Monday Moanin Thoughts #203 It Is Not Too Late For A Spring Message

Welcome to this edition of Monday Moanin Thoughts. I am assuming that many of you are just returning from a much needed spring break. My mentor always encouraged me to write a welcome back message to staff as they return from their break. The goal is to set the stage for the final weeks of  the school year. Below are two prompts from other leaders that they sent to their staffs.

Staff;

I have been thinking that in light of the tremendously negative messages from our media and local government lambasting us for our profession, what would be something I could say to make everyone feel even the smallest bit better?   “We’re all in this together”, “How preposterous all of this is…” , etc. doesn’t seem to cut it for me. I value the work you do tremendously, and I want you to know that. I look forward to hunkering down and striving to find productive solutions because even if our state government cuts and changes the landscape of our budget, which in turn may change some of our practices, they cannot change who we are, and that is what I believe in. We are not money, programs or budgets. Who we are, individual and collectively, is where I put my trust, and that is what makes me happy to come to work every day. Thank you for all you do.

Another Principal shared this last year with staff  after returning from break.

Welcome back. I trust that you had an enjoyable break with lots of  rest. I am excited to be back and am looking forward to a positive spring term. I want to remind you that many of our students struggle to stay focused during this time of the year. It is critical that you continue to be well planned  with engaging lessons and  have high expectations for your classes. Be reminded that you set the tone. It is also critical as Marzano reminds us, “Show interest in your students lives, advocate for them, never give up on them,  and with good relationships in place, all other instructional strategies seem to work better.” Thanks for all that you do and working together we can have a great spring and finish the year well.

As leaders, we must consistently provide the hope and direction for our school community. Returning from a break or beginning the last marking period of the year is a great time to reinforce your mission and vision and support your staff. Find the themes that work for you and be intentional in communicating them. Above all, be proactive and let your staff know that you care and respect  them and their efforts. Communicate!