This blog is transforming... My school life has been full of change. As 2018 kicked off, I was encouraged by my friend, Adam Welcome, to start a podcast. In February, the Share MO Edu podcast launched with my admin teammate, Dr. Eric Carlin, facilitating as co-host. As we near the end of this year, we are close to airing our 50th episode! This journey has allowed us to meet educators across the US and globally that are making a difference in education. It has changed our lives for the better...I often say, "We didn't know we needed this in our lives!" Meeting and highlighting new guests has encouraged us to #pumpthepositive, grow our PLN, gain confidence in the hard work we are determined to do, and learn that something special is created when you share a piece of yourself with others. As spring emerged, the building I lead was completely packed up to prepare for renovations. Following the final day of the school year with students, construction began as doors and walls were removed and new learning and collaboration spaces were created. In about 3 months $5.3 million dollars of renovations were completed at Maple Elementary. We opened our doors to a combination of new staff, students, and grade levels, transitioning from a K-2 school to a school that houses grades PreK-6th grade. (AND--the 62 year old school looks amazing!) The start of this school year has been a time to re-connect with familiar faces and learn to build a strong school family with new colleagues. We are collecting and using new student data to grow together in grade level teams and as a school. We are challenging each other and ourselves to create a new learning space that makes everyone feel welcome. We are laughing, celebrating, and having a ton of fun along the way! As I mentioned, this blog is transforming. Formerly called "Learncaching", it has been renamed to "Share MO Edu" to match the most recent venture in my learning journey! I am motivated to write again, and I have so much to say as my story continues to unfold...watch out! When Allyson Apsey aired on Episode 15 of Share MO Edu, she talked about the importance of blogging and sharing her voice and encouraged me to start blogging again! She shared the message "...we need your voice!" (I so appreciate this support, Allyson!!) If you look back at former posts on this blog, you will see that I have re-committed to blogging MANY times. It's okay...life happens. I'm sure there will be more gaps in my writing. For now, I am excited to start a new chapter in my blog and continue to share my voice through reflections, idea generations, and ramblings. Thanks for reading!
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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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