End of Year Reflection...3....2...1

It's the time of year when all principals spend endless hours writing summatives to help their staff reflect on the school year. In helping teachers reflect on their practices this year and what they are looking forward to next year, I felt compelled to carve out some much-needed time to reflect on my journey as I bring my 4th year (3rd year at my current campus) as an elementary principal to a close.

These are the questions that I asked the staff during their end of year conferences...so why shouldn't I answer them for my end of year reflections as well?

3 - What are the three celebrations you have this year?

• Leading by example - it was my goal to demonstrate my commitment to lifelong learning by modeling risk-taking, maintaining an innovator's mindset and showing that failing forward is the norm at our campus...this year's grade A-
• Deepening my professional growth and development through various PLNs - by surrounding myself with like-minded principals, in my district and across the country, most of whom I have never met, and may never meet, I have broadened my horizons and the knowledge attained from #MomsAsPrincipals and #PrincipalsInAction have made me a better leader, wife, mother, and person....this year's grade A+ for sure.
• Opening the doors of our campus to host more than 100 visitors this year to share our blended learning successes and struggles. We sailed the ship while we were building it and it was by no means smooth sailing, but when students share how meaningful this year was to them and how much fun they had along the way, I'll count that as an #EduWin!...this year's grade A

2 - What are two areas you know you need to continue to work on next year?

• I continue to ask myself - What do I need to do differently to build relationships with the staff? We discuss the 3 R's on our campus, rigor, relevance and relationships...and when asked to put them in the order of importance as it relates to students, relationships always surface as the most important R. My goal is to have every staff member know that my care and concern for them is not simply about them as an educator, but them as a person....a mom, brother, wife, son, sister....this year's grade B...B+ would be a stretch
• Being deliberate in explaining the why behind decision-making and encouraging/promoting problem solving especially when opportunities for negativity begin to rare its ugly head...this year's grade B-

1 - What is the one thing you would change about your experience this year?

• I don't believe that I will ever achieve a work-life balance. Balance, to me, means 50/50. I do, however, need to establish a healthier ratio where I establish times that are non-negotiable to spend time with my family and do what's needed to take care of my mental and physical health. After all, health is my #OneWord2017...and at best, I have a D as my grade this year.

Now what?

Within the past two weeks, I have had at least four staff members share that while they once thought they would become a principal, they would never want to be a principal now. Of course, I was devastated when they said that because for me, that means I am not being a good model. They shared it's not because they think I do a terrible job, but because they think I do a great job, and see all that is required...which includes sacrificing time with your personal family in an effort to support your school family. I give 200% each day for 972 kiddos whose blood does not run through my veins, at the expense of time with 3 kiddos who I pray will one day see that I have modeled for them the value in being committed, dedicated and passionate about the choices you make in life...because leadership is a choice. I also want them to know that you must surround yourself with people who will lift you up, because you cannot go through life alone. 

So in reflecting, my advice to everyone is to find your tribe..for me that's my MAPS...Moms as Principals...we learn, cry, collaborate, pray, vent, encourage and support each other..because no one else in the world understands all that comes with wearing those two hats. No matter what path you choose, you are only going to become a better person if you surround yourself with people who will challenge you, who will celebrate your successes, who will validate your hardships, but also tell you to get over it when that's what you need to hear.

Who do you need to surround yourself with?

Mindset Matters

Recently I had the opportunity to learn alongside two dynamic fourth grade teachers when we attended the TCEA conference for three days. 

Rewind - when I initially asked them to attend the conference a few months ago, they agreed, but I know that they were both hesitant because they had to be away from their students for three days. Dedicated teachers never want to be away from their students because they know that there's no substitute for great first instruction. I explained that I was inviting them to the conference in preparation for them being a part of our blended learning team next year. 

They will both admit that we walked away every evening on information overload because there was so much great information shared throughout the three days, but I think I learned the most...from them. While I may have thought about it previously, what I am absolutely certain of now, is that the greatest barrier to student success is adult mindset.

During our breaks, at lunch, and at dinner those three days, they could hardly contain their excitement about how they were going to take what they were learning and enhance their instruction to meet the needs of their students. They connected with other educators, took a little bit of this and a little bit of that from the various sessions, and formulated plans for making the learning relevant to what their students needed. They brought with them an open mindset and that is the key to student success...having teachers who are open-minded, and willing to try something new.

Fast forward - last week, I hosted a visit from our middle school feeder pattern leadership teams who wanted to see blended learning in action and how we are using technology to leverage instruction. More importantly, they wanted to see what we are doing so that when our students transition to middle school, they will be prepared to embrace their learning styles and support their academic journeys. And kudos to them for thinking ahead!

While we visited our blended learning classes in our pilot initiative this year, I also took the opportunity to visit the two teachers who attended TCEA with me. Remember...they are not yet part of the blended learning initiative, but being with them for those three days, I knew that they were coming back fired up and ready to start trying new ways of doing. They didn't disappoint. 

Our visitors and I were just enthralled when we walked into their two 4th grade classes. In the math class, the teacher took information she learned about making flip videos, and had students use the Hover Cam to teach the class and share their thinking. Some students were logged into their Google Classroom accounts and were watching videos previously made by the teacher. The students could make comments while reviewing the videos, allowing the teacher to check for understanding. The students expressed that when they are having difficulty with a concept, they can log in, review the video as many times as needed, and ask clarifying questions when they meet face-to-face with the teacher; others watch videos that introduce new topics so they can move ahead once they have mastered a subject.

In the bilingual reading, language arts classroom we saw students totally engaged in a plethora of learning tasks as they explored characteristics of biographies. As we spoke with the students, they shared that they had a choice in how they would design their work products. A group gathered around the Promethean Panel was involved in a heavy discussion as they generated the questions they wanted to research. One team member typed the questions and they appeared on the Promethean Panel for the group members to agree upon. Another group was busy creating their own anchor chart outlining the key components they felt had to be included as they began their research. Others worked on their Chromebooks on a Bio Cube which served as their guide for constructing the biography they were working on. Yet other students camped out under a tent and wrote in their writers' notebooks. How did they all decide what they wanted to do? The teacher gave them choice. When we asked a few probing questions, the teacher shared that she came back truly ready to let go, and let students lead...let them think...collaborate...problem solve and work together to create their products. In other words...provide them with experiences that will benefit them in the real world.

I am fortunate to work with amazing teachers who give their blood, sweat and tears everyday to support our students...some of whom are academically fragile. So it was hard to decide the one...best thing I saw in the classroom this week to blog about, as per our #PrincipalsInAction weekly challenge. So why did I choose what I saw in these classrooms? 

The teaching and learning in both classrooms were all about students moving beyond the basics and embracing the 4C's for 21st century learning. Students will automatically embrace them but what I do know is that those 4C's cannot happen without the open mindset of the adult in the classroom.

Collaboration - working together to reach a goal

Creativity - trying new approaches to get things done 

Critical thinking - looking at problems in a new way and linking learning across subjects and disciplines

Communication - sharing thoughts, questions, ideas and solutions

Every single student was an active contributor to their learning in both classrooms and my heart melted when some students shared that they would rather stay in and work on this project than go out to recess. Say no more!

Hidden Figures Among Us

This evening, as I looked to the right and saw my husband...who rarely ever sheds a tear...with a few tears  running down his face, the significance of the movie Hidden Figures truly hit home. I don't want to be a spoiler for anyone who has yet to see it, but this movie truly highlights the definition of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. The three main characters, African American women, simply couldn't and wouldn't take no for an answer, and in doing so, went on to make history.

What stood out for me was not just how far we have come as a country, but how far we still have to go, especially given the climate today. As educators, we are the beacon of hope for so many of our students entrusted to our care. Our girls, our ESL/bilingual students, our African American boys, our economically disadvantaged students...they are our hidden figures who need us to show them how they can overcome obstacles, and not allow someone else's perspective of what they think they are capable and worthy of, to become their reality.

Ironically, last Friday, I challenged our leadership team to do a task that was two-fold. It was the last day of College and Career Week and I asked each one on the team to pick a grade level, and visit a few classes with their diplomas and share their college experiences. Since January is also Random Acts of Kindness Month, I asked them to use the time they were in the class as a five-minute break opportunity for the teacher to grab a snack from the lounge. I knew that I was asking them to do "one more thing" on a Friday, when we had a three-hour leadership meeting already scheduled. The joy we all found in sharing our stories was priceless, for both those of us who were sharing and the students who hung on to every word. 

I am hopeful, that one hidden figure...a Hispanic young lady in fifth grade...who came up to me after I shared that I was the first person in my family to attend college in the United States, earning three degrees and still thinking of going on to earn my doctorate...will realize that her status now of being an illegal immigrant, brought here by her parents, does not mean that she should not set goals and dream big dreams. We exchanged a tear in the hallway when I told her that I too was an illegal immigrant, brought to New York at the age of 12 by a single mom, who wanted me to have a better life than she did, just like her mom did, bringing her from Mexico. I walked away wiping the tear and hopeful that I planted a seed that will bear great fruit. 

As I tucked my three sons into bed tonight, 9, 8 and 6 years old respectively, I realized that I have never shared that part of my life with them. Sundays are known as Story Sundays. Instead of reading a book, my husband and I take turns telling them stories from our childhood. Tonight, I shared the story of the heartache I suffered the year I graduated from high school, but could not go to college because I was still an illegal immigrant at the time. I also shared that the minute I was able to obtain my resident status, I immediately began applying to universities and never looked back, knowing that the one year I could not go off to college when all my friends were, was not going to define me.

Planting seeds, giving hope, inspiring our hidden figures...that is what we are called to do. Whether in our personal or professional lives, I am reminded today that my words and actions matter because there is always a hidden figure in my midst and I am responsible, as a citizen of the world, for helping someone else persevere - to persist in anything undertaken, maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles or discouragement, continue steadfastly. And I encourage you to do the same.

Reason, Season or Lifetime

People often do not believe me when I say that I do not drink coffee, and rarely drink soda, so as a mom of three boys, wife, daughter, and principal to almost 1,000 students and 120 staff members...what keeps me going?  Two recent #PLNs (Professional Learning Networks), #MomsAsPrincipals and #PrincipalsInAction have been my morning and evening caffeine and keeping up, or at times, catching up with our daily voxes while in the car have reinvigorated my love for learning and leadership and in doing so, it has made me a better mom, wife and daughter. 

So why a blog post after an almost 4-year hiatus? Our #PrincipalsInAction Voxer group with principals all across the country has a weekly challenge. Heading back to the second semester, the question was posed, Who ignited your spark? That jolting question, coupled with our last two weeks of sharing our #OneWord 2017, ignited the itch to dig out my Blogger password and share my thoughts. Moreso, the two words beneath the question - Give Thanks - was the ultimate reason for feeling compelled to share.

My word for this year is HEALTH - physical, emotional, spiritual, financial and relationships. Yes, I want to work on maintaining healthy relationships and so must give thanks to one person who truly ignited my spark. I came into my current district four years ago, having served as a principal for one year in a neighboring district. At the end of that first year as a rookie principal, I knew that I would not be able to stay in a district that did not resonate with my moral compass. That led me to transfer to my current district, and as CRAZY as it sounds, I was elated to take a pay cut and join the district where my children attended school as an assistant principal. After being an assistant principal for 7 years, and a principal for 1 year, here I was a rookie AP in a new district. In life, sometimes it is important to take a step back in order to leap forward. It was in this new rookie role that my spark was ignited. 

As cliche as it sounds, some people do indeed come into your life for a reason, season or lifetime. The principal who tapped me on the shoulder and planted the seed for leadership was undoubtedly placed in my life for a reason. I never ever thought I would be a principal...me the first person in my family to complete college in the United States. For that tap on the shoulder, I will forever be grateful.

Who is in my life for a lifetime?

During that rookie AP year, I attended an AP meeting...all the rookies...and listened to APs sharing their first-year AP struggles. I sat there and thought, really, why am I here? This is my 9th year as an administrator! We were split into groups to listen to experienced principals in the district share their words of encouragement, and immediately, the spark was ignited. I listened to every word that Susan Brenz shared with our group and I couldn't help but want to hear more...she was the consummate servant leader...the opposite leadership style that I "grew up" under in my years of being an AP in NY. As I listened to her, I knew I wanted to be the servant leader she described. Fast forward less than 3 months later, I was approached by district leaders, and asked to apply for a principalship. I was not in the district a year, and was quite comfortable getting acquainted with the district's way of doing, in the role of an AP. So that March, I took a leap of faith and accepted the principalship. One week after the announcement was made, I was assigned my mentor principal...Susan Brenz! You could only imagine the jubilee and elation I felt knowing that I would get to work with and learn from her. While we are assigned a mentor principal for a year, it is my 3rd year as a principal in the district, and Susan and I are now friends for life. She is currently my three boys' principal and so we are also connected on a personal level. Our connection wasn't luck, it was faith...this was a master plan long before we even knew it.

This weekend, I had the opportunity to celebrate Susan's 50th birthday with her, and while I will always see her as my mentor principal, she now tells others that the roles are reversed, and I'm mentoring her on innovative ideas to help transform teaching and learning. She recently visited my campus along with a team of principals, and of all the visitors coming by this year as we embark on our Blended Learning initiative, it's Susan's compliments...that here she is visiting to learn from me when our relationship began with me learning from her... that are most heart-warming. 

So while there have certainly been many others who have supported me along this journey, and those who will be there for the various seasons as I grow in leadership, I am grateful beyond measure for the one who truly ignited my spark. My #AhaMoment from this experience is that as educators, we never know what seeds we are planting for our students and staff, so with every conversation, we could and should be igniting a spark. I encourage you to be intentional with your torch.

                                              #PrincipalsInAction - thank you for the challenge!

                                                      May your 2017 be your best year yet.

Reflecting...

It seems like we just flipped the calendar from February winter weather to spring! It’s hard to believe that spring break has come and gone.  I know that we were all ready for a little break, and are back refreshed, and ready to continue on the path to success. Your kids have been working so hard since they returned and they too are recharged to move forward towards the last nine weeks. It is during this time of year that you really begin to see growth. Many of the skills that they have been learning since fall take root through daily practice. Kindergarteners are writing sentences with words you can read rather than the string of letters we see in the fall. First graders are so proud of being able to read big books and 2nd graders are reading chapter books. When I walk from kindergarten to fifth grade, I am always amazed at how much kids learn in six years. I often wonder what our world would be like if we all made similar academic growth every six years. It would be astounding!

 A rousing thank you for the support you each showed for our first Fine Arts Night. We are so fortunate to teach in such a great community. Next year, you can expect it to be bigger, and even better. 

I’d also like to extend gratitude for the many families who supported our popcorn fundraiser.  The participation truly exceeded our expectations.

This week, we celebrated our Young Leaders who were recognized by Reliant Energy as being outstanding citizens. 

In recognition of Texas Tobacco-Free Kids Day, your children all signed a pledge this week to remain tobacco-free.  Please be sure to have conversations with them from time to time, and remind them of the importance of making good decisions, even at the primary level.  Most importantly, please remember that as adults, we serve as models for them, so be sure that you are practicing what you preach.

As a committed lifelong learner, I usually take time each week to reflect on the challenges and celebrations of the week and decide the changes that I need to make to ensure that the week ahead is even more productive.  As I reflect today, I cannot help but think about the unexpected death of a friend of mine.  She was only 43 years old, and her passing this week was a shock to all who knew her.  In reflecting on all the great memories we shared together, I am reminded of how much she treasured and enjoyed spending time with her 14-year-old daughter.  They were inseparable. Recently, I heard someone who was severely injured comment on what she misses the most – hearing her children bickering in the backyard, watching the morning dew on flowers in the garden and pointing out the various bugs visible, laughing as she watched her son try to scale a wall at the park.  What’s the point?  It’s the simple things that we so often take for granted; the moments that if we do not stop to pay attention to, fleet by without us noticing.  So today and every day, I believe that the best way for me to honor her memory is to take a few minutes with my kids to "be in the moment", and I strongly encourage you to do the same.

Touching Base

I just wanted to share some of the fun events that have been happening at Durham.  Last week our students in grades 2-5 participated in a Junior Achievement Day.  Junior Achievement helps young people connect what they are learning with real-life experiences and recognize the importance of staying in school. JA also inspires students to develop competitive skills and confidence. Representatives from Ernst and Young spent the day with our students and they had a memorable experience.

This week, our students participated in two Black History Month assemblies.  Our students in grades 2-5 took part in a presentation by Pilot Xavier Samuels, who encouraged them to set goals beyond the sky.  All students also had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on session of The Children’s Griot which was a musical time travel adventure.  Be sure to ask your children about their daily experiences.

 

You can watch a small segment of today's performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also want to thank all of our parents who have taken time this week to participate in the National PTA event Bring Your Family to School Week.  Please know that the experiences shared with our students are simply priceless.  Today, Elizabeth Humbert and Nora Nester shared their Polish heritage.  Please take a look at what they shared.

 

Tomorrow, I am truly hoping for a huge turn-out for the STAAR testing meeting.  If you are a parent of a 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th or 5^th grader, please attend.  It is important that you understand how your child will be tested, and what you can do to support.

Lastly, Friday is a big day for many reasons:  Jump Rope for Heart permission slips are due, it is the final day to prepay for the Spaghetti Dinner, and of course, it’s Go Texan Day!

2013 Lunar New Year Festival

If you are looking for a fun, educational event this week, be sure to check out:

http://www.ccchouston.org/LunarNewYearFestival.aspx