This is a perfect time of year for everyone to practice gratitude. Consider taking action by making a commitment to seek out ten people and thank them for who they are and what they do for others. It can be students, staff members, community members, or family. This small act is a powerful way to appreciate one another. By practicing more gratitude and acting with more optimism, researchers believe that good health is enhanced. Read more
Welcome to the first Monday Moanin of November 2013. In many school districts this week marks the end of the first quarter marking period. This is a great time to reflect and set new goals and focus areas for the next quarter of the year. I want to share three suggestions for you to consider focusing on this week. Consider giving them a try. Read more
Welcome to the final October Monday Moanin of 2013. For today’s blog , I am posing 5 questions about education. Consider using them at staff meetings, PTSA gatherings, and among colleagues. They will provide a fine opportunity for discussion and reflection. Read more
Happy October 2013 and here is wishing you all a great Monday Moanin. I just spent this past weekend with my family up in Traverse City, Michigan. It was a spectacular time. The colors were beautiful, the air was crisp, the weather cooperated, and the clear views allowed you to see for miles. Read more
Hello everyone and welcome to the latest edition of Monday Moanin Thoughts. Over the first seven weeks of the 2013-14 school year, I have met with several building administrators to discuss their work. I consistently come away with many impressions. Read more
Welcome to the first Monday Moanin in October 2013. The colors are already beginning to change across Michigan as the 2013-14 school year moves on. To assist you in your work, I thought it was a great time to share some of my favorite quotes that inspire me. Hopefully one of these will resonate with you and may guide your efforts this week. Here are my top five for this week. Read more
Happy Monday Moanin. Please read this archived post from a few years ago. Now more than ever it is essential that everyone work together in schools to help all learners achieve and be successful. The time is now to focus on respect and support one another. We are living through an unprecedented time of attack on public education. Issues range from an over focus on testing to loss of individual benefits and compensation to loss of local control. Read more
Most schools in the Midwest just finished their first week of the 2013-14 school year. Building principals and their staffs have endured several professional learning days in preparation for the opening. As I reflect back on my years as a building principal , I remember experiencing the first week with students exhausted due to planning and facilitating the opening of a new year. Read more
Monday Moanin thoughts this on this September morning is especially challenging because today signals the end of summer for many of you. Today is also Labor Day . A day when we celebrate working people across America. There are many challenges across our country with high unemployment, growing poverty, and a movement towards privatization of services that have cost several of our colleagues their jobs or a reduction in pay and benefits. Read more
