Year In Review

As the 2016-2017 school year comes to a close, I decided it would be fun to look back on all we did at Carver Elementary this year.  It was our busiest year yet, and by far, the most fun.  We laughed a lot, grew professionally and got to know each other a whole lot better. Reminiscing about the activities that shaped us as a building was simply a blast.

FALL
The change at Carver began in the fall.  That's when my Twitter obsession began.  Oh, who am I kidding.  It's when my Beth Houf obsession began.  I stalked her Twitter page constantly and by stalking her and what she was doing, I also saw what others in the world of Twitter were doing and it was inspiring. My focus as an administrator changed, and in turn, the entire culture of Carver Elementary changed. This was the time  #tweetingtuesday began, as well as highfive highways/fist bump Fridays, and so much more. As I continued using Twitter, and more ideas were introduced at Carver, I could feel the pendulum swinging and I loved it.

We kicked off Worthwhile Wednesdays in the fall as well.  While we had begun our mini PD sessions at the end of the previous school year, I knew it was going to be even more amazing this year and boy was I right. It only took a couple of weeks before I no longer had to ask for volunteers.  Teachers were now coming to me and asking if they could present on something they were doing in their classroom. I knew there was no turning back when I saw strategies being used on Thursday morning that a teacher had presented on Wednesday afternoon.  To say our Wednesdays are worthwhile is an understatement.

WINTER
As fall turned to winter, there was nothing but amazingness happening at Carver, and as I reflected on what we were doing, I knew it was time to start blogging. This was something I had wanted to do for some time, and I couldn't wait to share with others everything we were doing. So a blogger I became and I've never looked back. My high school English teacher, Gloria Ball, would never believe it.  I was a shy, quiet student (yes, I really was) and most definitely, not the smartest in the class, but I took in all she was teaching and I hope I make her proud with each blog I write.

The winter saw some familiar events.  Our annual Veterans Day was as moving as ever. Each year, we try to add something new and this year was no exception.  A group of Carver teachers brought the crowd to their feet (along with many tears) as they sang American Tears along with 560 students. I still find myself searching my facebook page to hear it from time to time. The Veterans were also presented with a homemade red, white and blue pillow thanks to "Maw" Jones.

While we traditionally have parent nights at Carver, we decided to spice it up a little more this year. We wanted to go big or go home, so we went big. It was a hit, complete with passports and visits to classrooms to learn about different genres. All students were invited and grade level teachers worked together to provide activities more meaningful than the traditional cookie decorating that often accompanies the reading of a book. The teachers worked together to made it spectacular. Actually, when I look back on the year, this might have been the activity that started all of the team building. I knew it was only the beginning.

As the winter months moved along, Carverville was held and it was as exciting for the kids as always.  We added a restaurant this year that went nicely with all the other businesses, which were run by the 3rd and 4th grade students. My favorite part was watching the big kids helping the younger ones shop in each store. So sweet!

December, though, was a month like no other.  I didn't know that I would see such competitiveness when I decided to have a door decorating contest.  Each team chose a theme and got to work.  While I loved walking down the halls and looking at the doors (even the ones with mine and Mr. Phillips' face adorning them) what I loved the most was watching the camaraderie among the teams as they stayed after school to complete their masterpieces. The togetherness didn't stop there though.  One cold evening, we all got on a yellow school bus and headed out into the community to deliver goodies in what we named our Carver Christmas Cookie Caravan. Before we headed out though, we had to take part in the latest craze...the Mannequin Challenge. Such fun. We ended December with our annual Progressive Dinner at school and again, a mannequin challenge preluded the event.  It might have been on its way to becoming an obsession.

Most teachers get the winter blues, but not us.  We were too busy with exciting things happening at school.  We greeted the kids back in a New Years kind of way complete with loud horns, 2017 glasses and party favors. I'm pretty sure the parents who were dropping their kids off  loved it as much as the kids themselves. Later on, Carver held our version of a Student Led EdCamp, thanks to Mrs. Williams, our librarian, and the fourth graders. The kids were also treated to our first No Worksheet Holiday.  It was such a hit, we had another one.  While I loved the Kindness Workshop, where our team members stayed after school to paint kindness pictures and kindness rocks, make kindness signs and much more, it was so exciting for me to take several students around town to deliver what we had made to community members.  I hope the kids will always remember our random acts of kindness. We ended the month with the surprise giveaway of the MY BOSS THINKS I'M AMAZING T-shirts to all the team members in the gym to everyone's surprise. Why? Because my team is AMAZING.

The winter months were coming to an end but not before a few more surprises were in store.  That's right.  Trading Places was coming. Teachers were going to trade places with each other for the day. I think several were a little skeptical, but they did it and I hope they gained an appreciation for their colleagues after it was over. The anticipation at the Teacher Reveal Party, where balloons were popped to find the name of their assignment on a piece of paper, was one for the books.  For me personally, Shadowing a Student all day was another highlight (especially the bus ride home) as was using my CATSmobile to work from in the hallways.  I think the kids finally got used to me outside their classrooms.  I'm not so sure about the teachers though.  There was one more treat in store for me.  Beth Houf was presenting at the METC conference I was attending in February.  Of course I was going to attend her session. There was never a doubt. Then it happened...I actually went up and met her.  Well, I introduced myself as her stalker. She was just as amazing in person as I knew she would be.  Little did I know within a few months, she would be surprising me.

Spring was upon us, but there was no slowing us down.  No way. At the METC conference, I was inspired by a video showing a ball pit, adults and meaningful conversations.  I took that idea and made it fit Carver. The kids love hearing The Price Is Right music coming on over the intercom as they wait to see who is called down to the ball pit. I took it a step further when I decided to call teachers to the pit. They may not run down the hall clapping their hands like the kids do, but I like the think they enjoy it too.  One of the best things that happened in the spring with the team, though, was the Selfie Scavenger Hunt. As I read LEAD LIKE A PIRATE and saw this idea, I decided we would do it...the very next day.  And we did.  That might have been everyone's favorite activity all year. Who knew driving around Neosho taking selfies could be so fun. I just thought the door decorating brought out their competitiveness.  I had no idea.

May was here and so was the time to unveil what had been secretly planned for months.. the CATS Awards. I loved planning it as much as watching it unfold before my eyes.  Individualized awards, a pretend red carpet, the team dressed in formals, community presenters, amazing hosts, etc. It was the perfect ending to a perfect school year. This is also when I was surprised with a video message from Beth Houf telling me that I lead like a pirate. I was speechless...but for just a moment.  Oh wait. Let's not forget that I made Darren Cook an internet sensation with the awards show.  He says I owe him, but I think it's the other way around.

The last week is here and we are just as busy as ever.  We held our first ever Talent Show and it did not disappoint.  I won't have much time to process it though, because I'm off to see RON CLARK at his academy the last day of school.  What an ending to an amazing year!

I get inspired all over again, as I type this. I can't imagine our school year without all these additions. I've already been planning for the start of the next school year.  Was your school year this inspiring? Have you enjoyed your year this much?  What can you do to make a change in your building? What activities would you like to add? If you were to write it down and reflect would you be able to say you had the same AMAZING year in review.

And The Winner Is...

CMA's, Espys, Emmys, Oscars.  All famous awards shows. However, when I hear them mentioned or see a commercial about them now, my mind will automatically drift to the CATS (Carver's Amazing Teachers and Staff)  Awards.  To end Teacher Appreciation Week at Carver Elementary, our gymnasium was recently transformed into a room that honored the recipients of many well deserved awards that were unique to our building and the experiences we had this school year. The awards show featured an enthusiastic announcer, two outstanding guest hosts, three talented singers, delicious appetizers, engaging award presentations by a local business owner, a pastor, retired teachers and coaches, school board members, Central Office personnel, etc. It was quite the production if I do say so myself. After the big event was over and I had time to reflect on what had been pulled off, I realized there were three important takeaways I learned from my "directorial debut".

1. Be Thankful For True Friends
True friends are hard to come by, and as life goes on that is becoming more and more evident to me, but I have some of the best and they were willing to help me pull off this crazy idea of mine.  When I told Darren Cook, my friend for many years and our high school principal, that I needed a host for the awards show, he uttered three of the most wonderful words I'd ever heard him say. "I'll do it."  I couldn't believe my luck. I kept asking him over and over if he was sure and he just kept saying, "Yes, I'll do it, I'll do it." He was all in and I was over the top excited.  You see, I'm one of the few people who know how talented Darren Cook is and I knew if he was involved in the show, it would be one to remember. He was also quick to offer the talents of our friend and colleague Charity Williams, and I felt confident, once she heard what we were planning, that she too would help in this endeavor. I was right. They made a great hosting duo and as I watched their chemistry on stage as they sang their songs and went off script (that was only Darren) I smiled and laughed a whole lot knowing I was right all along about them. They are talented, but more than that, they are true friends, and in Darren's case, he is also now an internet sensation.

Connie Bryant, another close friend for over a decade, has helped me more times than I can count, and she came through yet again in a big way. She took care of getting the pre-awards show appetizers ready as well as making the presentation award worthy.  A week prior to the show, she and I went to get everything we needed at Sam's and to discuss the vision of how everything would look. As she was talking about how she would set it up, I acted like I was listening, but in reality I was pondering how helpful and supportive she has always been to me in all the school activities we have done together through the years.  She never bats an eye when I ask for help and more often than not, she offers her help as I'm telling her my plans.  Her presentation that day was spot on as usual and a bonus was her delicious brownies.

My librarian (for a few more weeks) and dear friend Tamie Williams, immediately loved the idea of the awards show when I told her about it and she volunteered to put together the slide show that featured our amazing team as well as the presentation that showcased the presenters and recipients of the awards. I knew when I was working on others tasks that needed my attention, she was working on the technology side of things, and I was confident it would all be spectacular and it was. I admit the video she put together for the opening brought tears to my eyes. She's a detail person, as am I, so her i's were all dotted and her t's were all crossed. Her role in the CATS awards was impeccable.

Two of the most wonderful retired elementary principals I was privileged to work with also came to help. Barbara Hammett and Alma Stipp are two amazing ladies. When Barbara found out what was happening she asked if she could help Connie with the food. I accepted her offer immediately. When I decided to give Tamie Williams the final award,  there was only one person I had in mind to present it to her. That person was Alma Stipp. While I knew she would have an issue with the title: the Alma Stipp Icon Award, I also knew she would do it for me and Tamie. Well...she might have wanted to come see Darren's co-hosting debut as well. I mean who wouldn't.  My friendship with Barbara and Alma began 15 years ago, when my young, naive self became a principal amongst brilliant, experienced, veteran administrators. It was evident from my first few days on the job, I could learn a great deal from them and I was right. As they accepted me, my daily phone calls and constant questions, they filled me with the knowledge and wisdom only years in education could bring, and I will forever be grateful and appreciative to both of them.

I realize how blessed I am to have friends who are there for me and who I can depend on whenever I call.  True friends are hard to find and as I said earlier, I have some of the best.




2. HARD WORK PAYS OFF
I spent several months working on what would morph into quite a production. Any free time I had, I was working on the CATS Awards.  It just kept getting bigger and bigger.  It seemed like new ideas just kept popping into my head.  It went from a simple idea of an awards show, to researching titles of awards, to writing the script and rewriting songs, to buying the awards, decorations, and gift bags, to securing the announcer, caterer, hosts, and presenters. There were only a few team members who knew what was going to happen, but everyone knew something BIG was in the making. While, the process was long, seeing the team's reaction that afternoon was priceless and so worth every minute that was put into it. Afterwards, I had several people ask me how much time it took and how I had time to do it all. My answer was simple. I made the time. We all find time for what's important to us and working on ideas for my staff is important to this principal. I believe the staff appreciated all that went into this event and that was enough for me.  However, some of my staff had other ideas. Late into the show, Darren and Charity disappeared and came back to the microphone with pirate attire on so I knew they were up to something. I realized I was getting ready to be presented an award myself. When I went around the curtain, Darren told me to look at the screen. A video was coming on and I screamed "It's Beth Houf! It's Beth Houf!" IT WAS!  She was giving me a video message. Beth Houf was telling ME that I lead like a pirate. I couldn't contain my smile. A beautiful pirate ship that said CATS Award...Lead Like A Pirate 2017 was presented to me. I was humbled that I had staff members who appreciated all I had been doing enough to contact her and get her to send me a video message, purchase a beautiful ship and have it engraved, and add it into the show secretly.  AMAZING!





3. HAVE FUN WITH YOUR STAFF
Beth Houf  says have fun with your staff and that's exactly what happened on May 5th. FUN! From the minute Darren Cook and Charity Williams rolled onto the stage in my CATSmobile (a desk I use to work from in the hallways) the teachers and staff knew they were in for a treat. I had asked them to dress up in formals and although there were skeptics, they did it anyway.  That added to the suspense of the day, but it also let them have fun with each other.  I loved hearing them talk about what they were planning on wearing and trying to guess what the big surprise was going to be.  My own experience with two team members at a local shop was quite enjoyable as well.  As I tried on dresses, I asked our nurse if they looked like actual dresses someone would wear to a big event. She quickly informed me, "It's not real. It's in your imagination." She didn't know what was coming at that point so that made it even more fun. We couldn't quit laughing as we tried on formals and looked for shoes and costume jewelry.

 As the show began, I loved hearing the laughter as each award was presented and unrehearsed speeches were given. The clapping and enthusiasm as the music played was contagious and watching teachers' personality change right before our eyes was shocking to see, but in a good way.   It was priceless. Their long line in front of the "fancy" red curtain before and after the show, let me know they were truly enjoying themselves and each other. In the weeks leading up to the surprise, I had put a daily hint on Twitter. The tweets caused many questions to be asked in the hallways and the teachers' lounge, and the anticipation was just as much fun as the actual event. As I stood there in the gym I tried to take it all in. Well... as much as a director can during their production.  I believe bonds were built that day over a butcher paper red carpet, a plastic red curtain and $.99 picture frames that became the symbol for our awards. We all work so hard each and every day and we need to have some fun once in a while and on May 5th at the CATS awards in the Carver Elementary gymnasium that is exactly what we had. I challenge everyone to ask yourself if you appreciate the true friends you have? Do you work hard enough that it pays off?  Do you have fun with your staff?  After Friday, I know the Carver team's answer and I know, without a doubt, they will have a smile on their face the next time they hear AND THE WINNER IS.

Ball Pits, Bus Rides and Buddies

Ball Pits-Until recently, the last time I had thought about a ball pit was Silver Dollar City, circa 1980. My sister and I had to wait while my brother jumped in the pit with total strangers. Don't feel sorry for us though. I'm sure we were eating a funnel cake while he played. Fast forward to 2017. I went to a conference in February and the presenter showed us a video of strangers who got to know each other after answering questions in a ball pit. I knew at that very moment, I was going to figure out a way to bring that idea to Carver. After much thought, I came up with Mrs. Burr's Ball Pit. I decided when new students enrolled, I would call them into the pit with a classmate and they would answer questions I had written on a beach ball. Some favorites are, If you had a superpower, what would it be and why, If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why, and Create a Secret Handshake. That one is a little hard for us, but we have a great time trying to create one. I knew I needed to reach more kids though, so I decided to call a different student to the pit at the end of the school day. Yes! It has been AMAZING. I can't go into a classroom or even walk down the hallway, without being asked how they can get into the pit. As I was thinking about how fun it has been getting in the pit with kids another idea came to me. You guessed it...Call the staff into the pit. So now, when the PRICE IS RIGHT music comes on over the intercom, you never know whose name is going to be announced followed by COME ON DOWN. It's been a game changer. I've learned so much about the kids and staff who have gotten into the pit that I would have never known before. I won't reveal what Mrs. Shuler mentioned about her own detention in school. While I realize the kids love playing with the 2000 balls, I choose to believe they want to get in for a more meaningful reason. I believe it's because they feel important and trust has been built. I'm not only taking time to talk to them, but to listen to them as well, and I believe it makes a difference. I know relationships are being built every time we step into Mrs. Burr's Ball Pit.


Bus Rides-I rode the school bus from the time I was 5 until I was 13, so I can definitely say I had the bus experience. I have sweet memories of riding Mr. Neal's bus with my friends and siblings in the 70s and early 80s. . Well, they seem sweet now. I'm not sure I thought they were so sweet back then. As I searched Twitter recently for some new ideas to use at school, I saw an idea that intrigued me...SHADOW A STUDENT. A principal followed a student around for the day. I loved it! I wasted no time thinking about this idea any further. I went to school the next day and picked a third grade boy named Tanner to shadow. After I announced he was the winner (if having your principal follow you around school makes you a winner) I handed the microphone to Mrs. Sanny and went to sit by Tanner. I shadowed him during his classes and I must say that math stresses me out more in 2017 than it did in 1979. My fourth grade teacher will read this so no comments Mrs. Turner. I promise I got better at multiplication. We played outside on the playground equipment and ate lunch together and just enjoyed talking and getting to know each other better. The highlight, though, turned out to be riding the bus home with him. I heard the kids whispering, "Mrs. Burr is riding the bus home with Tanner". I know it was pride I saw in his eyes as he heard the whispers. Tanner had been so sweet the entire day. He made sure I had a spot right beside him no matter where we were and the bus was no different. As we sat together, he told me who lived in each house and how much further it was to his home. I even got to know bus driver Donna a little better that day too. Tanner is no different than the kids in the ball pit. I believe Tanner trusts me because I made him feel important that day. I listened to him and conveyed to him that I was interested in what he had to say. My actions conveyed to him he mattered. When I see him in the hall now, I'm immediately taken back to our bus ride together and I bet if I ask him, he would say the same.


Buddies--I take on a new role each time I get in the ball pit with the kids...buddy. That's also how I felt that day with Tanner. Kids need buddies. They need to feel important and they need to have someone they can trust. Perhaps if there had been questions in the ball pit all those years ago at Silver Dollar City in the 70s, my brother would have made lifelong friends with some of those strangers. It's not just kids who need that though. It's adults as well. During a recent collaboration on Friday, I was visiting with our first grade team and a veteran teacher, who is new to Carver, mentioned that you don't realize how important buddies are until you don't have them anymore. I knew her life experiences in the workplace had contributed to this comment. The team has worked hard on building trust this year and it's been exciting to watch as an administrator. I've worked in four different schools over the past 24 years and if I hadn't been made to feel important or had people I could trust I wouldn't have wanted to stay. I've experienced situations where trust was lost, or perhaps I realized it was never there from the beginning, and that's a sad realization. I recently read, Lead Like A Pirate by Beth Houf and Shelley Burgess. If you know me, you know I believe everything Beth Houf says. There is a chapter in the book on trust. A quote that stuck out to me was, "Trust is the oxygen of our school systems. You can't see it, hear it, touch it, or feel it, but yet without it, you will find yourself struggling to survive". I have found that to be true. If you can't trust your colleagues, you have nothing. You must put the work in to build it or in some cases rebuild it. It takes time, work and being committed to building it, but it can be done if the desire is there. Ask yourself if you are a trustworthy colleague? Are your actions showing you are trying to build trust or destroy it? Do you make your kids and your co-workers feel important? If the answer is no, perhaps you need to spend some time with ball pits, bus rides and buddies.

Why Goodman School Is So Much More Than Good

As I entered Goodman School last week after the tornado struck, and rounded the hallway that lead to my old classroom, my breath was taken away. I wasn't prepared for what I saw. My eyes were immediately drawn upward and all I could see was blue sky. The roof of the main hallway was gone. After coming to the realization of what I was actually looking at, I noticed I was standing outside what was once the library. Tears filled my eyes at that moment.  Keith Rook, who I've known my entire administrative career, was standing there. He patted me on the shoulder and I remember thinking that he must know how hard this is for me. Keith's not a real touchy feely kind-of-guy, so I appreciated his gesture more than he knew. I've been gone from Goodman for 9 years, but as I walked into the rooms I used to know so well, it was amazing the memories that came back to me.

I walked over what seemed like dozens and dozens of blocks that were once the outside wall of the library.  The beautiful library.  I remember when we got the dial up computer in there and how excited we all were.  I remember sitting in there when Mr. Clemons' asked me to become a looping teacher. I remember the tears in my eyes as I stood in that room the day I told the faculty I would be leaving to become the principal at Carver. Keith helped me step over the blocks as I continued walking down the hall to my old classroom. I looked inside and immediately noticed the windows weren't broken, although the roof was gone.  When I looked at the windows, I didn't notice if they were shattered because at that moment I was taken back to 1998. I could see Ronda Hall knocking on them to give me the homework her daughter, Lindsay, had forgotten to bring back to school. We still laugh about that one.  Next, I noticed the closet wall was still in tact. It was bare now, but back in 1999 it had the cutest wallpaper tree covering it. That year, Ronda Hall, Roxie Barnes, and I decorated every inch of that room.  More Ronda and Roxie, but I surely put something on the walls.   I stood there in awe trying to comprehend what I was looking at while having flashbacks to what used to be.  Others would look inside and only see a mess, but I saw so much more.  I saw nine-year-old Kasha Neff sitting at her desk intently reading a book while some rowdy boys were being noisy and Alan Duda swelling with pride as he showed me the limousine valentine box it took him weeks to make.  I pictured Michael Woodrum's mom in the back of the room questioning me about dictation sentences on my first Back to School Night at Goodman. I could hear Addison Rainwater and Ashton Cooper arguing. It happened on most days, so it was easy to remember. I could even see Mr. Clemons sitting there scripting everything I was saying as I taught my lesson on adjectives. I noticed the roof of the school mangled on the blacktop out back. I saw more than mangled metal.  I saw a classroom of kids circled around the turtle race we held on that same blacktop and the turtle that wouldn't let go of Billy Webb's finger.  Of course, I called for Charlotte Miller and she came outside immediately and knew exactly what to do. I left the room, looked down the hallway toward the library, and imagined Herb Heath walking towards my classroom with his Santa hat on to pick up Sarah. He walked down that hall with confidence as Sarah cried with embarrassment. Before I left, I took one more look into the gym that was special to so many.  I could still picture Sarah Heath and Lindsay Hall sitting on the bleachers looking a little nervous (as was I) on their first day of third grade. I could see Les Shelton, Fred Hall and so many other veterans sitting there in attendance at our annual Veterans Day program. My last stop was what was once the art/music room and I could picture my kids sitting at the table as we ate our Thanksgiving Day Feast. Mr. Clemons wouldn't let me have it in my classroom with carpet, so we had to have it in there. I know exactly what I had on that day. I was pregnant with Allison, but no one knew, and my black and white Hard Rock Cafe sweatshirt was hiding it well.

I went back to Carver to greet the fourth grade teachers from Goodman that would now call Carver home for the next few weeks. After checking on them, I sat in my office and processed the day. I looked at all the items I brought with me from Goodman when I moved into Carver years ago. While others may question the decor in my office, I've always been quick to point out that everything in there has meaning.  I cherish the WELCOME pillow Bonnie Gary made me that I keep on an old desk as well as the pictures of the sweet, Amish children in a school setting that Mr. Clemons left when I took over for him. They were the first pictures I wanted hung in my new office.  The plaque the teachers gave me the night of my going away party sits on the shelf behind me. I have other gifts from Michelle Cooper, Sherri Rose,and Connie Bryant that take me back to Goodman as I get glimpses of them every single day.

Allison wanted to go down to Goodman so I headed back that afternoon.  She wanted to see the classroom she had been in the two years she attended Goodman.  I knew she wanted a keepsake and Mr. Sandford suggested a brick.  Perfect! We both headed out the north doors one last time where the bricks now lay in piles.  We both took one and headed to the marquee to take a picture.  I still remember seeing that cute marquee with the crayons on each side for the first time when I brought my resume to Mr. Clemons so many years ago. I had a feeling that day, that Goodman Elementary was a special place, and I was right.

While these are my special memories, everyone working there now and in the past will have their own as well.  I know Goodman is just as special to them and I would love to hear their stories. I would challenge everyone to ask yourselves if you are taking time each day to appreciate the people you work with, the kids you teach and the families you touch.  Are you taking it all in?  Are you making memories? Although, it was a tough day for me, I know it was obviously harder for Samantha Hamilton, her teachers and staff,  the kids and the families who still call Goodman Elementary School home. Together We Will Rise and rise we will. I hope I have conveyed in this blog how much Goodman School meant to me and I hope you have a small glimpse of why in my eyes Goodman School is so much more than good.

Allison Educated

I have a Bachelor's Degree, a Master's Degree and a Specialist Degree, but my best education has come from my daughter, Allison. I've never been that mom who constantly posts about their kid on social media and she has noticed it through the years.  She would occasionally ask why I didn't post about her and I always responded with, "I don't need to do that," or "That's not me." Well, the time has finally come.  I DO need to do that and it IS me. 

What I've learned from Allison

1. DON'T GET INVOLVED IN DRAMA. She's never been the kid to involve herself in other people's drama. That must be the Burr gene.  I can still hear her Grandma Burr say, "Now don't tell anyone, but...". I've often asked her what's going on with somebody at school and she usually says she doesn't know and doesn't care. You might think that sounds rude, but in reality we should ALL be more like her. She shows me everyday, by her actions, to stay out of other people's business.  I've had many conversations with team members this year about staying in our own lane and doing our own job. It's easy to want to get involved with others' problems and get caught up in coworker's issues, but there's no time for those distractions when we should be busy educating kids.  We must be "on" when the doors open. When there is drama in the workplace, the focus is lost and what we do is too important for that.  

2. FORGIVE AND FORGET QUICKLY. I've watched in amazement at her as others who weren't always kind to her have been given her quick forgiveness. She isn't one to hold a grudge. That must be another Burr gene because, as my sister likes to remind me when we bring up the late 80s, I still can't let go of some things from high school. I don't know what she's talking about. Back to Allison. She can be talked to "ugly", she can be ignored, she can be embarrassed, she can be harshly criticized and somehow she forgives and forgets. I told her just a couple weeks ago, upon seeing tears in her eyes, which angered this Mama Bear,  "You're a better person than I am."  On the ride home that night,  I reflected on her reactions to what she's dealt with in various situations, and again, I can only hope, even though I'm an adult, I can be more like her. We should all strive everyday to forgive and forget quickly, let things go, move on and get back to business. Whether a colleague has angered us at work, a parent conversation didn't go well, or perhaps we've felt wronged for whatever reason, we must forgive and forget. Our kids need us to be the total package while they're at school and in our care.

3. HAVE A KIND HEART. Allison isn't much of a talker. Yet, another Burr gene. However, we've had conversations this year about kids in school and her kind heart has shown through. She told me about being close to tears when a young man shared with their entire class how mean other kids had been to him. I can remember her saying, "Mom, I was about to cry. It was so sad." I could see how moved she was by what he had to say.  She didn't understand why others had to be so cruel.  Another time during football season, she saw a freshmen being talked to in an awful way by upperclassmen in the stands and was so upset she came to sit by me the rest of the night. She wanted something to be done, because he didn't deserve to be treated that way (I might have intervened at that point). I remember hearing the heartbreak in her voice at the beginning of the year when she told me about seeing a boy in the hallway who got his books knocked out of his hands on purpose by a classmate. She was so angry at the boy who did that.  I loved witnessing her kind heart for myself when she was younger and Gabee Rainwater joined the Neosho Storm (their traveling basketball team). One particular game Allison could have taken the easy shot, but instead turned to Gabs and passed it.  You could see Gabee's surprise as she caught the ball.  It was priceless. At that moment it was more important to Allison for Gabee to shoot the ball.  That may have been the beginning of her unselfish basketball playing days. I won't tell the story of our recently acquired dog, but it was an act of kindness on her part for sure. There are other stories like this that show me how kind she is. She's like her dad who happens to have a hard shell but is really soft inside. These stories help keep me focused on always showing a kind heart to our kids at school. We need to realize the impact we could have on them. My "Good Morning" my high five, or my "How are you"  might be all they need to kick start their day and make all the difference.  I try to do the same with the team members I get to work with who mean so much to me and our school. Showing kindness to others is a must at Carver.  After all, we are a family.  

As you read this, I challenge you to ask yourself  Do you get involved in drama at work? What role do you play if you do?  What can you do to change your involvement? Do you forgive and forget in the workplace or hold grudges that you can't get past? Are you kind to the kids and your colleagues or are you distracted and rude? Reflecting on these questions and being honest with ourselves is what growth is all about. 

After some recent events, which involved Allison and seeing how she handled it, I told her my next blog was going to be about her and her response was, "It's about time." I hope she likes it, because I loved writing it. Although she's taught me much more than what I've mentioned, these are the highlights I felt I needed to share.  As I think about all the years it took to complete three degrees, and all the time I was away from fun, friends and family, I can say without a doubt, that while I'm proud of each of them, I'm most proud to be Allison Educated.

Excuse Me, These Fries Are Cold

I was a shy child.  Stop laughing.  I really was. My siblings and I were raised to be seen and not heard. I only saw my mom mad one time my entire life. One of our cars had been in the shop for a month and when we got it back, I drove it to MSU the very next day. It died at the intersection of Sunshine and National. If you don't know where that is, it's right in front of Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri and this was long before there were cell phones. After my brother drove from Ozark to take me to college,(I remember that collect phone call very well) and the tow truck took the Cutlass Supreme to the shop, my mom found out. Right then and there, I finally saw Wannis Applegate mad. My point is, we just didn't grow up being encouraged to say much, even if we disagreed. So when I met Robert and we started dating, a few things about him shocked me.  I've gotten used to the way he thinks, and actually embraced it, and it's made me a better educator.
* First of all, Robert stands up for himself. If you are going to be critical of him, you better be prepared to have a comeback because he isn't going to sit by and say nothing. You are going to hear his opinion.  If you agree fine, and if you don't fine, but either way you are going to hear it. We as educators must stand up for ourselves, our district, our teachers and our kids. That is what we are here for.  We know better than others why we do what we are doing. We know where our teachers' hearts are and, without a doubt, our kids deserve it.
* Second, Robert isn't afraid to question someone's opinions if he disagrees. Undoubtedly this produces a dialogue which helps both parties understand each other a little better. I'm quite certain, he would have excelled in David Watkins' debate class if he'd been in there. You see, Robert is knowledgeable about topics he's passionate about and if you try to debate him, you better be on your A game.  I would hope, we as educators do not want to surround ourselves every single day with "Yes Men" who don't challenge us to be better or see something differently.  I don't want my teachers to just go along with my ideas.  If they have better ones or have more knowledge about a topic than I do, by all means I want them to share.  Question me.  Make me a critical thinker.  Help me see the other side.  What is wrong with that? Nothing. We sure don't want to work with people who are just like us. I just recently heard a presenter say we should be looking to work with people WE want to be like, not who want to be like us. 
*Finally, one of my favorite traits of Robert's is that he isn't afraid to send cold french fries back.  Whenever I've been given cold ones, my first thought is to just go ahead and eat them instead of sending them back. I don't want to risk making someone mad, but that isn't the case with Robert.  No way.  He ordered hot fries and that's the way they better be served.  It took me a number of years to get used to this, but I realized Robert is right.  Those who don't truly know Robert think he's opinionated. He is. He is willing to speak up. It just happens to be a little louder than some would like.  Because I was shy, I usually sent him to do the "dirty work" of taking something back or telling someone something I didn't want to, causing him to usually mutter under his breath, "Sure, you want to complain about HOW I say something, but you still want ME to do it."  One day it finally hit me.  Most of us don't want to be the Robert's in the world, but we sure want to HAVE a Robert in our corner.   We as educators need to be willing to speak up if something is wrong or fight for what is right.  This is a serious profession and we need to treat it that way.  How many of us just "take it" when we should speak up?  How many of us choose to bad mouth others just because they disagree with us instead of confronting them to resolve the issue? How many of us are jealous of others, but don't want to admit it and talk behind their backs?  How many of us don't want to engage in dialogue with others because we are afraid they'll just get mad? After all, why would we engage in a respectful conversation and try to become more knowledgeable when it's so much easier to get mad and go talk about someone? That's sarcasm by the way.  We could learn so much more, if instead of talking ABOUT people, we engage in meaningful dialogue.  We should all be able to speak our mind and give our opinions and be listened to. They may change or they may not, but at least the dialogue and knowledge of where others are coming from will help everyone understand.
As I was typing this blog, a favorite phrase came to mind.  LISTEN WITH THE INTENT TO UNDERSTAND, NOT REPLY. I recently went to the METC17 conference in St. Charles with a group of educators.  It was an amazing conference with worthwhile activities I have already brought back to the Carver team. The trip allowed me to visit in a different setting with those who went from Neosho.  Curt White, our instructional technology specialist went and we had the opportunity to eat lunch together the first day. We had a conversation about education.  The topic doesn't matter.  What matters is that Curt and I didn't agree on the topic, but we both talked respectfully to each other and we listened with the intent to understand, not reply.  I admit, it's hard for me to do this, but I did. I listened to his side and he listened to mine.  I didn't go back to the room and talk about Curt and his opinion or get on the phone and tell somebody how wrong Curt was and I'm sure he didn't do that to me either.  I have, however, thought about what he said and can see his point and I believe he would tell you the same about mine. I respect Curt and appreciate the opportunity to hear an opposing viewpoint and look forward to visiting with him about several more subjects.  I would challenge you all to listen with the intent to understand, not reply, stand up for your beliefs, question people's opinions, engage in respectful dialogue, and by all means, send the cold french fries back.

The Town That Built Me

So Here's Dear Old Sparta To You, May We Ever And Always Be True, Proudly Our Praises We Sing Through All Ages, May They Ring...Those are the first lines to the Sparta School Fight Song. I've had it memorized for over 30 years. I've not had a reason to sing it since my dad moved us to neighboring Ozark in 1984. Leaving Sparta was one of the saddest days of my 14 years of life. I couldn't believe we had to move. Although I eventually loved Ozark, it was hard leaving the only home, school, and town I had ever known.  Just this week on the news, I saw Sparta crowned their 2017 Homecoming King, who happened to be a young man with Downs Syndrome. The dad talked about how blessed they were to be a part of the community. That story had me reminiscing about my own upbringing in Sparta and the sweet memories I have.
 Memory #1-Sparta Dry Goods-I loved going into Sparta's version of a department store and heading right to the Shoe Department. That smell. Oh how I loved it. I never wanted any shoes. Just the smell drew me in. There was also a mechanical horse you could ride for a dime, or maybe a quarter. I remember the Sparta Trojan shirts were available there to purchase since we had no sporting goods store around. It was also where my mom bought one of my favorite all time Christmas presents ...a tape recorder. Lorene and Zac St. John (the owners) were always so inviting. We hear a lot about customer service these days and those two individuals set the bar high. They were always welcoming and friendly. I don't remember ever wanting to run into a Walmart or Target the way I wanted to run into Sparta Dry Goods.  It's just not the same.
Memory #2-Riding bikes and walking all over town-The road behind our house went on for miles. I remember riding my ten speed bike (with no hands) for what seemed like hours. I would ride to Kevin Short's house and back. I was never worried about strange cars or scary people passing me. What a nice, forgotten feeling. We would often walk to the ice cream parlor or People's Market.  A fudgsicle was my favorite. I also remember watching the town barber,Virgil Osburn. Occasionally, on my bike ride, I would watch him walking to work with his signature brown hat.  His strong work ethic kept him in his shop into his 90's. Impressive.  Again, he's another one we could all learn a lot from. I can't remember the last time I went for a walk or a bike ride and I have never walked to work. We all need to take the time to do those things and take in what we see. 
Memory #3-The school and teachers-The hardwood floors and staircase had a charm I never appreciated until years after I had left. I loved walking from the "elementary" into the "high school". Getting a glimpse of the older kids in the gym or classrooms as we went to lunch was a treat for us "littles". Those were the days you put your head down on your desk when you were in trouble and the best piece of playground equipment a kid could ask for was a HUGE log that rocked. It was amazing!  As I looked through the Miracle Playground Book a couple years ago to purchase new pieces of equipment for the playground, I thought about the log,the merry-go-round, and the wooden "fort" we had and just smiled. We could all learn a thing or two about enjoying the simpler things in life.
Memory #4-Saturday morning cartoons and Grandma's phone call. Although my brother was the one up at the crack of dawn EVERY Saturday, I still love that memory. He was watching cartoons all morning, while my sister and I slept in. Although, sleeping in back then was only until about 8:00 a.m.  I was sure to be up to watch the Land of The Lost. I couldn't wait to see what adventures Will and Holly would be a part of each week. We also knew to expect Grandma Applegate's phone call every Saturday morning as well. I can still hear her voice on the other line. The Land of the Lost has been replaced with Fox News and Grandma's phone calls have been replaced with emails and text messages from others. All in all, it was a great childhood. I know others preferred growing up in the big cities with all they had to offer. Me? I preferred the view Sparta provided.  After all, it was the town that built me.
And All Through The Years We'll Recall, The School Loved By Us Best Of All, So Here's Dear Old Sparta To You, And May Her Colors Always True Will be Forever.