My Mission Call

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

My Mission Call—

Baruti Kafele (@PrincipalKafele), a presenter at the Title 1 Conference, asked some important questions that I want to relate to you. 

• “What do you do that demands school-wide excellence?”
• "What is my purpose for being in this school and does it drive what I do and say?”
• "What is my educator mission? What is the thing that I want to accomplish and will stop at nothing to get it done?”
• “ Do I treat my teaching/leadership as a job or a mission?”
• “Am I being intentional?”

These are tough questions to answer. This takes a lot of thought and reflection. The easy answer would be to educate children. But what are the answers to these questions?

Some of these students have more on their plates than we will ever understand. Education takes a back seat to their issues at times. Relationships with students are important. They need to know they matter. that is my mission. That is what I want to improve on and make sure students understand. They matter.

So what are your answers to these questions? I am still working on my answers. When I find them I am sure they will evolve and change. Reflection on them will take time. Take some time and reflect on these questions, then make your answers your mission. 

Quote I’m pondering —

“It’s lonely at the top. Ninety-nine percent of people in the world are convinced they are incapable of achieving great things, so they aim for mediocre. The level of competition is thus fiercest for ‘realistic’ goals, paradoxically making them the most time- and energy-consuming… The fishing is best where the fewest go, and the collective insecurity of the world makes it easy for people to hit home runs while everyone else is aiming for base hits. There is just less competition for bigger goals.” - Tim Ferris

What I’m watching —

Road Tripping with Kids

This is similar to road tripping with Administrators. Everyone has been a part of this somehow. Enjoy. 

Favorite Article This Week —

Splat!

This math-based website has free lessons that make students problem solve the answers under the splat on the page. These are great for collaborative centers for students to find the answers and explain their thinking. 

A Big Thank You —

Thank you Shelly, Alma, Anita, Inez, and Amanda for helping at school while Kim and I are learning how to make our school better. We have information to bring back and help our school be the best ever. We have ideas the share and programs to suggest and for you to look at. We cannot do this without amazing people that help lead the school while we are home. Thank you. We also appreciate every teacher for all you do. We know that while we are gone the students will be cared for and taken care of like they always are. Thank you for being the best teachers. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. It will be wonderful to be back in the school. Learning. Have a great weekend.

What Would Your Keynote be?

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

What Would Your Keynote be? —

I was at a conference a couple years ago and the keynote speaker was amazing. She taught about bringing the best out in students. She talked about how we as teachers are the ones that help students realize who they can be. Families bring the support and provide direction, but we give students the skills and the learning to make their dreams come true. So thinking about that, I want you to do a little reflection.what part of what you do would you teach to others? You do not have to be better than anyone else, you just need to be good at what you do. What is it that you do that helps students? Think about it. Write a presentation about it. Six slides in a PowerPoint. How would you teach others? How would you explain it? You are all amazing teachers and you need to share what you do with others. So what would your keynote be about? I dare you to write one, even if you never present it to anyone except your team, or yourself. Write one. 

Quote I’m pondering —

“If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” -John Dewey, 1915

What I’m watching —

The Hunt for the Wilderpeople

This is an actual movie. The link will take you to the trailer. The reason I like this movie is that it shows that when a child has not hope they just keep doing things wrong until someone actually cares and gives them the hope they are seeking. It is also a pretty funny movie. I hope you take a chance and check it out. It is at Redbox. 

Favorite Article This Week —

Confession: I Like Worksheets

This article perked my interest. I am not a fan of worksheets so I had to check this one out.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you for all you do. I love walking through the school and seeing conferences go on. Helping parents see their students progress, and sometimes helping them see their students in a new light. Thank you for taking the time to talk up the students, to make them the focus, to share the good about each student, and help the parents see what they can do to help. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful 3 day weekend. Enjoy President’s Day.