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!