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.