AB Combs and Libraries

I'm sitting in college library right now. I love libraries. I believe they are one of the most important pieces of education today and so underutilized. I've written some of my best stuff in libraries. It's home to me.

When I was in N.Carolina for the afterschool conference, I heard about THE school in North Carolina. AB COMBS Elementary. There was nothing but praise for this place everywhere I went. As I'm finishing up the book by Stephen Covey, THE 8TH HABIT, I was reintroduced to this school again as he talked about it in his book so I did some Internet research on this place.
You can only get so much from seeing something over the web but it looks very unique.

The elementary has garnered numerous awards, in particular, its focus on student behavior and the habits taught in the book, THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGH EFFECTIVE PEOPLE.

Jim Collins, the author of the fascinating book, GOOD TO GREAT, says this: "WHAT CAN YOUR ORGANIZATION DO BETTER THAN ANYONE?"

Now substitute ORGANIZATION for SCHOOL and ask: WHAT CAN YOUR SCHOOL DO BETTER THAN ANYONE?

And I couldn't help but think: COULD WE BE THE BEST AT BUILDING CHARACTER IN CHILDREN? Seriously.

Think about it.

We have an at-risk population where character isn't taught and cannot be assumed. By character, I involve terms like: Honor, integrity, openness, respect...Character.

Again, COULD OUTLOOK BE THE BEST AT BUILDING CHARACTER IN CHILDREN? Above all else. Above test scores, reading, math, science, social studies...above all of that and again ask: COULD WE BE THE BEST AT BUILDING CHARACTER?

How wonderful it would be to try. How glorious would it be to focus so intently on something that carries so much weight in life and has lasting, long term effects in the lives of so many.

COULD WE?

Good Reads

I've read some great books the last couple of weeks, and thought I would share if you are into educational type, leadership and inspirational books...
1) Fires in the classroom (very honest journal entries from high school kids about their teachers and what makes their school great and terrible)
2) The Power of Protocols: (not the most fun read ever, but if you're into some really great things in terms of protocols to use in your classroom, this is a book for you in terms of ideas and models to use with students)
3) The Promise: (great read by Oral Lee Brown and her outstanding efforts to help the lives of at-risk kids...truly inspirational)
4) Elevating Student Voice: (This I just finished tonight. Awesome book. Talk about getting empowerment with students...this is the read! Wish everyone would read this!)

I'm not sure what's next for me in terms of books. I do have Teaching Mathematics to Children. Looks promising but a little dull, but we'll see. And then I have LOOKING TOGETHER AT STUDENT WORK.

Over and outta here...
Mr. B

Back Together and a Tough Day

For the first time in a long time, it feels normal again. It felt like everyone was back and they were. . . literally back in the building after the major fire in December. Though the gym and the cafeteria are not even close, let alone bulldozed yet, there is a newfound hope and energy. That's nice to see and feel.

No doubt that all the changes and sacrifices in terms of schedules have taken a toll and taxed people's abilities. But I'm proud of how the staff has continued to push forward and do what is best for kids.

Though there are only a few dedicated readers of this web blog, it's good therapy for me as I reflect on this year's progress and oh, what a year.

Yesterday had to be one of the hardest days I've had so far. The situations that are presented in the day of a principal's job are too numerous for me to go into detail. Safe to say that no day is ever the same and the unpredictability of the job is what makes it such a challenge. Yet there are those days that situations happen (involving children) that force you into tough situations that usually are difficult not only for the child, but for parents and staff alike. These are the rough days, the emotional days where you feel somewhat powerless to help kids because you can't.

If I've learned anything this year (and believe me, I have) it is this: School . . . school and education is one of the single, most important parts of our society and no one should ever lessen that or trivialize the importance of educating children.

We should not give excuses for a lack of results and blame children or their backgrounds or experiences. We need to look at ourselves and ask what are we doing to give children all they need in education and to build up where we are lacking and strengthen our strengths. It is indeed the extra mile people go for kids that makes the differences -- the extra planning; the after school tutor; the teacher who stays in at recess; the staff member who takes the time to stop and really listen to a child's day; a phone call home about a success; a handshake; a hug; a praise; a constructive critique; and love.

It's really what it boils down to. Love -- love for life, for kids and for the potential they have. It's not the attitude of "Well, they're not my child" but the attitude "I believe in them."

I BELIEVE IN THEM!
I BELIEVE IN YOU STUDENTS!
GO STUDENTS!
GO STAFF!
GO OUTLOOK!

HERE WE GO!

The fourth grade wing and preschool rooms are ready. Yes, I said ready. The halls, though still crowded with stuff, look great. The fourth grade students will be returning Monday and the preschool will follow next week.

Kudos to all the fourth grade teachers and our custodial staff for working SO hard!

CU!
-Mr. Bowman