Test Prep

Well Spring Break showed up quickly and Easter past just as fast.  Now we have the final push to the finish as we navigate through the season of testing. I was asked once why we spend so much time preparing for testing in high school and my answer came as a shock to them.  “It’s what we do”, I said.  We prepare students for the next level, whether college or career.  We prepare them by mirroring some of the things they will experience in a safer environment, such as high stakes testing.  We prepare students to be successful so when they take the certification exams for their career, they have taken big tests before.  We prepare students.  It’s what we do.  Enjoy your weekend of weather…Go Pups! (cue: The Cars - Magic)

Surrender

While ‘Spring Break’ doesn’t conjure up the same mental images it used to when we were in college, the sentiment is the same.  The crazy road trips some took as students to Matzatlan, Encenada Beach, or San Diego have been replaced with restful time with family, a book, or a drive to the coast.  Yes…age has it’s rewards.  Whatever your plans are, I wish you time.  Surrender the things that are troublesome and take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.  It will be glorious.  Enjoy your week…Go Pups! (cue: Cheap Trick – Surrender)

Spring is in the Air

We welcome March with warm weather and the promise of more rain.  Along with that allergies have set in as the tree blooms have beautified our landscape.  The Valley!  What a fantastic place to live.  Opportunities for outdoor activities are everywhere and just think, from the Central Valley we are only 12,500 miles from anywhere in the world! As great a Springtime is, it is a very stressful time with all that is going on around us.  All the more important to slow everything down.  Sounds like a great plan for a Friday.  Enjoy your weekend…Go Pups! (cue: Proclaimers – 500 Miles)

Illuminate the Light Bulbs

The Spring semester is in full bloom and filling with activities.  Testing, college applications, testing, scholarships, testing, letters of reference, testing, and a host of other activities.  Did I mention testing?  From benchmarks to State testing to AP testing, yes, there is a bunch of testing to come.  As you shepherd our students through lessons, remember that each of them has that internal light bulb.  With every lesson, we have the chance to pull that invisible string on their chin and illuminate the bulb. Once we do that, their drive to answer their own questions will come from within.  Spring is full of transformations.  Why not start one today?  Enjoy your weekend…Go Pups! (cue: Mozart – The Marriage of Figaro)

Winter Season is Done

It is crazy to think that we have almost come to the end of our Winter seasons.  Basketball, Soccer, and Wrestling have either had their Senior nights, or they are scheduled this next week.  Won’t be long before the weather warms, trees blossom, and allergy season arrives.  Until then, enjoy this great spring preview weather while it lasts and buckle down for the next round of El Nino.  Enjoy your restful three day weekend…Go Pups! (cue: Beethoven – Ode to Joy: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor)

Full Swing

Well the Spring semester is in full swing, activities are rolling along, and spirit on campus is riding high.  Today we were lucky enough to visit the Senior government classes to discuss the ‘Road to Graduation’.  That is always a great day to see the excitement and trepidation in the eyes of the students.  As we told the students, it won’t be long until may 27th is here and Senior grades have to be posted.  Hopefully, they will all finish strong, avoid the pitfalls that come with senioritis, and be there on graduation night. Enjoy your weekend…Go Pups! (cue: Eagles – Take It To The Limit)

Simply the Best

As the semester comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to offer a heartfelt ‘thank you’. Education is a not an easy profession, and we know genuine success comes only to those who have prepared for it.  Though we face challenges from time to time, or even trip-up along the road, we need to continue pressing forward accepting new challenges and overcoming the hurdles that may lay before us.  My hope is that all your dreams from last year become achievements in the coming year.  So thank you for everything you do for our students and for making a difference today and everyday to come.  Grab a blanket, a cup for hot chocolate, and have a restful weekend…Go Pups! (cue: Tina Turner – Simply the Best)