Monday Musings - May 13

Survive or Thrive?

Benchmark--check. SMI--check. SRI--check.  6 Traits--check. It's the time of year that we are already  checking our students' progress on end of the year assessments (or almost have), now what?  At this time of the year it is common to say we’re just “trying to survive,” but I challenge you with the question...is it possible to thrive until the last day of the school year?

You have all worked exceptionally hard this year and I recognize that it is no small task to maintain the same enthusiasm that you had on September 1st until June 6.  We have had many celebrations this year watching our students grow (while we’ve been growing professionally), yet I’m sure you can also each identify disappointments or set-backs that can wear you down.  In addition, I’m sure your end of year to-do lists are just as long as mine.  It is easy to just count this year as done and start making grand plans for next year; however, we still have 4 weeks to continue making progress with our students.  I know I’ve said it before, but can’t emphasize it enough---the more you stray from your routine/expectations with students or count down the days, the more they will too. 

So, as we make this final stretch of the school year, I challenge you to not just focus on getting things done.  Instead, enjoy the final stretch with your students as you prepare them for the next grade level. Focus on celebrating the successes of the year with them and with each other as colleagues.