Chronicles of a fatally flawed human's efforts to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly in our world.
Today we finished our first week of the 2017-18 school year. It was a great week. Our students were genuinely excited to be back on campus and our teachers did an absolutely wonderful job of welcoming them and beginning the process of developing meaningful relationships. It seems that with each passing year public educators face … Continue reading In Defense of the Public Educator
I'm not opposed to success, I just think we should accept it only if it is a by-product of our fidelity. If our primary concern is results, we will choose to work only with those who give us good ones. - Greg Boyle, Tattoos on the HeartJ. was one of my favorite students. J. was … Continue reading Don’t Quit on Kids
Each year, prior to the arrival of students, I write a note to the staff members of our school. I do my best to let them know they are valued throughout the year, but by writing, it is easier for me to find my words. Below is this year's letter to the WJHS staff. … Continue reading Beginning the School Year: 5 Things to Remember
I love reading and collecting quotes that challenge my thinking and lend a new perspective to how I approach my work and interactions with others. Someone recently asked me about inspirational quotes I've encountered so I decided to turn the compilation into a quick blog post. Here are a few of my favorite quotes … Continue reading 11 inspirational Quotes for Educators (and Social Good)
It is, perhaps, the most effective tool for positive change that we all possess. A limitless resource, yet we often ration as if it were a scarce commodity.Used at the right time, it has the power to be the difference between "I quit" and "I'll keep trying." The application of one or two words (or a … Continue reading Free, but Priceless
If you have a passion for working with the poor and the marginalized -- or if you just want to develop a better understanding of the trauma of poverty -- you must read Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion, by Father Greg Boyle. In his book, Father Boyle chronicles his years … Continue reading Boundless Compassion
Even though many schools are in the middle (or even the beginning) of their summer break, in about two weeks my staff will welcome our students back for the 2017-18 school year. The beginning of a school year can be a challenging time for students (as well as parents and teachers). The anticipation of … Continue reading Advice from the Principal’s Desk: 10 Things Students Should Keep in Mind
