Being a part of changes in a district allows for new opportunities, but it is not always easy. I am currently the principal of a K-2 elementary school in a lakeside community about 20 miles north of Kansas City in Missouri. We house approximately 500 little people who make our school the happiest place on Earth! With the passing of a bond and levy in our district, a 3rd elementary is being constructed and the elementary schools will become Pre-K through 6th grade neighborhood schools in the fall of 2018. There are many benefits to this change, which include less transitions for students, the opportunity for student peers outside the primary grades, shorter bus rides for students, and increased instructional time. There are also many emotional changes to work through...the reorganization of staff to 3 buildings being the most recent emotional change. To combat this change, we find the positive in the hard times. Following the placement announcements, I shared the following message with my staff... This weekend I started reading Culturize by Jimmy Casas. It was the perfect book for me at the perfect time!! (I also had a lot of fun creating #BookSnaps to highlight my learning on Twitter!!) Jimmy Casa defines "culturize" as to cultivate a community of learners by behaving in a kind, caring, honest, and compassionate manner in order to challenge and inspire each member of the school community to become more than they ever thought possible. When Jimmy talks about leadership, he is referring to teachers and school leaders. Collectively, everyone has the capacity to lead, and everyone is responsible for the culture and climate of the organization. Reflect on these words from Jimmy, "No one person is responsible for determining your success and no one is responsible for your morale but you." Our positive culture at Maple Elementary is due to every person that makes up our staff. Even with the changes ahead, that morale is part of YOU!! Carry it with you as we spread to three buildings next year. YOU are responsible for keeping it going...spread the passion! You've got this! Thank you for showing up everyday for students, colleagues, and our Maple families! I admire your positive attitudes, smiles, and hard work! You make the warrior family great, and you matter!!
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Dr. Rena Hawkins
I am the Principal of Maple Elementary School in Smithville, MO, and co-host of the #ShareMOEdu podcast. I am passionate about teaching and learning while supporting a school environment that promotes a positive climate. #ShareMOEdu airs every Thursday on iTunes and PodOmatic, highlighting an educator who has a positive message to share. Archives
January 2020
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