. There is always going to be a mountain to move and we need to climb it and move it together. 

6. I must be courageous. It is my responsibility to keep finding ways to inspire, influence and support our team.  I must be willing to give my opinion because, in the end, my job is to work on behalf of the kids (like the one who believes I'm the best principal in the world). Courage should be respected and appreciated in all GREAT  principals.

7. I must be willing to listen. I'm not vain enough to believe everyone is going to like me or the way I do things and I'm willing to listen and change when necessary.  I admit, I might have a slight problem listening (if you knew my sister you would say she had a strong problem) and it's something I admit I have to work on. Through the years, I have changed some things we do here at Carver because I've listened to the team and decided we should try their idea.  Many times, it was better and I was glad I listened and changed the way we were doing it.  Great principals must listen with the intent to understand.

So I challenge everyone reading this, whether you are a teacher or not, to ask yourself if you are ok, good or great. It's my goal to be a GREAT principal and I hope everything I have blogged about is happening in our building for our kids and for our teachers. I'll work on the listening part.  I just hope if the little boy who gave me the sweet note last week is ever asked if he had an ok, good or great principal, his response will be a resounding GREAT!

Time to Inspire

A few years ago our theme at Carver was Time to Shine. If you were in the bus room when I was speaking to our third and fourth graders about the upcoming MAP test that year, you will remember I told them it was their Time to Shine. It just came out. It wasn't anything I had planned to say, but that's how it became our theme for the next school year. That was also my favorite Carver shirt of all time. We've moved on to other themes since then (and other shirts), but I love that one so much I've kept the words up on Mrs. Perkin's window so everyone can see them when we enter the building. Although, it's always going to be a Time to Shine, it's now also a Time to Inspire. We must inspire our students, our parents, our community and each other.

I recently worked on an Emaze presentation for an upcoming Elementary Principal's meeting which will be held at Carver in a couple of weeks. After the last slide was created, I hit the view button to see the entire presentation.  INSPIRING. That was the word that came to mind immediately.  It's only been one semester of school and Carver students, families and staff have been a total inspiration to me and I hope many others.  Let me take a minute to brag on everyone associated with our building so you can all see what we've done to INSPIRE others this year.

Our staff should be an inspiration to anyone who has contact with them. They have a willingness and desire to participate in any activity I present to them. I asked them to participate in activities this year such as door decorating, Carver Cares Christmas Cookie Caravan, Mannequin Challenges, Veterans Day ( a group of Carver staff singers was added to the program this year) a Kindness Workshop and Worthwhile Wednesdays every week and they do it without hesitation.  Why? Because they want to INSPIRE and BE THE DIFFERENCE (that is our current theme). INSPIRING

Our students are just as impressive. They too have a desire to be the best they can be and they show this by participating in the new ideas they have been presented with this year such as our High Five Highways/Fist Bump Fridays, Carverville (it's not new, but it gets better and better each year), Leadership Helpers, Math Ninjas, Carver CATS news and more.  They stepped up when we raised money for Baby Logan and Shop With A Hero.  They answered the call to donate for the Food Basket Brigade and two classes went to visit and take gifts to Oak Pointe Assisted Living. They are currently writing acts of kindness they do throughout the day on the glass doors inside the front of the building so everyone can see how kind they are for kindness week. INSPIRING

So as we head into the second semester where often times, teachers feel overwhelmed and lose their energy, that's not the case here at Carver.  We are as excited and eager as ever to try new ideas. Wednesday night will be our first ever Kindness Workshop and again, when I presented this idea to everyone, they were all on board and their enthusiasm is contagious. Our hope is to inspire the kids and their families, the community, and ourselves. INSPIRING

As I close, I challenge everyone to reflect on who inspires you. For me, it's many people. My mom who worked 40 plus hours for over 40 years in factory work and never complained once. Dr. Mark Mitchell who saw something in a young, naive teacher, and convinced her, by his example, that she could make a difference in kids' lives as an administrator.  Alma Stipp who made me strive each and every day to be the best administrator I could be by trying to emulate what I saw in her. Too many teachers and staff  to mention who I get to work with every day who put in countless hours to make the educational journey exciting for our kids' from 7:30 to 3:30. Many who are on our current administrative team who have taught me stepping outside of my comfort zone is actually fun. I hope that I have done my part to inspire others as well. I received a message from a teacher shortly after I began writing this particular blog that said, "You have really been inspiring with your blog and Worthwhile Wednesdays." I took that as a sign I was on the right track. INSPIRING

Was your Wednesday Worthwhile?

I have been contemplating what to write about since I hit Publish on Blog #2.  After our recent EdCamp in the district on our in-service day, I began thinking about Professional Development and what it should mean to us as educators.  I have been to numerous workshops and conferences through the years.  Some were motivating and thought provoking, while others left me questioning why I went.  A principal once told me if you leave a workshop with one good idea and you actually come back and make it part of your educational world, it was worth it.  I have found that to be true.  Think about it. How many of you have gone to a workshop and can only remember one or two things the presenter spoke about?  You are probably still doing that one thing in your classroom though. As I reflected on professional development and what it should mean to us, I came up with 3 main points I want you all to consider.

1) Professional development has evolved through the years and so must we.  Education is continuously changing and we must be prepared to meet the needs of our students. I now find myself on Twitter constantly.  I know . I know. I've told you all A LOT that Twitter is a must and here is why.  Many of the AMAZING things we have done this year that have changed HOW we do things at Carver have come from Twitter.  As I began following certain principals (such as the amazing Beth Houf) I began following other administrators who she follows. I have stepped out of my comfort zone and have tried many new ideas and it has made Carver even better than we were.  We were pretty amazing anyway, but we've gotten even better. If you haven't begun following other educators, you need to start.  It will change your world.

2) Your professional learning journey will last a lifetime.
We must keep learning as educators.  It is our responsibility to the students in our care each and every day to keep up with what is new and to evolve as educators.  If you find yourself doing what you have done for years and years and years with no change, I challenge you to ask yourself why.  What is keeping you from looking into new strategies and trying new ideas with your kids?  Be the difference now. We should NEVER stop learning and growing and getting better. Help others grow. Share the great things you all are doing.  There is so much happening that is worth sharing.  If you are scared to speak in front of people, try sharing with your colleagues.   You might even find you enjoy it. Someone will benefit.

3) School's must provide professional learning opportunities for educators.  A big shout out to Mandy Lybeck and Curt White for doing just this.  Edcamps are only as beneficial as the people who present and attend.  We all have to go in WANTING to learn from our peers.  This professional development provides us a great opportunity for teacher choice. We can choose what to learn about and then we have to go delve into it more.  I look at it as an opportunity to hear about something that interests me. I can't stop when I walk out the door.  I have to delve deeper.  I have to research the idea further. It's my responsibility. We decide whether to make it WORTHWHILE or not. Speaking of WORTHWHILE...Worthwhile Wednesdays at Carver are basically mini edcamps and I love that so many of us stay after EVERY Wednesday to learn from each other.  I truly believe this is one of the best things we do.  If you don't remember where this idea came from, let me remind you.  A few of us visited EPIC Elementary in Liberty, Missouri about a year ago.  I was intrigued about their concept. It was a K-4 building with 2 teachers in each grade level teaching collaboratively with 50 kids.  Sound familiar?  We met with the principal and during our meeting she mentioned every Tuesday after school, teachers stay to learn from each other.  I LOVED IT! That was the one idea I knew I was going to bring back to you all and we are still using it today. WORTHWHILE WEDNESDAYS are truly that...WORTHWHILE.

As I end this blog, I'm excited it's Wednesday and I will get to learn about QUIZZIZ from our third grade team, EMAZE from our music teacher and Chatterpix from a first grade teacher.  Can everyone else say their Wednesday was Worthwhile?

Culture Anyone?

Culture Anyone?

Blog Post #2. Here we go! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year and are ready to get back to educating our kids. It didn't take me long to decide what my next blog should be about. The past few years our district has focused on CULTURE. We've conducted book studies, sent out surveys and spent a great deal of time reflecting on our own culture. Culture makes or breaks a building and I believe Carver has a student focused, team driven, positive, intentional culture. As I began this blog writing journey, I immediately went to Beth Houf's blog. She is a principal I have followed on twitter and I knew she would most likely have an amazing blog to read. I was right! The first one I came across happened to focus on CULTURE and she posed some questions I thought we all should ask ourselves as we start the second semester. I believe reflection is key to growing and we NEVER stop growing. Take a minute and think about the following questions and where you fall into each of them.

• Am I being solution-oriented instead of complaint-driven?
• Am I truly following our norms in our team meetings?
• Am I bringing my coworkers down by my body language, complaining or gossip?
• Am I taking time to think out engaging lessons for students that will minimize behaviors and actually get our students enjoying school? As an administrator, am I doing the same for staff?
• Am I pushing myself to take risks to add to the culture of growth mindset?
• What practices do I have set up to celebrate students, staff and families?
• How am I confronting behaviors that toxify the school culture?
• Is what I am projecting worth spreading to the whole school?
• What can I do the very first thing on Monday morning to make a positive difference in our school culture?

I would challenge all of us to ask ourselves what are we intentionally doing the week we return after break to continue making the culture at Carver the best around.

On a side note, remember we will be focusing on kindness the last week in January. I sent you all an email about some exciting activities planned this month. If you have any suggestions for the students or staff, please KINDLY share those. Also, there will be a padlet set up again. This time, be sure and add a comment about something you plan to do in your classroom this semester that is something you have never tried before. One of mine is obviously going to be starting a blog. I look forward to seeing you all and catching up this week!