October 5, 2017 Dear Families, In less than 24 hours, the first quarter of our year concludes. Every year feels faster than the next. I question how it is even possible that the calendar reads October 5th. As I reflect on the start of the year, I see many opportunities to celebrate and many opportunities … Continue reading …And That’s a Wrap…
Thorn Bushes, Thistles, and Weeds
September 5, 2019 Dear Families, My reflections of late led to a place that suggests I need to reshare my daughter's academic journey with you. I, of course, obtained her permission. I share it not for sympathy. I share it not for any kind of recognition. It is, for me, a journey of heartache and tears and … Continue reading Thorn Bushes, Thistles, and Weeds
The Gamet of Growth
September 14, 2017 Dear Families, Webster's dictionary defines growth in many ways. One definition stands out to me, "progressive development." As I reflect on this definition, I find myself questioning whether or not all growth is progressive. Progressive maintains a positive connotation. Certainly, when data communicates that students are achieving academic milestones that growth is … Continue reading The Gamet of Growth
Lock, Lights, Out of Sight
September 3, 2017 Dear Families, Lock, Lights, Out of Sight. Three words I NEVER want to say over the PA system. Friday afternoon, the administration received a directive by law enforcement to implement a lockdown of our facility. We cooperated immediately. Student safety will never be a discussion. Questions can come on the other side … Continue reading Lock, Lights, Out of Sight
Cracks in the Sidewalk
August 31, 2017 Dear Families, I still find myself in a daze over Tuesday evenings' news. Suicide creates unspeakable pain for many. For me, the pain cuts because it is personal on many levels. I never wanted any of my students to navigate the death of a peer. Intellectually, I know that is not a … Continue reading Cracks in the Sidewalk
The Year of Beating Dragons
August 24, 2017 Dear Families, We find ourselves approaching the conclusion of another week of school. Today, as I made my way into the building from 6th Grade Turf Time and popped my head into the 7th and 8th-grade advisement classes, I realized something. I realized that despite the challenges that middle school brings, our … Continue reading The Year of Beating Dragons
Are You a Ghost?
July 23, 2017 Dear Families, In our ever changing world of social media, one needs a master's degree to navigate the countless updates. Recently, Maddy and I discovered a very 1984 update to Snapchat. While driving on Santa Fe to a baseball game in Castle Rock, Maddy received a text from one of her college … Continue reading Are You a Ghost?
The Summer Slide…Why I Will NEVER, EVER Let my Kids Stop Learning
July 3, 2017 Dear Families, A word of caution. This post is not for the faint of heart. I might even suggest some will find my words offensive. Yet, as I mentioned early on last year, I will never shy away from challenging topics. When I was young, summer days basked in all the glory … Continue reading The Summer Slide…Why I Will NEVER, EVER Let my Kids Stop Learning
2 Weeks into Summer Vacation
June 1, 2017 Dear Families, Have you heard the 2 words every mother wants to hear 2 weeks into summer vacation yet? You know the ones. Yes. You just said them in your mind with the whiny twinge that makes even the most patient of mothers grit her teeth. The fatal, "I'm bored." Two weeks … Continue reading 2 Weeks into Summer Vacation
Nelson Mandela Said It Best…
May 17, 2017 Dear Families, I find myself both in awe and in bewilderment over the fact that we have exactly 1.5 days left in this school year. As I reflect upon our year, I realize that many things went well. Students embraced the concept that they matter and their peer's matter. The leadership classes … Continue reading Nelson Mandela Said It Best…
From Hey Hey Pre-K to the Halls of Middle School 