In honor of Dr Martin Luther King’s I Have A Dream Speech, Jamii Hitchcock will share her experiences from her recent trip to Washington. She participated in the re-creation of the March on Washington this past weekend. Jamii is Principal of Beverly Elementary School in Birmingham Michigan. I appreciate her thoughts and sentiments and for her sharing her personal thoughts on this monumental anniversary. Enjoy her powerful reflection. Read more
Ugh! Another Monday Moanin to begin a challenging week. For many of you the 2013-14 school year has started and here in Michigan PD days have begun and students arrive the Tuesday after Labor Day. This time of year can be filled with mixed emotions. It is exciting to be back with colleagues and yet there is a grieving for the loss of freedom and rejuvenation the summer provides. As I reflect on my experiences, the initial months of a new year do not allow for a gradual pace. Lets be honest, you hit the ground running. There are very few days without students for the first couple of months. There are also curriculum nights, open houses, and parent conferences to add to the intensity. There is one effective strategy and affirmation that will help you adjust to your demanding schedule, Stay In Your Lane. Read more
A Monday Moanin in August 2014, what could be better? For many of you the 2013-14 school year will begin in a few short weeks. As a result , many of you are in the planning stages of your opening staff meeting. Around fifteen years ago I attended a week long training on William Glasser’s Choice theory. The workshop was very powerful and the learning enhanced my effectiveness in a positive way. One of my takeaways was a template to introduce myself to learners in class or to staff. It is a productive way to help set the correct tone, communicate expectations and provide clarity for the school year. Over the years I used this template to begin the opening staff meeting with great success. I urge you to give consideration to using it this year. Read more
Here is wishing a happy August 2013 Monday Moanin to all of you. This past week was the Hickey Leadership Group Planning Summit 2013. 127 educators from 12 districts representing over 40 buildings attended. Seth Berg was one of the people who attended and he has agreed to post his blog regarding his thoughts about his experiences at the Summit. Please follow Seth @BergsEyeView and at his website bergseyeview@edublog.org. Thank you Seth and enjoy his thoughts and ideas. Read more
