To Be (Positive) or Not to be (Positive)...That is the Question

"If you can come to work and be positive every single day, then I'm going to try and do better." Those words were spoken to me 20 years ago when I was teaching first grade at Granby Elementary by a lady I had only known for a couple of months.  We didn't teach the same grade level, or even teach in the same building, but we had enough interactions throughout the day that I had apparently left an impression of positivity on her. I've thought of her and that comment often throughout the past 20 years and it popped into my head again this month as we began a new endeavor at Carver Elementary School.

As I was scanning Twitter recently,  I saw that a principal I follow had posted a picture of herself and a student. Her tweet mentioned something about it being her 127th positive phone call for the year. My first thought was, "Wow. That's a lot of phone calls."  My second thought was, "I'm going to start that." I immediately sent our Carver team the specifics for the plan.  The teachers and staff simply had to type in a spreadsheet the name of a student and something positive they had done to call home about.  It took off slowly at first.  I was calling 2 or 3 a day.  I called the students into my office, called their mom or dad, told them I was making a positive phone call, read what the teachers had to say, and hung up. I got a little smarter each phone call I made though.  I started putting parents on speaker phone so the kids could hear how excited they were.  Well..the excitement part came after the parents got over the shock of hearing me say their child was in the principal's office.

It was all very simple, until a purchase I ordered a few months ago arrived...A SLIDE. That's right. A slide. It's nothing fancy. It's not enclosed. It doesn't twist or turn in the middle. It's just a blue, nine foot indoor/outdoor slide.  I knew I wanted one after our recent visit to Atlanta in May. You may have heard me talk about it a time or two. I just wasn't sure what I was going to do with it. I thought, thought, and then thought some more.  Then it hit me. We needed to recreate the same atmosphere for our kids that Kacie, Michelle and I experienced at RCA. So, the kids who receive positive phone calls home don't just go down the slide. No. They go down the slide, get an "I've Been Slide Certified" sticker, go sign a Slide Certified chalkboard, all the while listening to the cheers of other students while loud music is blaring. It's an electric atmosphere.

My friend's comment 20 years ago about being positive and the slide certified experience had me pondering the power of being positive. It seems so simple.  It should be so easy.  A smile. A kind word. An encouraging gesture. It's really not that hard is it?  We continue working on building a positive culture at Carver. It's pretty amazing, but it's not perfect...YET.  There are many team members at Carver Elementary who smile at everyone they meet throughout the day.  I'm not naming names (Shawndel Rainwater & Heather Overton), but rest assured there are several. Those individuals just make everyone's day brighter by their positive personalities. This year at Carver, the kids and adults are greeted with smiles and music (and a dancing Mrs. Leaf) every morning. Our team takes turns greeting everyone at the door every single day. When I hear that music, I can't help but start dancing myself. I believe it puts everybody in a better mood. Who doesn't love watching Mrs. Leaf dancing outside every morning? I know I do and the kids are slowly beginning to dance into the building as well. I've noticed there sure are a lot more smiles when they get out of their cars in the mornings than there used to be. I hope to eventually see everyone dancing into the building...teachers, staff, and the kids. I know I plan to continue, even if I don't have much rhythm.

Being positive doesn't take much effort.  I have worked with individuals in my 25 years who, because of various reasons such as jealousy or arrogance, bring negativity to work every day.  They can't see the positive in anything. Everything they say comes across as negative. They try to get others on their side, and unfortunately there are usually a few who follow, but it never works in the long run because I truly believe people want to work with colleagues who are positive. Genuinely positive. Not just those who give it lip service. It's easy for some to become negative when you feel colleagues have let you down, no one is listening to you, others get acknowledged when you feel it should be you, or no one values your opinion.  I know. We've all been there. But we have to keep focused on what we are doing and be a positive influence to those around us.  It really does make a difference and to those who truly matter, it's noticed.

Being positive matters. Obviously, that comment 20 years ago meant something to me.  I've never forgotten it and I hope our kids never forget being called into my office for a positive reason instead of a negative one.  I wish everyone could see their faces when I tell them they are in my office for a positive phone call home.  They light up! Even better, I wish everyone could hear the parents' reactions when I read them the comments the teachers have to say. One mom said, "You just made my week." I personally love hearing all the, "I'm proud of you bud," "Aw...Sis...great job," and "I love yous". I would love to hear the conversations when the kids get home and talk about getting Slide Certified. Being positive is powerful.

As I think back to high school English class and symbolism, I find myself thinking about the slide. It's more than a long piece of plastic. It's a symbol of being positive or being different. Ron Clark says, "Why take the stairs, when you can slide." We don't have stairs at Carver, but you get the point. I believe we are going to continue seeing changes in our culture at Carver.  One teacher overheard a conversation between 4 boys who were called to the office to help carry some bags. One of the students said, "Maybe we're being called to the office for a positive phone call." It's making a difference.  I'm up to 80 phone calls already and it's only September.  What a change this slide has made! Being excited about coming to the office, instead of being fearful. Maybe every boss needs to consider a positive phone call or perhaps even a slide. Think of the possibilities. While there are many questions I could ask about the power of being positive and the changes it can make in all settings, this time I'm only going to ask one. Are you positive? If the answer is no, then I guess reflection is necessary. If the answer is yes, perhaps you will have a conversation one day with a colleague who says, "If you can come to work and be positive every single day, then I'm going to try and do better."

ZEAL-Let me Explain

ZEAL-Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a great cause. What does that have to do with Carver Elementary? Well, interestingly enough it is what our school is all about this year. If you've kept up with my recent blogs, you know we have now incorporated the House System into our building. I won't mention the guy who inspired us AGAIN, but his initials are R.C. Let's recap. Each student and staff member has now been divided into "houses" or teams. The kids spun the wheel the second day of school to get placed into their house and the teachers were put into theirs at our retreat a few weeks ago. They were also given the task that day of  deciding a name, creating a chant, designing a crest and choosing a color to represent their house. Some may have been a little worried the chants may have required dancing and what do you know... they sort of do.  There are motions with each chant as well. Who knew Mrs. Watkins had such rhythm. We're still working on Mr. Phillips though.

As the tasks began at our retreat that day, we had no idea what everyone's houses would end up looking like. They were merely instructed to make them unique and meaningful and the end results were extremely impressive. I could hear clapping and shouting through the walls and could not wait to see what everyone was putting together as a team.  My wishes had come true when I heard and saw the end product.  I've said it for years. Our Carver team is amazing and they proved it once again. I've heard other house chants and seen other house names from schools across the country who are also incorporating the house system and they have nothing on Carver Elementary in Neosho, Missouri. I wanted to share with everyone what our 4 houses are all about and the meaning behind them.
                                                           
                                                                          HOUSES
1)Zaplon-Zaplon means ignition in Polish. This house chose the color red to represent them because they want to ignite a passion for learning and teach kids to be all they can be. There hope is to be instrumental in helping kids find their inner passions that will ignite and propel them on to success in all areas of their lives. Their crest has a flame with a large Z over it. Tiny fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Buckner, begins their chant by shouting loudly (she took us all by surprise) -ZAPLON'S IN THE HOUSE

Burning Bright
Ready to Ignite
Zaplon's in the House
Ignition...our Mission
Filled with Ambition
Zaplon's in the House
Z -A- P -L -O- N
Zaplon's in the House
ZZZ Zaplon
ZZZ Zaplon
Zaplon's in the House
Uh!

2)Empyreal-Empyreal means limitless in Greek. They chose the color blue to represent their house. They want the kids to know they can do anything they want to do if they reach for the sky. They want to teach the kids that the sky is the limit. Their crest has several airplanes heading upward.

E-M-P-Y-R-E-A-L
Empyreal is Limitless, Reach for the Sky
Empyreal is Limitless, Reach for the Sky
Empyreal is Limitless, Reach for the Sky

3)Ajani- Ajani means warrior and it is Nigerian. The color green was their chosen color to represent them. This house wants the kids to be strong and brave in whatever they do. Their crest is the letter A with the line inside the A being an arrow.

A-J-A-N-I
Point Our Arrows to the Sky
Mighty Warriors Aiming High
A-J-A-N-I
Huh!

4)Lumiere-Lumiere means light in French. Yellow is their color of choice. This house feels that light means being full of ideas and being leaders and they want the students to light the way and forge a path for everyone else in our school. Their crest is a lighthouse with stars surrounding it.

L-U-M-I-E-R-E
Lumiere's the House to Be
We Light the Way
We're Here to Stay
L-U-M-I-E-R-E
Y-E-L-L Everybody yell-O
Y-E-L-L Everybody yell-O
Lumiere
(Arms make an L shape)

After everyone heard each other's chants, Caitlin Plumb, a second grade teacher, came to me and told me she realized it spelled out ZEAL.  She told me the definition meant great energy or enthusiasm.  I realized how perfect that was for what we were implementing with the house system.  Every house represents just that: energy and enthusiasm.  I just wish everyone could witness our kids in person as they say their chants together with the motions. Even the littles are picking up on it.  I just can't help but be energized hearing them all together as one cohesive unit. We have started HOUSE Day on Fridays. The students all sit in their houses in our gym and we all say our chants one house at a time. The teachers and staff are doing them right along with the kids.  It's a great way to start our day. There are many other ideas we plan to incorporate this year with our House System and a blog about those will come later.

I can report that after one week of school, TEAM EMPYREAL is in the lead with 109 points. All 4 houses will have their points on display each week in our trophy case, which is now decorated in each house's color and crest. A crown will sit on top of the winning house's board for all to see and admire and to strive for each week.Everyone in the building can earn points all week for a variety of reasons. Just last week Mrs. Cummins (House Lumiere member) earned a point for stepping outside her comfort zone and making her first Padlet for the staff. Lumiere is still behind, but we'll see what week two holds for us.

Everyone is loving it so far.  As I walk through the halls and pass our kids, I'm greeted with students showing me the Lumiere sign (which I quickly reciprocate because I too am a Lumiere). I hear kids asking each other whose house they are in and who is in their house with them.  I'm beginning to hear from parents how their kids are doing the chants at home. I knew we were onto something when I started hearing those stories. I especially loved the video Mr. Daugherty (director of Field Preschool) sent me of his daughter, Kenley Kay, a first grader, singing the Zaplon chant as his wife was trying to get her to pull her tooth. Funny thing is, Kenley is on Team Ajani. That's just what happens now. We are all finding ourselves singing the chants all day and sometimes their not our own. There is a renewed energy and enthusiasm at Carver Elementary and it is contagious. Is energy and enthusiasm contagious in your building? Are you happy with the feeling of your building? Are you looking to increase the level of energy?  Do you look for ways to increase it or is everything status quo? The level of enthusiasm in our hallways and classrooms is evident each and every day and it will only get stronger because at Carver we have ZEAL-great energy and enthusiasm in pursuit of a great cause.

Retreat: Carver style

I planned our Carver Retreat 2017 for 2 months. Many hours were spent researching ideas and working on details. One night, as I was writing the short poems I excitedly put on twitter every single day leading up to the big event, I began pondering the word "retreat". I looked up the definition and one in particular struck me funny. It said, "an act of moving back or withdrawing". Our retreat did everything BUT move us back. On the contrary, we moved forward that day and it was exciting to watch it all unfold. Our retreat did not disappoint. In fact, it had meaning, purpose and passion. I've been waiting to write this blog for 2 months to share how it all began and how it all turned out.

The idea
The actual idea of the retreat began months ago after visiting the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, (yes, I'm talking about THAT guy again) and hearing about the house system he uses throughout his school. I decided right then and there that we were going to do that as well at Carver Elementary.  In a nutshell, all kids at RCA spin a wheel that decides which "house" they will be a part of for the next four years. That doesn't mean you have classes with only your house members though.  It just means you are a part of a specific house or team and at RCA that is a BIG deal and it's going to be a BIG deal at Carver as well.  Kids earn points individually that contribute to their overall team points and the house winners are rewarded in exciting ways. The team feeling is palpable when you visit. There is a sense of belonging and camaraderie like I have never seen in a school. As Kacie Barratt, Michelle Van Wagner and I flew home on the plane, we put our own plan into motion...the Carver plan. We knew we were going to have a retreat to unveil our ideas but we had to decide on some specifics before we could move any further. When would it take place? August 7th was our only option and almost every single employee at Carver gave up a non contract day to attend. Where would it be? I needed a kitchen and several rooms and Pastor Todd Decker gave us the ok to have it at First Baptist Church. Who could help? Connie Bryant of course. Need I say more. Connie's a runner and I knew her help would be valuable. Things were coming together, and the planning process continued.

The Icebreaker
I had read Lead Like a Pirate by Beth Houf and Shelley Burgess in the spring and there was a particular activity Beth Houf had done with her team that I wanted to do with mine, but I hadn't found the right time. Guess what? The time was now. I had asked everyone to wear a t-shirt that was meaningful to them so I was anxious to get the morning started. After breakfast, everyone put their chairs in a circle and I told them they would have 30 seconds to tell why the shirt they wore was meaningful to them. They were also instructed to toss the beach ball I had brought to someone else after they had spoken so they could continue the fun. I went first and told them why I had worn the Ron Clark Academy t-shirt I had bought in Atlanta. I explained how it had totally changed my outlook on the vision I had for our students and staff and how excited I was to get the year started. I was pretty sure they got the idea after my many emails and daily twitter poems, but just in case they weren't sure I wore the shirt. I then tossed the beach ball across the circle.This process continued until everyone had spoken. Everyone stayed within the 30 second time requirement, except our nurse. Her shirt represented a kidnapping of her mom's friend's son so we were too engaged to interrupt her.  The icebreaker was a nice way to learn more about each other and what was important to them.  It was a great beginning to an amazing day.

Emaze Presentation
After the icebreaker, I showed an Emaze presentation I had put together of our trip to RCA which highlighted the two days we were there. Michelle, Kacie and I shared our experiences and takeaways and the team asked questions about our trip.  I hope we conveyed how exciting it was to go and experience all the academy offered and to reveal the WHY we are changing what we do at Carver. I know many of them would like to go see it for themselves. Throughout the morning, I had also been asking trivia questions about Ron Clark and the winners received copies of his book The Essential 55. After the presentation, it was time for a short break to get ready for lunch. I knew it would be one of the highlights of the day, but I had no idea it would turn out as great as it did.

Lunch
More than a year ago my dear friend Connie Bryant had told me about a mystery dinner she had done at church camp.  Actually, most of what she was saying went in one ear and out the other, (shocking, I know for those of you who know me) but I caught the mystery part, so when I was planning what to do for lunch at the retreat Connie popped into my head. I had her explain in detail again what to do and this time I actually listened.  I decided on a Ron Clark theme and called Amy Perkins.  She's one of our extremely creative teachers at Carver. Together we came up with the menu and the "mystery" part. Teachers ordered items such as The Ron Clark, Hope King smiles, the slide and a walker. What they received was actually pulled pork, cheese cubes, a bun and a spoon. They could have gotten all food items and no utensils or all utensils and no food or a combination of something in between. I enjoyed watching their reactions during each course. Mrs. Reece eating a cheese cube with a knife was priceless and watching Amy Perkins make a spoon out of her cup to eat her pulled pork with because she had no utensils made us all laugh. Of course, they were treated to the entire meal after the "mystery" part was complete. The real "work" began though after lunch. From my view though it was all fun...meaningful, inspiring, fun.

House Systems
Kacie, Michelle and I knew we wanted to divide, not only the kids, but the teachers and staff into houses and it had to be fun. But how would we do this? After discussing several options on the plane, we came up with our idea, complete with a poem (of course) and an envelope. As luck would have it, Amy Perkins  (the extremely creative one) asked me one day shortly after our return from Atlanta if there was anything she could do to help me at summer school because her students were going to be gone that day. I asked her how she felt about decorating 40 envelopes (which turned into 50) and she quickly agreed. I told her I needed the "house" poem (which we wrote on the plane ride home from Atlanta) in the middle of each envelope.  It said, "Open your envelope, Inside you will see, The number that'll lead you to the house you'll be".  That was basically all the directions she got from me. WOW! I can not tell you how amazing they were.  Each one was incredibly unique. When I saw the details she put into decorating each envelope such as tiny Neosho t-shirts on tiny clotheslines, or the tiny ball pit made out of pom poms, or the tiny origami animals, I was in awe. I knew I had picked the right person.  I would have stuck a bow on there and called it good, but Amy went above and beyond (like I knew she would) and it paid off.  The teachers loved it.  At the retreat, they were told to look through the 50 envelopes scattered on a table and to pick one.  I can assure you, it was difficult because they were all so amazing. We all took turns opening our envelopes and pulling out the number inside which would reveal the house we would now belong to.  As the first envelope was opened, and I heard a drum roll begin and the cheering that followed, I smiled. I remembered Kim Bearden saying to us in Atlanta that there is nothing like watching the kids cheering each other on as they spin the wheel (which we will also be doing at Carver) and finding out what house they will be a part of for their entire school career at RCA. I witnessed this with our own Carver crew. Their excitement was contagious when they saw more and more team members being placed in their houses. The excitement was growing and growing fast.

House Planning
Each group was given their tasks for the afternoon. 1) Come up with a team name 2) Decide the color to represent your house 3) Design a crest 4) Create a chant  5) Elect a house leader

Each house was assigned a different room at First Baptist Church to work in so they could focus on their jobs.  I checked on them periodically, but I too was in a house (our name is Lumiere...or as Renee Cummins is already saying Lumiere for Life). They were focused and already passionate about our new vision. Within an hour every task was completed by every house. We gathered together at the close of the retreat to hear all four house chants. They are all different and unique but equally impressive. I loved hearing the conversations everyone was having about house names and chants before they left for the day.

On the second day of school this year, our students will spin a wheel which will reveal their house placement and on day three, they will be taught their house chant. The entire student body will gather in the gym to hear them all and I can't wait to see the excitement on their faces.  I know everyone is looking forward to this new adventure.

At the end of the day, I knew the retreat had been a success and so worth all the time spent planning it. We learned more about each other than we had known before and we had fun along the way. Everyone was focused on the task at hand and  they are all sold on our plans for Carver. As you head into the new school year ask yourself what you are doing to make a difference with your kids and your team. Are you creating a team feeling in your building or doing just the opposite. Is there truly an excitement in the air or do you simply say there is. Is there meaning, purpose and passion amongst your team and the activities in your building? The possibilities this year are going to be endless at Carver and I know what we have planned will make a difference for kids. We will all remember Nurse Cindy's t-shirt story, but we will also remember that all of the amazingness this year started at our Retreat: Carver style.

Create, Inspire, Empower

Create, Inspire, Empower.  Those three words will be our 2017 theme at Carver Elementary.  While, we always have a theme and a cute t-shirt (some are cuter than others), we typically don't do anything else with it. In fact last year, we just had the cute t-shirt, although, I will admit it was my favorite one yet. Well, times they are a changin.  This year we are going to have a theme we put into practice every single day.  I've been planning a school retreat for a couple months now (inspired from my recent visit to the Ron Clark Academy) where the ideas that we will be incorporating into Carver this year will be unveiled.  Before the actual retreat though, I have begun prepping the team for what's to come by first asking them to plan on decorating their hallways the same way so to unify us all. But the theme is about so much more than just decorations.  Let me explain...

1. Create

After visiting the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA and listening to the teachers talk about the experiences they CREATE for their students each and every day, I became determined to instill this desire in the teachers at Carver. At RCA, lessons aren't presented in hopes that students will remember some information. No. Experiences are created that ensure student engagement and ultimately retention of all material taught.  Whether teachers use songs or go as far as turning classrooms into football fields, Italian restaurants, or emergency rooms, it was clear creating experiences is a must for those teachers and it should be a must for us all.  As I sat there and watched Ron Clark and Hope King teach, I thought back on some lessons I taught during my own amazing teaching years.  The ones that stood out to me were, in fact, the ones where I had created experiences for my kids.  I just wish I had done it more. The first year I taught, I remember having my third graders go outside the building and run into our classroom to"stake their claim" on land as one did during the California Gold Rush. That particular lesson was taught 25 years ago this year and I still remember it like it was yesterday.  Another experience  I created for my kids was when I put them into cooperative groups where they had to make as many perfect"widgets" as they could in a certain amount of time. I loved the conversations we had as a class over their decision making process. I would also bet my fifth graders will never forget dressing up as the characters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and being interviewed by a "reporter".  Interestingly enough, that would have been the year I taught Lucas Grabeel from High School Musical fame and his extraordinary classmates. By the way, I predicted, even in fifth grade, that he would grow up and be famous. We entered that video footage into the Nixa, Mo Language Arts Fair (which I still have) and won. I think if we are all honest with ourselves as educators, those lessons where we created experiences were the most meaningful lessons for us and our students.  I know my 10-year-old self would tell you one experience I have never forgotten was when Sparta Elementary was transformed into Spartaville and my room became a floral shop.  In fact, it was so special to me that 35 years later, it became the inspiration for Carverville. So why aren't we doing more of that?  Why aren't we creating more experiences for our kids? Well, the Carver crew will be doing just that starting August 2017.

2. Inspire

Leaving Atlanta, if you had asked the three of us lucky enough to go, what one word we would use to describe our experience, I'm betting we would all have said the same...inspiring. The facility, the teachers, the kids, the lessons, every single aspect was inspiring to us. We left there knowing it was up to us to now inspire our colleagues, and in turn, our kids. We knew we had to transform how we do almost everything at Carver from the way we greet students each morning, to what is going to be put up in our hallways, to how material is presented to our kids. We even decided to change what we are putting on our monitor in the lunchroom. We owe it to the students to inspire them all day long. How boring for educators to come to school each day and merely present material to the students. How do you think the kids feel if they are expected to just listen to material lecture style. We must bring enthusiasm and passion to every lesson not just the ones we ourselves like. Hope King says, "You have to fake it till you make it." Even if you don't like the material, the kids don't need to realize that. I know I was guilty of teaching great reading, writing and social studies lessons.  Math and Science? Well, I basically followed the textbook and I'm sure I didn't present one lesson in those subjects that my students remember. I admit, I am in awe of some of the lessons I see at Carver, but the time has come for EVERYONE to be awe-inspiring.  I know my team is ready to Inspire.  

3. Empower

If we create experiences that inspire our kids, we will ultimately empower them. Twitter is full of discussions and books about empowering kids and as I scroll through it each and every day, I am beginning to notice that specific word a lot. We as educators, must empower kids to become anything they want to be; to dream big and to try things they didn't think they could do.  If they want to take a project and extend it or try a different approach, let them. Encourage it. I remember having my third graders create a journal and write daily entries from the perspective of  Sarah in the book The Courage of Sarah Noble. One particular student exceeded any expectation I had because she felt empowered to do more than what had been assigned. Her work also won an award at the Language Arts Fair. Maybe she felt empowered during that particular activity and maybe the next activity the girl beside her felt that way. I sure hope so. We all must do a better job of empowering those in our care.  

So this year, the Carver team will be documenting the experiences we create for our kids by displaying  pictures in the hallway for everyone to see, but what lies beneath those experiences are what's important. With the creation of the experiences, comes inspiration and ultimately, empowerment. We must bring our A game every single day, all day long.  Ron Clark talked about how the kids at RCA thought the teachers were crazy when they first started singing and dancing and turning classrooms into whatever they dreamed up that day. One particular student I ate lunch with said the exact same thing.  Now it's a way of life and expected and the results speak for themselves. So this year ask yourself if you are creating experiences for your kids. If not why?  Are your lessons going to inspire your kids?  Are you planning to do the exact same activities this year as you have always done? Will you empower your kids this year? Reflect on these questions and ask yourself if this is the year you will Create, Inspire, Empower.

Grandma, Juicy Fruit and Victory in Jesus

Every single Sunday morning in the 70s and early 80s, the Applegates, party-of-five, could be seen headed to Union Hill Baptist Church in Oldfield, Missouri.  We were undoubtedly in a station wagon listening to Merle Haggard or Hank Williams on KTTS. Notice I said listening, because I can assure you we were not doing much singing and we for sure were not fighting.  The Applegate kids were raised to be seen and not heard.  We didn't see much on the road to Union Hill.  It was a quiet ride. Lots of hills and crooked roads along the way.  I would always look at Linda and Jackie Wallace's house when we turned at their corner. Their son Lane recently posted a picture on facebook of that road and it took me a minute to process where it was. The photo brought back memories of those Sunday rides to our destination...Union Hill.  It' s been a few years since I've driven that route, but once I saw that photo, the vision of the little white church, that seemed to be out in the middle of nowhere, and the memories inside and outside of it came flooding back.

1. Juicy Fruit Gum-As I walked into church after Sunday School taught by Betty Sweppe and Donna Ruth Hull, I sat down in the same pew week after week. It was just a matter of minutes before one of us kids would ask Mother if we could go sit by Grandma Applegate. I can still see her sitting there now. As soon as we sat down, she would always grab her purse to get out a piece of gum. Juicy Fruit.  To this day, when I see juicy fruit or hear it's name, I'm taken back to sitting by her in that old, wooden church pew.  Years ago, Northside Baptist remodeled and my mother-in-law bought one of their pews. When I became a principal, she let me have it to take to school.  I still have it in the hallway. Sure, it's old and has a lot of scratches, but every single time I walk by it, I'm reminded of Robert's mom and the Sundays I got to sit by my grandma. As I sat in my comfortable, padded chair at First Baptist Church Sunday and heard Dave Marty ask his grandchild if he wanted gum, I leaned into Robert and said, "Sounds like Grandma Applegate offering me gum. I bet Dave's isn't Juicy Fruit though".  My mind drifted to simpler times when I chewed my gum, sat by my grandma on an old church pew and listened to my grandad preach.  I didn't realize at the time how special those Sundays were, but I bet my grandma did.

2. Hymnals-Victory in Jesus, Are you Washed in the Blood, Bringing in the Sheaves, Standing on the Promises, Power in the Blood, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder and many other hymnals were the songs I grew up listening to every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. I remember searching the pages trying to find each song in those old books.  The words weren't up on a screen and there was only a piano to accompany the congregation, but in those days, that was enough. A few years ago, a sweet mom at school gave me a Christmas present that took me back to those years. It was an angel made out of a church hymnal. I look at it everyday with a smile on my face. It sits beside the school books that belonged to Grandma Applegate. The angel reminds me of the old songs many of us growing up in the 70s learned to sing. I will admit, I love hearing contemporary music now, but I always smile and sing loud and proud when the old music is played. Those lyrics never leave you once you've learned them.  I can still see Ira Maggard leading the small choir at Union Hill pumping his fist with his thumb out with every song he lead. We recently sang Victory in Jesus and I felt like I was in Oldfield, Missouri again, if just for a few minutes.

3. Baptisms-I got saved in April when a young Bruce Love preached his first revival at Union Hill. My baptism took place in May but there was no baptismal back in 1979.  At Union Hill on that Sunday afternoon, the congregation just walked across the road to Swan Creek. It was a hot day, but the creek was freezing.  My Grandad Applegate baptized me and I remember the congregation singing Shall We Gather At The River after I came out of the water. I recently got re-baptized at First Baptist Church and as I entered the warm water in the baptismal, I remember thinking, "I'm definitely not in Swan Creek". Shall We Gather At The River was replaced by a new favorite though, "How Great is our God".

So many memories I could go on and on about from all those years ago in that sweet church. I remember the picture of Jesus hanging on the wall looking out at the congregation. I remember being excited and nervous every year on my birthday because, after the anniversaries had been acknowledged, it was time for those who had birthdays to take their money up to the preacher, put it in a can and listen to Happy Birthday being sung. I remember the sign on the wall that displayed the attendance each week and how much money had been given during the offering. I remember the Christmas programs and getting our brown paper bag with an orange and an apple in it when we left. I remember getting there early when mom and the other deacon's wives had to get the bread ready for the Lord's Supper. I remember going to grandma and grandads after church every Sunday and eating lunch and then often getting to pick gooseberries in the field across the road from church. I remember crying and Melanie Williams going with me to the altar the day I got saved. What stands out to you about the church you grew up in?  Have you thought about the impact it and the people inside those walls had on you? If the people are still around, let them know how you feel.  If I could go back to a Sunday in the 1970s, one more time I would. I would cherish every moment of my grandma, Juicy Fruit and Victory in Jesus.

I've Been Slide Certified

I slid down a slide last Thursday. It was just a regular, plastic, enclosed, blue slide with a quick turn in the middle.  That's where the "regular" part ends though. You see, this slide wasn't in a park or on a playground.  It was inside the most amazing school I've ever seen.  A school that was once a run down factory in Atlanta, Georgia. A school that was at one time merely a dream of one of the most impressive educators I've ever had the pleasure of watching teach.  A school that houses 128 of the most captivating students I've ever met.  The name of this school you ask? The Ron Clark Academy. After I slid out of the slide, one of the students quickly placed a sticker on my shirt that read I've been slide certified.  I had only recently heard about his slide, or for that matter his academy at all.  In fact, when one of our teachers told me she wanted to apply for us to go see his school through district PD money, I really wasn't all that excited. I told her I would go if they granted us the request and didn't think much more about it until we heard we were going. I flew to Atlanta unsure of what the big deal was about Ron Clark, but I came back inspired and ready to make some additions to our already amazing building. I haven't quit talking about him since I got back. In fact, my husband, Robert, says he can tell anyone anything they need to know about Ron Clark now as well. You get the point.  His visit was a game changer.

As we flew to Atlanta, I started thinking about what we would see during the next two days. I imagined there would be maybe 100 teachers and administrators in attendance.  Wrong.  There were 500 plus lined up outside the locked gates each morning.  As they opened on Day 1, you could hear the music playing. It was so loud your body vibrated as we got closer.  You didn't have time to focus on that though because the man himself was greeting everyone at the doors into the school. My "I don't care" attitude was now replaced with excitement I couldn't contain. Ron Clark had a suit coat on along with shorts. multi-colored tights and some very loud blue shoes that caught my eye immediately.  He greeted us all with a huge smile and a "good to see you" as he himself moved to the music.  The crowd in front of us was dancing the entire time as they entered and it suddenly occurred to me we were all going to be expected to dance our way into the Ron Clark Academy. I'm not gonna lie. Little Satotha Applegate from the 70s emerged for a moment and I was a tiny bit stressed at the thought of dancing in front of anyone. I quickly made the decision though that while in Rome... The atmosphere was electric as we moved past the students who were lined up to greet us. They were, of course, dancing themselves and doing a much better job than me.  Kids were everywhere. High fives were flying. You heard laughter and saw smiles wherever you looked.  It was incredible. Our day just got better and better. We moved from one amazing classroom to another. Teachers stood on desks. Students taught lessons. Chants were sung.  During Ron Clark's session, he told how he reluctantly started out as a young teacher in North Carolina and then eventually felt called to teach in Harlem. We hung on his every word as he told stories about Oprah, traveling on his annual trip with the eighth graders to Africa and visiting with parents during home visits. He shared his philosophy on professional development.  Not everyone is chosen to attend workshops. That's right.  For Ron Clark, he only sends runners. But the most impressive thing I saw the entire time I was there was the math lesson he taught. He never said a word. He used sign language while teaching algebra to fifth graders and every student responded with the answers to his questions simultaneously. Did I mention he never said a word? 100% of the students were actively engaged and they were the ones doing the talking. It may sound chaotic. It wasn't. It was inspiring! I'm not usually at a loss for words, but it's hard to explain to others what we actually saw those two days. We listened to Ron Clark, Kim Bearden (co-founder of the academy), Hope and Wade King and many more.  Of course I had to buy a keepsake or two to remember the experience. Yes, I brought back a t-shirt. Yes, I brought back a pen. Yes, I brought back a bookmark, but more importantly, I brought back some valuable life lessons as well.

1. Surround yourself with colleagues who make you better. Those of us lucky enough to experience RCA (Ron Clark Academy) and see the amazing teachers, were left in awe after watching them and listening to their stories and experiences. There was not one more impressive than the other. They were all amazing. They were all runners. Not a walker or rider in the bunch. But besides that, they had each other's back. Each one of them clearly brought out the best in each other. They weren't trying to outshine anyone. There were no jealousies. They praised each other publicly and you knew it was genuine. They were a family and that was evident from the minute we danced our way inside the academy.

2. Create an experience. The teachers didn't just teach. They inspired the kids by creating experiences and they do it every. single. day. There were no bulletin boards or student work showcased in the hallways.  Instead, there were pictures of the kids in settings all over the world as they had experiences most of us would only dream of. We don't have to stand on desks like Ron Clark though or have students playing the drums during lessons, or visit Japan. We do, however, need to be working to find ways to create experiences for our kids. That means getting up from behind our desk or table. Be active. Move and expect that of your students. Try new ideas. We saw no worksheets and no one was working alone. There was collaboration and engagement happening through meaningful experiences throughout the entire building. We heard chants being sung about the scientific method and saw students answering questions as they stood on desks (alongside Mr. Clark). Those kids will never forget the experiences they are being given and ours shouldn't either.

As I entered Carver after being at the Ron Clark Academy, I was struck with how quiet it was. Obviously, there was no music playing...yet. There were no kids singing chants...yet.  There was no one dancing...yet. It just wasn't alive...yet, but it won't be like that for long...

So as the current year has just ended and a new one is on the horizon, ask yourself if you surround yourself with colleagues that make you better. If they don't, why do you stay beside them? Do they have your back or do their jealousies cause them to turn on you? Do you create experiences at school or do you find yourself looking on Teachers Pay Teachers for the next best worksheet?  Do you take risk or are you happy with the status quo? If these answers aren't what they should be I suggest you beg to be sent to the Ron Clark Academy and prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime, where you will be changed forever and leave there being able to say I've been slide certified.
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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.