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.