Spring Break

Well, we have made it to Spring Break, and the end of the semester is quickly approaching. When we return, we will have testing on our doorstep, Senior Ethics will soon follow, Master Schedule planning, then AP testing, Senior jeopardy lists, and final preparation for graduation. Before all that, we have a week to catch our breath and rest up for the final 9 weeks. My hope is that you take some time to reflect on the year. Our collective success is determined by each one of us identifying our individual obstacles and overcoming them. Once we define them, we can implement a plan to overcome. In my office I have a little sign that says, “Bring It”. I look at it multiple times a day and it reminds me to take on my day with a competitive fire. Bring the hurdles, we will find a way to jump them; bring the challenges, we will meet them; bring the students, we will teach them. Enjoy the week off. You’ve earned it. Go Pups! (cue Go-Go’s - Vacation)

First Day of Spring

The first day of Spring has arrived very quietly and we may be able to attribute it to the fact we really didn’t have a Winter this year. Then again, we all know our Valley weather cycle to be the seasons of Fall-Fog Season-Allergy Season-Summer. Having not had a Winter, we can all count on a really hot summer with water restrictions that will make it more difficult. Thankfully, even with our extreme heat, our Valley is still a great place to be. I know this to be true, because every now and then I get reminded when I travel to other schools. Having made the trip to Compton High School last weekend, I have a new frame of reference that makes me really appreciate my surroundings. Yes, we have our challenges, but in perspective, we need not continue to chase something better. Have a great weekend. Go Pups! (cue Alanis Morissette – Thank U)

Testing Season

The first grading period has past and we are quickly approaching testing season. In no time, we will be at Spring break wondering where the year went. In the meantime, we need to focus on the student in the desk, not the teenage attitude, but the story behind the student. That story has you playing a key role and the ending has yet to be written. You have the power to impact a life. You can be the teacher you remember that influenced your life for the better. The next time someone asks you what you do for a living, tell them you positively impact lives because as Larry Bell puts it, “On your worst day, you are a child’s best hope.” So true. Have a great weekend. Go Pups! (cue Beach Boys – Be True to Your School)

Two week break...

 After missing in action for two weeks, the Weekly Communication returns. No doubt, the Spring semester has arrived fast and furious. Hopefully we will experience a wet and rainy February, so we can swim into March. Whether it rains or not, we all know allergy season is just around the corner. In no time, our our eyes will burn (just don’t rub them), and our noses will tickle causing us to get to the pharmacy. Ah yes…the Valley in the Spring. Before then, embrace the cold weather, rain, and snow. We’ll miss it when it’s gone. Have a fantastic 3-day weekend. Go Pups!

Happy New Year!

 

Another year as arrived and with it, the Spring semester. Before we know it, the warm weather will assault us along with the dress code issues. Before then, let us embrace the cold, hope for the rain, out run the flu, and spend our weekends resting for come what may. Go Pups!

Storm-a-geddon

 

The first major storm has come and gone and although it wasn’t “storm-a-geddon” as some may have forecast, it did drop well needed rain in our area. Yes there was some flooding and power outages, but we were none the worse for wear. All this, of course, came just in time for a weekend of student preparation for finals next week. Thoughts of finals and the weather reminds me of the saying, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” For both meanings, I hope the weather will keep our students inside with their books a bit longer (we can hope!) That being said, have a grand weekend as we get to the business of the final week before break (cue Styx – Too Much Time On My Hands) and Go Pups!

Life Happens

 

Now that Thanksgiving has past, we have the final push to the end of the semester and it will be here before we know it. In all the December craziness that goes on, let us remember the individuality of our students. Every student enters your classroom daily with a story. Life happens for all of us, including our students. Sometimes, what the students will remember most about school, are the times their teacher gave them compassion and consideration. When I think about the teachers I had that were my favorite, I think about the connection they made with me. I worked for them because I didn’t want to disappoint them. Weird thing is, I still feel that way (Yes, Mr. Rose, I’ll watch my grammar and Mr. Ambrosini, life really is about overcoming inertia). That being said, have a splendid weekend (cue The Cars – Let The Good Times Roll) and Go Get’em Pups!