Saturday, October 29, 2016

Learning from Others

This past week I had the experience of visiting a friend's school and seeing what they were up to.  I've always been a believer in connecting with others online and learning from and with them. But that is only a piece of the puzzle.  To truly learn from someone you have to see them in action!

Time and time again, I have learned so much more from personal visits to schools rather than conferences, webinars, and trainings.

This week I was able to spend a day at Brad Gustafson's (@GustafsonBrad) school in Minnesota.  Brad and I have been friends for years and talk on a daily basis.  Brad (and Ben Gilpin) have been my constant source of encouragement and coaching as I've entered this administrative world.  I met Brad on Twitter, and over the last couple of years through Twitter and Voxer we've become great friends. Our wives are even good friends now and we have traveled together on several occasions.

It's one thing to hear about things someone says is happening at their school.  It's another to see it in action, especially since Brad was just recently awarded the National Distinguished Principal for Minnesota.

I was so impressed with many things I saw.  From the student work posted everywhere, the amount of teachers trying innovative seating/classroom design options, to the clear focus on literacy (student AND teachers advertising what they're reading), to the friendly little touches such as the welcome mats and signage.  It was a great day with lots of learning.

I share all of this to remind and encourage you of the power of connecting with others.  I always say "no matter where you work and how talented the people are that you work with, your ideas are still limited to the four walls".  Putting yourself out there and connecting on sites like Twitter really does expand your learning and opens doors like nothing else.  Then when you can push those "twitter" connections to the next level, and make face to face learning happen, it's a whole new ball game!






Know someone at another school who is doing exceptional things? Let's go visit!

Week at a Glance

Monday - ALL STAFF Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character
Tuesday - Writing Vertical - 3:30pm - TP room
Foundation Banquet - 5:30pm
Wednesday - Team Leader Mtg - 7:00am
3rd Grade Field Trip (Boenker Attending)
Thursday - 2nd Grade Field Trip (Marvel attending)
Friday - 50th Day of School Celebration (50s Day)
End of Progress Reports Grading Period (3:45pm)

TP Time

We will be looking at and discussing lesson plans this week.  So please bring your lesson plans printed out, a laptop, and your materials for the week.

Monday - 1st Grade
Tuesday - 2nd Grade
Wednesday - 5th Grade
Thursday - 4th Grade
Friday - 3rd Grade

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans should be updated through November 11th

T-TESS

You should be in contact with your T-TESS Evaluator to start setting up observations.  I have already completed two!  It has been such a nice process.  The pre-conference has been GREAT and a much needed add on to our new system.  I really am enjoying this time spent!  HUGE props to Ambrus, Colbert, Wilkinson, Desern, Robertson, and Davis for already getting yours scheduled!

Kids Deserve It

Many of you have asked about Kids Deserve It shirts!  There are the original six colors, the women's v-neck, the neon, and new baseball tees all on sale through next Sunday!  Get yours HERE.

Education Foundation Dinner

I still have a couple of tickets to the Education Foundation Dinner on Tuesday!  I will be sending an email out later this weekend to those who I have written down as attending!  If you don't get an email from me by Monday and you asked for a ticket, let me know!

Blogs/Articles






Jacqueline Woodson (Brown Girl Dreaming) and Matt de la Pena (Last Stop On Market Street) discuss diversity in Children's Books


Birthdays

October 31 - Kevin Bradford
November 3 - Carolyn Hafley

Rockstar Educators

Angela Calkins - Angela is one of our 3rd Grade Math/Science teacher.  I absolutely love any time I get to watch Angela teach.  She is engaging and energetic.  There's so many times that I'm blown away at the knowledge she possesses and is only a 2nd year teacher.  Angela also loves working with our special education population and truly has a knack for them.  I am also super proud of Angela for stepping up into a leadership role when asked.  She has already done a great job and is truly a natural born leader.  I can't wait to see what kind of educator Angela will grow into as this is only the beginning.

Traci Colbert - Traci is our PPCD teacher.  I had the pleasure of sitting with Traci during a T-TESS Pre-Conf this week as well as watching her do a lesson with her students.  I loved sitting with Traci and hearing her talk about her students and what she was going to be doing with them.  I was even more thrilled to watch her in action.  Though Traci's students may learn differently than most, Traci holds them to a high standard.  She is active with them, cares for them with all of her heart, and knows deep down that she is going to do whatever it takes to help them grow.  I am so thankful our little PPCD kiddos have someone like Traci leading their learning.

Sue Ambrus - Sue is our HeadStart co-ordinator.  Sue is probably one of the kindest and most helpful educators we have on our team.  She is the perfect person too to be down at HeadStart leading those kiddos.  She has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience and it is so clear every time I watch her interact with her students.  She also always encouraging and looking to grow, but also help others grow.  She never complains and is the first to ask who needs help.  I am so thankful we're able to learn from and alongside of someone like Sue.

In Closing...

This week I encourage you again to connect with someone new and learn alongside them.  Every day we tell our kids that the number one rule at Webb Elementary is "Be Brave".  It's time we all start using that as our own mantra.  Find something to be brave in doing this week.  Push yourself, ask for help, go observe someone in action!  Remember that us administrators are here to help!  Let us know what you need and we'll do what we can to make it happen!  Together we are making this school the best in the state of Texas! I believe it.



Sunday, October 23, 2016

The Words We Choose

Every one of us know what is feels like when someone shows interest in who we are as a person.  When they truly care.  Each of us also know what it feels like when someone says something hurtful that feels like it cuts us to the core.

Our words are powerful.  Aldous Huxley once said "Words can be like X-Rays if you use them properly -- they'll go through anything. You read and you're pierced."

I have a friend who I met 8 years ago.  His name is Sergio.  He was staying with a family friend of mine as part of a foreign exchange program.  It was his very first time in a country other than his own (Venezuela).  He knew no one. He knew no English.  When you're thrown into an environment like that, it's terrifying.  Sergio quickly learned English though (he really had no other choice!)  Sergio and I, for whatever reason, also became quick friends.  He made it through his year of the Exchange Program and afterwards I went out and spent 3 weeks with his family in Venezuela and experienced a taste of what life was like for him, where no one spoke the language I spoke.

It's been eight years, but Sergio and I finally were reunited this week.  It was like not a moment had passed.  We laughed, we learned each other's languages again, and we had a great time.  It was then that I sat with Sergio as we were reminiscing.  I asked him how exactly we had become friends.  His response hit me and was the reason for the the title of this post.  He said "When I came to this country everyone treated me differently.  I was different.  Some thought I was dumb because I couldn't speak English.  Some people talked to me really slow.  But after being here for a few weeks, you were the first person who asked about me.  Who tried to speak my language and get to know the real me.  What I liked, what I didn't like, about my family.  You really cared."

That simple statement reminded me of how powerful our words truly are.

Our words can build up.  They can connect us, change our lives, and develop friendships we would have never expected.  But as I've seen in my own life and the lives of others, words can destroy to.  They can place mistrust, they can destroy reputations, they can cut you all the way to the bone where you wonder if you will ever heal from the hate that was thrown at you.

Every day we come into contact with others we have a choice with how we use our words.  Whether it's in what we say, the look on our face, of our body language.  Those are all forms of communication.

This week I encourage you to think about the words you're using with your students, your co-workers, and your families.  Let's be extra cognizant about the words we choose.

Week at a Glance

Monday - Becky on Campus (mtg with all teams at conference with normal data expectations)
PreK Field Trip (Marvel Attending)
Staff Meeting - 3:45pm - Cafeteria (BUY A PUMPKIN)
Tuesday - Picture Day (Mallory will call for classes throughout the morning. ABC order)
Reading Vertical - 3:30pm - PLC Room
STEM Night - Webb - 5:30-7:00pm
Wednesday - Moreland on Campus
NED Show at 9:20am in Gym
Thursday - Nesloney Off Campus
Friday - Nesloney Off Campus
House Games (MCd by Marvel)
Kona Ice (all grades will go after their lunch to recess to get Snow Cones)
PEIMS Snapshot Day (Mallory/Walker will probably be very busy)


TP Time


Final week of Lucy Calkins work.

Monday - 2nd Grade
Tuesday - Kinder
Wednesday - 5th Grade
Thursday - 4th Grade
Friday - 3rd Grade


Lesson Plans


Lesson Plans should be updated through November 4th

Morning and CHAMPS

This year we have implemented more CHAMPS expectations and have seen the wonderful results in several classrooms as well as the hallways.  Improvement is needed in the gym during bus duty.  Several children are reading, but there are also several children talking to one another.  In order to remain consistent with our expectations, we have to continue to teach, model, and enforce our expectations.  When children enter the gym, please report to our bus line duty post and remind children of the gym CHAMPS expectations.   Teachers should continue to model appropriate behaviors for the children.  Please refrain from holding conversations or using your cell phone until the children have loaded their busses.  

The morning gym procedures have changed to allow for a more comfortable interactive experience.  The children will be allowed to talk to their elbow partners in a level 1 voice.  Please enforce the level 1 voice level in the gym in the mornings.  Please feel free to use the microphone to redirect the children to use appropriate voices.  Administrators are needed outside for the breakfast line as well as the cafeteria, so we will not always be available to redirect the children.  Floaters should continue to walk through the students enforcing the level 1 voice and when needed redirect the children using the microphone.  If their voice levels are greater than a 1 after one warning, they can sit quietly on level 0 until dismissal.   We are making new CHAMPS posters for the morning gym procedures.  Please see the new poster HERE.

Kids Deserve It


Blogs/Articles










 


Birthdays

October 24 - Lauren Neutzler
October 30 - Jeanette Enriquez

Rockstar Educators

Kitty Tripp -  Kitty is one of our 3rd Grade Math/Science teachers.  Kitty has been such a joy and jolt of energy for our team.  Kitty brings an IMMENSE amount of knowledge when it comes to educational technology and I have loved not only watching Kitty use the tools in her own classroom (and her kids blossoming) but also the heart Kitty shows for constantly sharing with others.  Kitty is always pushing her own learning and asking what she can do better.  She is hungry for feedback but also dead set on doing what's best for her kids at all times; emotionally and academically.  I am so thankful we have someone like Kitty with us!

Julie Brooks - I have loved watching Julie grow over the last three years.  She is such a great teacher and is so good with her students.  She is smart, energetic, and cares deeply.  She has clearly found her place in working with PreK kiddos and I love every time I get to watch her in action.  Julie always looks for feedback and isn't afraid of coming to administration when she has a concern.  I am thankful Julie is a constant learner who will step out of comfort zone time and time again.

Diddy Flores - Diddy is one of our new kindergarten teachers.  So often when I see Diddy with her students I would never have known she was a first year teacher.  She works so hard and has done a great job at taking advice and trying whatever works.  She has reached out to admin as well as other teachers on campus to really help her grow into the best teacher she can be.  I can't wait to watch her grow even more as she becomes an even better teacher.

In Closing....

Like in the opening, remember this week of how our words matter.  Find some way this week to celebrate those around you.  Your team, your students, other staff, and your family.  See how it changes things!




Sunday, October 16, 2016

When We Choose to Serve

So many times I have seen how much our jobs are like those of servant leaders.  We must continually give of ourselves day after day not only to our students, but to their families, our co-workers, and our own families.

Because of how our jobs so easily look like servant leadership I think sometimes we forget that, as good people, we still need to serve others in different ways than just teaching and giving up of time.

This week I was able to help serve food in the cafeteria.  It was something that had been on my "to-do" list for a while.  Monday evening and Tuesday morning before work I took an hour and a half "Safe Food Handler" course and then a 40 question test.  I passed and got certified to handle food!

It was such a joy to serve next to our hard working cafeteria ladies as they serve our students every day, many many many times thanklessly.  I loved the looks on kids faces.  My favorite quote of the day? "Mr. Nesloney, do you still work as our principal or were you fired?"

With the world we live in today, especially with the way our future political leaders act, it is so much more important now that we show compassion and servant hearts towards all.  So often our custodial or cafeteria staff are viewed as "less than" the rest of our school family.  I wanted to show our students that we can stand next to anyone, regardless of stature, race, viewpoints, whatever and still do something good.

I don't share this as a "woah look at me!" story.  There are numerous instances on a daily basis where I haven't served in the way that I should have.  Where I haven't set the example I know I wanted to set.  But life is about learning.  It's about growing.  And it's about continually finding ways to get better.

So my challenge for you this week is to find someone to serve.  Find someone you can give up some of our resources or time to help, to stand next to and work alongside of.


Week at a Glance


Monday - Staff Inservice
All staff Report at 8am
K-5 Teachers will be Assessment Writing in Gym (Please be on time at 8am)
ALL IAs need to report to Front Office to help with things ALL day.
Life Skills and PreK have their own work to get done
School Board Meeting - 6:30pm
Tuesday - Science Vertical Mtg - 3:30pm - TP Room
Tripps Tech Training - 3:45pm
Wednesady - Unity Day (Wear Orange - Anti-Bullying)
RTI Meetings Begin
Kinder 1/2 Day Field Trip (Thomas Attending)
PreK Assessment Training - 9am-12pm
Istation Webinar - 4pm - Library
Thursday - 3rd-5th Grade Field Trip (Thomas, Boenker, Jackson attending)
Laredo Heights HotDog Cookout - 5:30-7:00pm
Friday - PreK Field Trip (Nesloney attending)
Visitor to some classrooms from Venezuela
Face Painting


TP Time

More Lucy Calkins work.

Monday - No One
Tuesday - 1st Grade
Wednesday - 5th Grade
Thursday - 4th Grade
Friday - 3rd Grade


Free Lunch


BIG thanks to Kitty Tripp, Jane Brewer, Vivian Stenseth, and Susan Ballew who took time out of their schedules to attend an EdCamp this weekend.  Each of them will be receiving a free lunch, from the Navasota Restaurant of their choice this week.

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans should be updated through October 28th.

Staff Meeting

Our next staff meeting will be Monday, October 24th at 3:45pm

Education Foundation

I still have a couple of tickets if you're interested in attending.

Kids Deserve It

This week's episode is with award winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes


Blogs/Articles









Rockstar Educators


Jeannie Robertson - Jeannie is one of our 5th Grade Math teachers.  Jeannie is such a dynamic and engaging teacher.  She has high expectations and is always pushing her students to be their best.  But even more so than that Jeannie truly cares about her students.  What I love about Jeannie is that she worked to plan a kickball event every Friday for the 5th graders who were getting all of their work completed.  But more so than that, she (and several others on her team) played with the kids, cheered with them, laughed with them, and more.  It was such a joy watching the kids outside on Friday and how much fun they were having BEING KIDS! I am thankful we have teachers like Jeannie on our campus.



Susan Brak - Susan Brak is our Dyslexia and Reading Interventionist.  Susan is a tireless worker.  She is always pushing herself to learn new things and try new things.  She is insistent that every child will succeed and that she will figure out how to get them there.  She's got a great attitude even when things seem hopeless.  I have loved not only getting to learn from Susan myself, but getting to watch her interact with our kids and see just how deeply she cares for each and every one of them.



Brittney Taylor - Brittney is our Nurse IA.  Brittney has a passion for kids.  But more than that Brittney is always willing to step up wherever needed.  Even on Friday when we were having trouble finding coverage for classes, she came straight to me and told me to use her if I needed to that she would help however she can.  That is the kind of servant heart I was talking about earlier in this post.  Brittney has one of the brightest smiles and has a personality that can light up the room.  I'm glad we have people like Brittney in our school.



In Closing.....


We've got a lot going on these next couple of weeks.  We have many staff members out here and there for a variety of reasons.  It so important that in times of busyness and times of stress that we bring out best and brightest smile.  That we remain patient and every day find ways to serve each other and serve our students. And even more so that we remember to reach out when we need help or when we need even just 5 minutes.  We're in this together!


Friday, October 7, 2016

Find Time for YOU

Sometimes life can feel overwhelming.  We have deadlines, workloads, family stress, and more.  Something that is important for us is to find time for ourselves.  We have to be investing in something isn't related to school.  Otherwise we will burn out.

For some of us that's working out, cooking, running, gardening, reading, going shopping, crafting, and so much more.

It's important we take care of ourselves or else we're not good for anyone else.  Take time for YOU this week.

This Week At A Glance

Monday - Parent Information Meeting about Webb's Targeted Improvement Plan
Tuesday - Fire Drill
Math Vertical 3:30pm - TP Room
Wednesday - PTO Mtg; 5:30pm - Library
Thursday - Delic (our PSP) will be on Campus
Friday - 4th Grade to Blinn
Gradebook Closes for REPORT CARDS
Saturday - EdCamp College Station

Delic (our PSP)

Delic will be on our campus on Thursday.  For this visit she will NOT need to meet with teams because I don't want to take away from your Parent/Teacher Conferences.  If you would like to chat with her, she will be here.  We will also be doing classroom walkthroughs and more.

Report Cards

Report Cards close on FRIDAY at 3:45pm.  Please make sure you're getting things ready for that.  There should be no surprises for parents.

EdCamp College Station

EdCamp College Station is Saturday, October 15th!  It's free and for sure will be awesome.  Register HERE.

TP Times

TP Times will be an extra opportunity for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Monday - 1st Grade
Tuesday - 2nd Grade
Wednesday - 5th Grade
Thursday - 3rd Grade
Friday - 4th Grade


Lesson Plans


Lesson plans should be updated through October 21st


Education Foundation


If you're interested in a free ticket to the Education Foundation Dinner on November 1st, please email Mr. Nesloney

Birthdays

Anna Wilkerson - October 10
Dorton Matthews - October 11
Courtney Moore - October 16

Kids Deserve It

Episode 44 is with educator Stephanie Frosch.


Blogs/Articles





Rockstar Educators

TJ Longabaugh - TJ is one of our PreK IAs.  But TJ is so much more than that.  I have never seen TJ ever sitting around.  She is always busy and looking for something to do.  She is incredibly helpful and will step up in a moments notice.  She cares so deeply about the students at this school.  I have loved working alongside TJ.  She continually pushes me to want to be better and work harder.


Kelsey Kuehler - Kelsey is one of our new 1st grade teachers.  It has been an absolute joy watching Kelsey join our team.  She is so great with her students and connects with them so well. She isn't afraid to get on their level.  She is always open to advice and seeks out help when she needs it.  I can't wait to see what kind of even more amazing teacher Kelsey will grow into year after year.


Alex Anthony - Alex is a 2nd grade teacher.  Alex has such a creative mind and is a natural leader.  What I admire most about Alex is that I don't think she really comprehends or believes just how good of an educator and leader she is.  Alex is patient and constantly striving to do what's best for all of her students.  She wants her kids to have experiences and do something outside the norm.  Our campus is great because we have so many teachers just as great as Alex!

In Closing....

What we can't lose sight of is the simple fact that we have to bring our best for the kids every day. That every day is a fresh start.  A new chance to do something great, to be someone great.

Let's tell our kids each and every day just how special they are.




Sunday, October 2, 2016

Leave It In Your Car

Every day when we come to work, we have a choice.  That choice looks very simple on paper, but in reality it isn't quite that easy.

What is that choice?  That choice is to come to work with all of our baggage or to leave it in our car.

Our students show up to school every day with their own pain.  The absence of a parent and they have to take on the adult responsibilities, the cycle of physical/emotional/sexual abuse at home, the fear of the electricity or water being turned off again, gangs down the street, drugs sold out on the front porch, family member arrested again, little brother sick and no money to get medicine, drunk parent coming home late again, and so on and so on.

When our kids come to school they come longing for a safe place.  A place where they feel loved, appreciated, and wanted.  A place where the monsters go back under the bed for a little while.

They long for a place where they can escape the harsh realities they're forced to live in outside of school hours.

And sometimes they come into a school (or a classroom) where the adults haven't left their own baggage in the car.

Buildings (or classrooms) where they employees are angry and take it out on their students.  A classroom where they teacher never smiles.  A classroom where students are told to sit down, shut up, and do their work.

As adults we all have bad days.  And some of us have more bad days than others.  I am by no means saying that you don't lean on your school family. You do! Go into a colleagues room and just sit and talk and cry.  Go into the office and find a quite space to be alone for a little.  Take a walk around the building to clear your head. All of that is ok!  We all need our "moments".

But what we have to remember, what we can never do, is bring our personal baggage into the classroom.  When we walk into that room, all of our own personal things disappear, and we have to be there completely for those kiddos. And sometimes we have to "fake it til we make it" and put that smile on and bring the energy regardless.  Our kids deserve to have the best, most encouraging, and safest place in the world when they enter your room.

Let's make this week awesome for our kids!



Week At a Glance

Monday - FUNgineering (Prek-2) - Schedule Below
5th Grade CAMP (all 5th go to PE)
Tuesday - Nesloney Out
FUNgineering (3rd-5th) - Schedule Below
Bilingual Vertical Meeting - 3:30pm - TP Room
Wednesday - Nesloney Out
All of PreK (Ts and IAs) Out
Thursday - All of PreK (Ts and IAs) Out
Superintendent Information Mtg 1 (4:00)
Superintendent Information Mtg 2 (4:45)
Friday - Fire Prevention (All Classes go to PE)
Face Painting
Saturday - EdCamp Katy

Prayers

Please keep the families of Lisa Marsh and Doris Banks in your prayers this week.  I'm sure there's many more, but those are two that I'm aware of.

FUNgineering Schedule

Your camp schedules will be changed Monday and Tuesday....here are the new times you will need to report to camp on those days.  Lunches will still be at the same times.

MONDAY - ALL PRE-K - 2nd will Report to GYM (and 5th); 3rd and 4th will have normal CAMP classes.

8:35-8:55PreK
9:00-9:45Kinder
9:50-10:351st
10:40-11:252nd
11:25-12:40Lunch/Conference
12:40-1:254th
1:25-2:103rd
2:20-3:055th

TUESDAY - ALL 3rd-5th will report to GYM; PreK-2nd will have normal CAMP classes.

8:35-8:55PreK
9:00-9:455th
9:50-10:354th
10:40-11:253rd
11:25-12:40Lunch/Conference
12:40-1:251st
1:25-2:10Kinder
2:20-3:052nd

Superintendent Information Mtg.

There will be two different Superintendent Informational Meetings you are invited to attend.  They are both Thursday.  One is at 4:00pm and the other is at 4:45pm.

TP Times

We are beginning Writing Work in TP Times.  You will not need to bring anything except your laptop.

Monday - 2nd Grade
Tuesday - Kinder
Wednesday - 5th
Thursday - 4th
Friday - 3rd

Parent/Teacher Conferences

REMINDER: Parent/Teacher Conference week is NEXT WEEK!  You must meet with every parent from your class.  We are pushing for in-person meetings.  You will have your conference time, before school, after school, and one TP time to plan meetings. If we need to meet parents "where they are" and do home visits we are willing to do that as well.

If you would like to start some of your conferences this week, that is fine too!

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans should be updated through October 14th

Birthdays

October 8th - Sherri Desern

Upcoming FREE PD

EdCamp Katy 
Saturday, October 8 - http://www.edcampkaty.com/

EdCamp College Station
Saturday, October 15 - http://edcampcstx.weebly.com/

TCCA - Aldine - Keynote is Angela Maiers
Saturday, October 22 - http://tccaconference.weebly.com/

Kids Deserve It

Here are two different interviews.  One is with Ike Ramos who is a former educator who now works and does raps for Flocabulary.  The other is LaVonna Roth who travels inspiring educators from around the world.



Blogs/Articles





Rockstar Educators

Aaron Marvel - I wish everyone on campus really truly knew how much work Aaron Marvel does behind the scenes that he gets zero credit for.  In addition to his already full plate, Aaron is a believer in always learning something new and pushing himself even further.  I am so excited about his VLTs and the Assessment for Learning he has started.  I am so thankful we have someone on campus like Aaron who is incredibly researched based but also willing to push the boundaries, try new ideas, and always has a positive attitude. I am so thankful we have leadership on our campus like Aaron.

Courtney Moore - Courtney is one of our 5th grade teachers.  I love how much Courtney loves learning and looking for new things.  Courtney is in her second year of teaching now and I have seen such tremendous growth.  She cares so deeply about her students too.  Courtney has taken over the gardening too and is cleaning up our back pallets (and starting an after school club) to bring gardening to our campus! I am thankful we have so many educators, like Courtney, who step up in different ways to give our kids amazing experiences.

Dorton Matthews - and speaking of amazing experiences, Dorton Matthews has done just that this year.  This year I changed Dorton's expectations a little.  I was tired of having a computer lab that existed as part of a CAMP rotation that just was another chance for our kids to "practice skills" on a computer.  We need to challenge our kids and give them all kinds of experiences, and when I brought the idea to Dorton he was totally on board.  If you did not check out the Cardboard Challenge day on Thursday, YOU. MISSED. OUT.  WOW!  I don't even know where to begin.  The kids had an absolute blast and it was true creativity, passion, and excitement on display.  I am so thankful we have educators like Dorton who are willing to run with new and crazy ideas......because they know it's what's best for kids.

In Closing....

As we go through another week together I want us to remember two things this week....
1.  We can't do this alone.  Lean on those around you for support, encouragement, and a listening ear.  If you don't have those people around you, come up to us in the office.  We all will sit with you for as much time as you need.
2.  Leave the Drama in the Car.  Our kids need us at our best. Every Day.  It isn't easy, but we have to put our own things aside to give our kids a safe and happy place to come into every day.

I am so thankful to work on a campus as innovative and exciting as this one.  Between Cardboard Challenge and House Games, this past week was a TRUE testament at how we are all changing lives and changing this school.  We had 3 different visitors this week.  Two from Humble and one from in the Texas Panhandle.  All left in awe at what we've been able to accomplish in less than two years.  And all were begging to come back and see more.  That's because of YOU.  So, thank you.