February 26, 2016

So I am IN.  I can NEVER resist a challenge (unless it's to lose weight and then I have no comment) so thanks to Kris Corey for the challenge on her blog, I AM IN!  Here is the 1, 2, 3, 4 5 Connected Educator Challenge!

1.  What has been your ONE biggest struggle this year?

Seriously.  One?  I struggle with so many things from time management of family vs. school to keeping my cool.  I think my biggest struggle is keeping my patience with people who truly don't understand that I try to MAKE DECISIONS in the best interest of our students and staff.  Always. 

2.  Share TWO accomplishments you are proud of this year

Again.  Seriously?  Just two?  I have SO MANY!

I am so proud to have all of our new students and staff here (from 6th grade to Christine, to Elizabeth, to Rosa/Mimi/Kristy/Aida to more!) and to have figured that out- the rotations, the class limit, the schedule, the supervision, and more.  It was so hard to grasp, build, and create and yet, it worked.  It's not perfect, and we already know what to change for 16-17.

I am also proud of the collaboration among our staff!  The sharing, stealing, borrowing, and WORKING TOGETHER has been AWESOME and makes my heart happy DAILY!  I love that the classified staff (Campus monitors, noon duty, office, custodial) jump in to help anywhere at anytime!

3.  What are THREE things you hope to accomplish before the end of this school year?

I hope that we can accomplish collaboration that works for our staff!  

I hope that we can build a schedule that supports more students with labs, creative outlets for electives, keeps our staff intact, and makes more people happy!

I hope to grow the community support with our DOGS program and outside support from PTC and C3.  I love getting more and more eyes and ears to keep our kiddos safe!

4.  Give FOUR reasons you remain in education in today's rough culture.

I love our kids.  Period.  The test every one of my boundaries and yet, I still love them. 

I love our staff.  Period.  It has been a two year journey of building trust both ways and I love the POSITIVENESS (is it a word??) that we continue to spread.

I love that we can continue to make more POSITIVE changes to support our students from the multiple people watching out for their safety to the D.O.G.S. to the counseling support and more.

I love being a cheerleader for our students and staff.  Yep.  I said it.  I am loud, obnoxious, jazz hands and sparkly and that's what you get =)  Everyone needs a cheerleader!!

5.  What FIVE people do you hope will take the challenge to answer these questions? 

I know that you are all busy and the first 5 ROCK STARS that take this challenge have a prize waiting for them from me!!  EMAIL ME YOUR ANSWERS!!

Please review with your students the appropriate way to handle our chrome books.   We have had MULTIPLE KACE tickets for chrome books being damaged.  We will be adding a contract piece in the agenda for next year but we must be diligent in ensuring that all staff monitor how our students are using our technology.  Thank you!

Every classroom utilizes a variety of reading practices.  Take a look at THESE 11 Alternatives to "Round Robin" and "Popcorn" Reading so that students STAY engaged and don't check out during the instruction.

Have you checked out our Fish Moments?

BE THERE: Thank you to Sue for organizing the Academic Olympics again! So awesome! Thanks to Carol, Dave F., Gigi, Allison, Wendy, Dalal, and Anita for being at the Academic Olympics and judging/supervising/announcing, etc!

PLAY: We need MORE SCHOOL SPIRIT so we went out and found a NEW company to help us with this challenge! The book for new spirit wear is in the mail room so if you want an item in there, write the information on the front page!

MAKE THEIR DAY: Thanks, Kristy Love, for sharing your labs and ideas with your team! You Rock! Thanks to Ric for rockin' the cleaning and our super star team of Rosa, Mimi, Kristy, and Aida all day long supervising and taking care of business! The FLIPPED Faculty Meeting information will come to you this weekend...Be on the look out!

CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE: LET'S STAY POSITIVE PEEPS! KEEP ON SMILING!