Summer Fades

Strange that I should say that summer is fading, when here it is, the end of July and technically there's much more summer to go. Not the case for principals. Much of the work that will carry over and be valuable is done in August. Preparation, preparation, and preparation. The more I do this job, however, the more I'm convinced that though preparation is super important, or as I heard quite a bit this year, "UBER IMPORTANT", it's just as prudent to be able to flexible and change as the tide ebbs and flows.

I'm excited about this year for quite a few reasons: a) we have a staff that is coming together and the new faces we have are spirited, engaged, and ready to do the work. b) we know the culture and expectations. We all want to succeed and this being year four, we have the tools to make this happen. c) the community and the possibilities with the community is exciting. They know what we can do. Now, we have to engage them even more. d) teamwork. Teamwork is blossoming and coming together.

As much as I am excited, I'm apprehensive. First, our scores don't show our hard work. This is true in our reading scores collectively last year. I'm hopeful that WASL results will show differently, but again, I'm apprehensive. Second is our interventions and para staffing. Because of budget cuts, we've had to cut back. That's hurt because it puts stress on intervention models that typically what we've had. Third is my schedule. With a radical face-lift of my schedule, I'm a bit leary as to how well it will work. But my fingers and crossed.

Next week I'm in Tacoma for training that looks good. I'm looking forward to it.

EMPOWERING STUDENT VOICE

Summer is finally here for me. Thank goodness. It's a nice break. I even got to play some golf today which, quite honestly, I don't do well, but had a fun time doing. Today's post is about elevating student voice. One of the other aspects I enjoy about summer is I have time to read, and read broadly I do. I read, ELEVATING STUDENT VOICE: How to enhance participation, citizenship, and leadership about a year ago and have just recently revisited it.

Great book. If you want to see just a small component of what this book entails, try doing a good search on SURVIVING HIGH SCHOOL DOCUMENTARY and see what you get. Pretty amazing.

One of the gems that comes from this quick read is found on page 21: "If students are positive about school, engaged in their learning, and invested in school programs, an educational leader's job is easier. Student voice can impact student discipline; student voice can impact [everyone]."

We all should strive to empower our students more.