Training...

Today was all about prepping for Accreditation.

Betsy's Letter

Today I had the honor of recommending our Teacher of the Year, Betsy McCall, for DCPS TOY. Her recommendation letter was a breeze, kinda like Betsy. How could it not be easy to explain how someone has a heart big enough for every person they come in contact with. Empathy, Compassion, Acceptance.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am beyond grateful for so many things, especially for my Chets Creek family! I am so glad my life has been touched by such incredible children, parents, teachers and staff. This week I got a wonderful letter from one of my incredible third graders - I'm also glad they choose me for you!

The Creek Cares

Tomorrow one of my precious teachers undergoes surgery for thyroid cancer. She's going to be fine but times like this are very trying and during the trying times is when the folks at the Creek show support in force. Between the faculty, staff and PTA Board members over $1000 was collected and presented to her this morning at a surprise breakfast. There is no more caring group of people on the planet and I am touched daily by their incredible spirit. Biggest lesson in school today...nothing is more important than for us to take care of each other, especially when we need it most!

The Tradition Continues...

My 18th Kindergarten Pow Wow was today and it was just as special as the first. What an incredible learning experience for students. One of my favorite days of the year!

Amazing Math

I'm always so amazed at the way a student's mind works, especially in Math. In third grade today they were using a wide variety of strategies to solve and prove problems - from ratio tables to division clusters - wow! I was especially blown away by J's out if the box thinking when it came to dealing with remainders in his division cluster. Just brilliant.

Conservation of Cardinality...Yep!

I learn something every single time they meet. Wow! We are so lucky to have these mathematicians leading our work. Today we got a sneak peek of some new work on CPALMS around the common core. Do you know what Conservation of Cardinality is? I do!

Whew! What a Day!

Training in Close Reading this morning followed by an awesome PLC Principal's group at a friend's school this afternoon. Awesome Family Night dinner at Chets followed by K Make and Take and 5th Grade Walk and Talk to showcase their Native American studies. So many highlights - absolutely loved touring another school today! It also didn't hurt that the baby teacher I had to surplus there practically jumped into my arms when I surprised her. She loves her new school but it was nice to be missed.

Heart Beat...

Today did not go quite as planned...but then it often doesn't with 1250 students. During the middle of an observation I was called out for a medical emergency - for a student. Nothing will make your heart beat faster. I'm good in a crisis, I can quickly assess the situation, make decisions and stay calm. Today I was grateful to have a loving para, dedicated sub, experienced teacher and responsive front desk clerk with me. It took all of us to manage this. They handled it perfectly - the picture of true compassion. The child is fine and this principal's heart beats normally again.

Anything To Get Kids To Read

Today we kicked off our Readers to Leaders challenge to read a million words this year! To celebrate our students for meeting their first reading goal of the year and keep them motivated I allowed myself to be turned into a banana split! My children know I'll do anything to get them to read - and they promised to reach that 1,000,000 word goal!

I Voted...Did You?

Made it through a crazy, hectic day at school, grabbed my 15 month old and made it to the polls on time. I informed myself on the issues, made decisions and voted! Did you?

Today's a Long One

Tonight I got to spend time with two amazing groups of parents. Our hardworking PTA Board and School Advisory Council. So thankful for their commitment to help Chets be the best school for all stakeholders!

CCE Clothing Exchange/Giveaway

Friday night the Dining Room was transformed into a clothing store for our second annual Clothing Exchange/Giveaway. This is a great idea conceived by one of our awesome teachers and PTA moms for families to send in gently used children's clothing and then make them available to other families for free. There are even many items with the price tags still on them!! Doors open in 18 minutes...

Trying To Be A Big Girl Is Tough

For the third time since I became a principal I had to stand in front of my faculty and tell them that one of their colleagues has cancer. I tried so hard to be a "big girl" and keep my emotions in check - it happened only long enough for me to look up into their eyes. The faculty reacted with concern and an immediate desire to help, just like I knew they would. I think that is a big part of what always touches me most.

Prime Partnership (let's pretend it's yesterday)

Disclaimer: Wrote this post yesterday but never published apparently...that in and of itself should speak volumes.

I meet with our longtime partners at Chets Creek Church today. They have been such supporters of our mission the entire 15 years there has been a Chets Creek Elementary. Partnerships with the community are of prime importance to success in schools. I am grateful beyond belief for their extraordinary vision and outreach to us.