A Coach's Coach

I want to talk about a guy who is a consummate professional. This man can be counted on to offer support, pearls of wisdom, even a sharp redirecting command when warranted. Nevertheless, he is compassionate.

This gentleman has been a cheerleader, a guide by my side, a leader and a sounding board. He is funny, quick-witted and tireless. He is the type of educator I hope to become.

He has the ability to make you feel as though though you are his one and only project and he does it quietly and with aplomb.

Yesterday, he took a moment to talk with two of my students. They were hanging on his every word. So was I. Therefore, it is my pleasure to dedicate this blog to the "coach's coach," Mr. Ed Cutler.

Have a great weekend, Spartans!

Where Does It All Go?

Greetings. Welcome to a new year and decade.
This past year has certainly flown by. According to a popular cliche', this means that we must be having fun. I am inclined to agree. Although there is much to learn as a first year principal, I have relished the journey. Since time metaphorically "flies" I have decided that I want to prioritize how I use this most valuable commodity.
Speaking of cliches, there is one that I believe my grandmother has dispelled; "Time is money."
My grandmother taught me how to play poker at the tender age of eight. She spared nothing as she played me and beat me down to the last few pennies in my bank (which, by the way, she funded.) As I would get frustrated, she would say, "If your money lasts, your luck will change." Some years later after my dear grandmother departed, I realized that she was encouraging me by telling me that if I still had money at the table, I had time to change my luck. That was an "Ah ha" moment for me.
Still later, I realized something more powerful about time. I learned that I could lose money, i.e. a penny here, a dollar there but I could make up for that. However, lost time is irretrievable. Therefore, I surmised that time even outweighs money in terms of its value.
It is with that recognition that I declare that I will, in 2010, show a renewed respect for my time and the time of others. Time is a valuable resource. I plan to use it more wisely and share it more generously in the future.
Each of us is endowed with the same 24 hours per day. What we make of it can make a trendous difference.

A Week Of Learning

This week was awesome. The students and the teachers harmoniously worked to extend their learning. The promise of an altered week kept each Spartan excited and buzzing.
Our student week culminated with our first Safety Expo. There were so many presenters and stations the children were thrilled. The feedback I received from each student, teacher and presenter warmed my heart.
Congratulations goes out to Mrs. Dorian Bennett. She took an idea and used her creative energy and vision to manifest what has been since declared "The First Annual Safety Expo!"
Now we are taking a 15 minute break from Day 3 of our Learning Focused training. I knew our teachers were talented but I was blown away by the variety of raps, ballads and folk songs that our teachers used to try to convince one another that their particular learning strategy was the best.
Finally, tomorrow is the Lake Forest High School Homecoming Parade and Game. We will be there in the parade with our theme. My alter ego will have the honor of announcing the game. Have a great weekend. It is great to be a Spartan!

Dependant Variables and Symbiosis

We have completed our first full week of school and it has been a wonderful start. Our students enter each day eager to learn. The teachers are conscientious and work well together. Last week, as I was walking the school, I noticed, "Everywhere that one could turn, one would see the Spartans learn." The amazing learning that occurred was the intended result of the LFC teachers using each precious moment as a learning opportunity. Unlike the chicken and the egg paradox, I believe, in this case what comes first is the teaching. The students depend on our wonderfully capable teachers to bring out the best in our students.
We also had our first teacher incentive drawing. The first prize was a bona fide LFHS volleyball sweatshirt. When Mrs. Hastings' name was called over the PA system, we heard her class celebrate from down the hall.
Our week culminated in the combined pep rally at the high school. Our little Spartans were thrilled to be there! We walked to the school, took our place in the visiting side bleachers then we yelled and stomped our hearts away. We contended with a few bees but we had a marvelous time. Our students loved the frozen tee-shirt contest. It took us so long to complete that first event, the pep rally continued on the other side and we missed the next three events. Furthermore, we were blissfully too occupied for that to matter.

Finally, the high school football team and the cheerleaders walked across the field and went into the stands to meet the younger Spartans. At first, I was amazed at the screaming adoration from the youngsters, but I was overwhelmed at the satisfaction I saw in the older Spartans. They reveled in the glory of hero worship. The symbiotic relationship that manifested before my eyes was beautiful.

As the rally drew to a close, we gathered our scholarly army of Spartans for the trek back to school. I heard a fourth grade lad exclaim, “I just met my future wife!” Others beamed and mentioned the many fun things they experienced at this inaugural rally. Principal Cave escorted us to the school and gave each Spartan a “High five or hug!”

We returned to our school, tired, spent, but with a deeper connection to the high school across the street.

Moved to the Core

Please allow me to start by saying thank you for taking the time to read my ponderings. I do love to talk, but I have never been one to journalize. This is a first for me.

We have gotten off to a fantastic start at LFC. The students, staff and parents are excited and seem to be happy that school has started. I certainly am pleased that we had a smooth opening.

As a lifetime educator, and the son of educators, I have always enjoyed teaching and learning. This moment, however, has been one to cherish. We spent time this summer preparing for the arrival of our Spartans. The office staff diligently ordered supplies, registered new students, and hired new faculty members. However, nothing was more satisfying than seeing the smiling faces of our students as they left their buses and made a beeline to their new teachers. It was a magical, transformational moment for me.

Finally, once each Spartan was safely and happily in his or her place, I became overjoyed and could no longer suppress my happiness. “Words can not speak the joy that rushes to my cheek.” I have been moved to the core by this amazing experience.