Connections to Our Collective Past

This past week I attended the USDA Grantee Gathering in Omaha, Nebraska. Though I had so much to do on site, as the representative of the school, I was mandated to attend. It was very interesting to see the multitude of people in attendance. There were individual schools, districts, and nonprofits that support schools, all ultimately centered around the idea of farm to school. I had an interesting time. Though I had challenges with my travel upon my return, which left me stranded in Denver airport for a night, I can still look upon the trip as favorable. The highlight was not what was happening within the conference, it was with a person I met. On the first morning, we were directed to sit at certain discussion tables. I found my table group, took a seat, and introduced myself. The woman sitting next to me introduced herself as Linda Moore, Founder of a Charter School in Washington D.C. When she started speaking, her accent did not fit with D.C., so I asked her. She proudly said that she was from Little Rock, Arkansas. At this point, I began to nerd out. You see, I traveled last summer to Little Rock to the PLC Conference with several teachers. In Little Rock is Central High School, one of my bucket list visits. You may be asking, why is Central High School a bucket list item? I taught for 9 years at Central High School in Fresno, and in my first year there, a Central High (Little Rock) Alumnus spoke to us at an Assembly. It was Terrence Roberts, a member of the Little Rock Nine. The first nine African-American students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. His story was amazing and the perseverance these students showed captivated me. How could people be so cruel? I asked myself. Then my mind would immediately jump to, How could those students endure such harassment? We have all seen the pictures of racists 8 deep on each side of the school stairway and the National Guard vehicles trying to block them from entering the school. The 101st Airborne Division was sent to protect the students by President Eisenhower, but that was just to get them inside. There was no protection from the other students once inside. State Government versus the Federal and the students were in the middle. I walked those steps to the main doors of Central High and I couldn’t even imagine the emotions experienced by the nine students. They must have been terrified! As I continued talking to her about it, she told me that she knew Terrence and the Little Rock Nine, including Melba Patillo. Then she said Melba Patillo’s mother was her Godmother. I about fell out of my chair. I could continue, but I really should cut it short. She did continue telling me her story, because I kept asking. Truly inspiring! I have now added a family trip to D.C. on my bucket list, not for the Capitol buildings, Holocaust Museum, or the Smithsonian, but to introduce my family to Ms. Linda Moore, the 75 year old founder of a school for inner city youth. I have a date to sit for tea and visit her school. My conversation with her motivated me to be better than I am, to do more than I can, to listen when I can’t, and to see even though I may be obstructed. She was delightful and the highlight of my journey. In speaking with her I was humbled. After that morning, the challenges of my life seemed to not be so difficult. At the end of the second day, I saw her again as we were entering the elevator. She looked tired as many of us were at that point. She paid me the best compliment, “I’m 75 and this stuff makes me tired. I can’t put in these long days like you young folks!” I smiled. “Ms. Moore, it has been a very long time since someone has called me young. I thank you.” May you have a super weekend and enjoy the glorious weather.

Until next time...

Public Service Announcement

This week I lead with a public service announcement. Keep your cell phone charged. A charged phone is crucial for emergency roadside assistance. Imagine being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, a dead battery, or worse, in an unfamiliar area. In such moments, your phone becomes your lifeline. It's your connection to emergency services, towing companies, and loved ones who can offer help or reassurance. Rarely, do we find ourselves with no service anymore. Over the past few years, coverage has improved tremendously though there are still areas. I bring this up because this past Friday night, my eldest daughter was returning home from work next to Bass Lake. On her way she was in an accident. She rounded a corner on those windy roads around the lake and came upon several cows in the road. Not having an out to the left, a ravine, or to the right, the forest, she braced for impact as she stomped on the brakes. The impact was severe rendering her car immovable but she was fine (thank goodness for cars that have wonderful safety ratings). Her Toyota Rav4 was totaled. She was obviously shaken. Her first inclination was to get out of the car, since she was in the middle of the road on a curve at night. Smart. Then she attempted to call me. Dead phone battery. Most of the time in our lives, a dead phone battery is an inconvenience, in a time like that it is frightening. She was left to do it the old fashioned way: flag a car down. Not the best back up plan for a young female on a wilderness mountain road in the dark of night. Thankfully, a nice couple stopped but the story doesn’t end there. Instead of getting her charge cord out of her car so she could plug in and call me, she used the phone of the good Samaritan. When my phone rang, I looked like most people do, to see who it was calling. Since it was an unknown number to me, I DIDN’T ANSWER. Thank you, spam calls. She then called my son, who in turn, called me. My goodness, what a night. I am thankful that everyone was alright, except the cow. My daughter now has a backup battery in her rental car and in her purse. She knows, as do I, that without a charged phone, you're left vulnerable, unable to reach or be reached. Cell phones have become so commonplace in our society that we forget the importance of the device in our absolute time of need. Though I will never tell my daughter because she made the right call getting out of the car in the middle of the road.  Her charge cord was in the car and the key could still be turned to “accessory mode” so her phone could get power. In the panic stricken adrenaline rush of the aftermath, that thought was lost. So, the bottom line here is to make it a habit to keep your phone charged, especially before long drives. It's a small step that could make a big difference when you need it most. Have a tremendous weekend. (cue Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake - Better Days)

Until Next Time...

Believe in the Magical, Not Magic

At the heart of every school lies a certain kind of magic. One that isn’t spun from spells or enchantments but from the everyday moments of wonder and connection that make our work truly special. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the "magical" rather than the "magic" in our classrooms.

I believe in the magical, not magic. Forget wands and potions, I don’t need or want them because I am an educator. There is a kind of magic happening in our schools every day that doesn’t require any sorcery. It’s the everyday wonder of learning and teaching that turns ordinary moments into something truly special. Specifically, just take a moment to think about the little victories in your day with students. How about the moment when the light bulb truly goes on inside the head of the student as they finally grasp a concept. The sparkle in their eyes is magical. These aren’t the results of enchantments but rather the product of hard work, dedication, and the belief that extraordinary things can happen in the classroom. They happen because you meticulously plan for them. The trick is to stay motivated everyday and keep the magic alive. I think it starts with embracing the magical moments. It’s okay to high five a student, or just the air for that matter. Pump your fist at the small achievements and you will feel your energy rise. This will also help to build the connections with your students that will ultimately lead to more magical moments. The cycle can remain unbroken with your enthusiasm. It will breed excitement for learning. Most importantly, when the day is done, reflect. Talk to colleagues about the magical things we witness every day. By focusing on these moments, we can find inspiration in the familiar and celebrate the remarkable journey of learning. So, let us all believe in the magical, because we have witnessed it. The next time you experience it, give pause, smile, and perform a little champions dance. It is what inspires teaching. So dance like nobody's watching, and if they are, smile and wave. They just witnessed the magical.

Until next time...

Grace

This past weekend my oldest son became engaged. If you are anything like me, all I want for my kids is to be better than me. When I say that, I am talking about their character, not the money they make. I try daily to be a better person than the day before. I am far from perfect and I know I have made some big mistakes in my life. I challenge myself daily to be better than I was yesterday. For my children, I want the same. I would always tell them to just be better tomorrow. So back to my son and his engagement. When asked on a video that he produced for the engagement announcement, he said, “She shows and gives me grace. She makes me a better person.”  Grace, in its simplest form, is the quality of being kind, understanding, and forgiving. It is elegance and refinement of movement and action. When I heard that, it was hard to hold back the tears of joy. My son said it so well so I decided to write about it. I wish all educators grace and the ability to identify it. In the classroom, it means extending patience and empathy to our students as they navigate their educational journey. It’s about recognizing that each student comes with unique challenges and strengths, and meeting them where they are, rather than where we expect them to be. Grace also plays a vital role in our interactions with each other. As a team of educators, we will inevitably face challenges and moments of stress. It’s important to remember that each of us is bringing our best to this work, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t go as planned. In these moments, offering grace to our colleagues, through understanding, support, and encouragement, helps to build a positive and collaborative environment. Moreover, grace allows us to be forgiving of our own mistakes. As we strive to provide the best for our students, we must also recognize that we are human and will encounter setbacks. Embracing grace means allowing ourselves the space to grow from these experiences without harsh self-judgment. Grace. It doesn’t get more impactful than that. May you have a wonderful weekend. (cue Sheryl Crow - Soak Up The Sun)

Until next time...

Gold Medals

Wow, can you believe we’ve already wrapped up the first week of school? It feels like the week just blew by us. This week has been full of fresh beginnings, laughter, and the wonderful energy that accompanies a new year. I loved seeing the joy in our students' faces and witnessing the amazing work each of you has put into making the start of this year fantastic. As we celebrate the end of our first week, I must confess, there’s another excitement that’s been capturing my attention—Paris 2024! Yes, the Olympics are ending this weekend and I am a bit sad about it. I’ve been absolutely enchanted by the coverage, like I will be again when the Winter Olympics start in 2 years. The blend of athletic prowess, national pride, and the sheer spectacle of it all has been a delightful distraction. Isn’t it fascinating to watch athletes from around the globe compete with such dedication? There’s something incredibly uplifting about their stories of hard work and perseverance. Plus, the Parisian backdrop adds a touch of charm and elegance that makes the whole event feel like a grand celebration. The whole thing is a reminder of how special our world is. Though the Olympics have given us much to celebrate, let us not forget the small victories we have achieved this week. Yes the big victories may happen that make us want to pump our fist or high five the air, but it is the small victories that really make our day: students walking into class silently, becoming quiet the first time you ask, and maybe just doing what they are supposed to do without redirection. For a teacher, those are the gold medals. Carrying on into next week, let us continue to inspire our students and support one another with the same spirit we’ve seen in our Olympic team athletes.  Here’s to a fantastic start to the school year. Wishing you all a relaxing and joyful weekend. (cue Jason Mraz - Have It All)

Until next time...

The Importance of Tradition and History

Sometimes when the workload piles up, it's easy to overlook the significance of tradition and history for the administrator. Yet, these pillars form the bedrock upon which educational institutions have been built and continue to thrive. Let’s delve into why honoring tradition and history is crucial in shaping the future of education.

Tradition in education encompasses a myriad of practices, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down through generations. I'm not talking about the "used to bes" that we all hear from time to time. The idea that "We used to do this" or "We used to be so much better". That is not tradition. That is someone's desire to be better without a plan for how. Many times however, I would have to agree with Neil Diamond in his duet with Barbara Streisand when he sings, "But used-to-bes don't count anymore, they just lay on the floor 'til we sweep them away".

Though that may be the case Neil, there are some traditions and history that should remain. Take, for example, the rituals surrounding graduation ceremonies. The cap and gown, the solemn procession, the handing over of diplomas. These traditions evoke a sense of accomplishment and continuity, connecting today’s graduates with those who came before them. Such rituals instill a sense of pride, belonging, and respect for the institution and its values.

History, on the other hand, provides context and perspective. Every educational institution has a story to tell. It important for the leadership to be good stewards of the story because this narrative shapes the institution’s identity and sets the course for its future.

Knowing and understanding this history allows students and educators alike to appreciate the challenges and triumphs of the past. It instills a sense of responsibility to carry forward the values that have guided the institution through decades or even centuries. Values like integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence can be rooted in that history. 

Recently I became the Superintendent of one of the oldest school districts in the State of California. That history was unknown to those around me. When I talked about my discovery, there was a sense of pride that began to develop. We are now caretakers of that history that started before the Civil War in 1857. This history creates an opportunity for students and staff to connect with those long since past that walked the halls and faced similar challenges becoming ambassadors for the institution. 

While tradition and history provide a solid foundation, they should not stifle innovation. Education, by its very nature, must adapt to meet the needs of a changing world. Innovations in technology, pedagogy, and curriculum are essential to preparing students for the challenges of the future. In a phrase, we are either expanding or contracting. There is no in between. By understanding what has worked in the past and why, educators can build upon that foundation to create new and effective approaches to teaching and learning.

I love the history of education. I guess I am a nerd in that way. I see tradition and history as guiding lights that illuminate the path forward, not just relics of the past. It reminds us of our roots, anchors us in shared values, and unites us in a common purpose. Let us learn from the lessons of history and honor the legacies that have shaped our present. By doing so, we ensure that future generations will inherit not only knowledge and skills but also a deep appreciation for the timeless principles that underpin a truly transformative education.

Until next time...

A Continuous Cycle of Improvement

At the core of sustained school leadership lies a commitment to a continuous cycle of improvement. Effective leaders understand that the journey to excellence is ongoing and dynamic. The leader should place importance on fostering a culture where feedback is not only welcomed but actively sought, creating an environment where both leaders and educators engage in reflective practices to refine their strategies and methodologies continually.

At the most basic level, of course, is data. As a leader, it is crucial to collect data points that have meaning. Collecting data and developing reports take time away from other tasks. Therefore, thought should be put toward what type of data you want to see and be able to interpret. 

Data that was always important to me as a high school principal were attendance, discipline, and grade data (though this is very subjective). These are the Big 3 as I call them. If you are not looking at these, then you should. 

First, if kids are not in school, then achievement will drop. Look at chronic attendance rates. If they are high, then your school has a challenge. Begin parent meetings to make a plan for how to get the students to school. When students are in school they will achieve more. 

Next, look at your discipline reports. If certain students are having challenges, find out why. Get to the root of the problem and interrupt the cycle. 

Finally, look at grade data. Look deep into the progressions. Compare the grades to achievement on local benchmarks. What I have found many times is that grades do not align with achievement. 

Of course, there are plenty of data points that can be collected, but the Big 3 are the most important place to start. These should be regular reports that are reviewed by the site leadership team. 

Until next time...