Like many of you, I have watched with a great deal of sadness as this weekend's events have unfolded in Charlottesville, Virginia. The brazen hatred, smugness, and pride emblazoned on the faces of marchers bearing torches is stomach turning. However difficult it may be, I would encourage you not to turn away from the images … Continue reading 5 School Responses to #Charlottesville
School Climate is a Journey
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill The school I am honored to lead is dynamically diverse. We serve students with an extremely wide range of prior life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and academic needs. Our students come in a wide variety of colors and … Continue reading School Climate is a Journey
Just Three Things
Today I was searching for a document in Evernote and I stumbled across a list I created a few months ago. I took a few minutes and read the entire list. I smiled. Every bullet point on the list identified something for which I am grateful. People, experiences, specific situations -- a hodgepodge of happiness. … Continue reading Just Three Things
In Defense of the Public Educator
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
Don’t Quit on Kids
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
Beginning the School Year: 5 Things to Remember
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
11 inspirational Quotes for Educators (and Social Good)
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)