Daring Greatly

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly...
who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.
-Theodore Roosevelt

I'm reading a new book, having been recently inspired after watching the author, Brene Brown, on Ted Talks. The book is Daring Greatly based on research dispelling the myth that vulnerability is a weakness and argues that it is our most accurate measure of courage. She explains that when we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives. I love it when a book crosses my path that supports me in a time I need it most.

I share the quote because it really resonated with me and our work in education right now, both at a district and national level. We are all in that arena, striving valiantly, and daring greatly.

More to share....

Last Wednesday the Leadership Team was invited to a forum to listen to Dr. Yong Zhao, author of World Class Learners. His message is aligned with our vision for creating learners for the future. Zhao says that to succeed in the global economy, students need to think like entrepreneurs. He has ideas for how to cultivate independent thinkers. There are more videos on Youtube if you enjoy this one. After listening to Yong Zhao present, we certainly were energized and we want to share his message with you!

Dr. Yong Zhao Teacher Forum

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8Kh_OENlyc&feature=youtu.be

Another Youtube video worth a peek...

Derek Sivers: How to start a movement

(thanks for sharing this Lisa!)

http://tinyurl.com/yc8cncj

All those end of year details....

* Please start creating lists at your grade level for assigning students to classes for next year. Then, come share them with me. When we have a final list, you can write next year's teacher on the report cards.

* Report cards will go home with students on the last day of school. The office will create a list of students who have outstanding fees and we will ask you to bring those reports to the office. Parents can get the report cards from the office when they come in to pay their fees. Please direct parents to the office.

* Parents unhappy with class assignments or with questions should be directed to me.

* I will provide you with an end of year check-out list soon. You will need to be signed off on this the last teacher work day.

* If you are planning a Crew get together that last week of school the office needs to know your plans.

Calendar

May 13 - 17:

Monday:

* MaryBeth's winter voyage rescheduled again!

* Brittany's Crew hike

Tuesday:

* RTI 7:15 a.m.

Wednesday:

* All School Meeting

* 3rd Grade Portfolio Showcase 1:30 p.m.

Thursday:
* Kindergarten field work to landfill

May 20- 24th:

Tuesday

* RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.

* Lost Coffee for staff 7:45 a.m.

Wednesday:

* Kindergarten leaves for Camp Elim

* 6th grade Portfolio Review

Leadership Team -
Decision making time and new roles and responsibilities for team members

The district is asking us to identify a teacher from every building who would participate at a district level for training and collaboration in each of the following categories:

* Curriculum & Instructional Leader (CIL)

* Quality Assessment Leader (QAL)

* Data Analysis Leader (DAL)

* Digital Age Teaching & Learning Leader (DATLL)

* Change Agents (must be administrator and BRT)

This isn't new - we did this last year. What's different - they changed the names and hence, the acronyms! I'm putting it out there to see if anyone has an interest in one of these roles/responsibility.

The 'vision' is that this teacher will attend a monthly training meeting at the district level (includes a stipend).

It would be important to have either a strong interest in the area or a budding expertise and you will have an important role in supporting colleagues to have deeper understandings and assist in implementation at a school level.

It makes sense that those folks involved in these leadership positions also have a role on our school Leadership Team. We need a few members of our school Leadership Team to remain, so that we have capacity to continue the momentum we created this year. Both Bill and MarySue will be leaving the team, so we will need at least two new members to the Leadership Team.

If you are interested in a leadership role in one of these district teams and serving on the school Leadership Team next year, please let me know.

Outdoor Learning Environment Workday