If you want to look at the reason why a school performs well, then look to the relationships that surround the people: student, teachers, parents, community, staff, and what might be one of the most underappreciated roles in public education – the principal. The responsibility of a principal is hard to even describe, much less … Continue reading Principals Need More Respect Than This
Collaboration. Not Competition. That’s What We Need For Public Schools.
“Collaborate” :intransitive verb. Noun form is “collaboration” - 1:to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor Simply put, collaboration as described in that first definition from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary website is the best resource/tool that a school can have and that leaders can encourage. What makes schools work best are the … Continue reading Collaboration. Not Competition. That’s What We Need For Public Schools.
Malcolm’s Minions – A Chance to be Ultra-Cool For a Day
This Sept. 30th, the Piedmont Down Syndrome Support Network (PDSSN) will be hosting its annual Buddy Walk. For those who are not familiar with the Buddy Walk, here is the blurb from the PDSSN.org website: The Buddy Walk® was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month … Continue reading Malcolm’s Minions – A Chance to be Ultra-Cool For a Day
It’s The Third Week of School! – Items of the Week For Sept. 3rd – 9th
Irma Three at One Time Eric Bolling Debt ceiling FEMA Church Reimbursement Mexico Earthquake Utah nurse DeVos and college campus sexual assault Equifax Robert W. Lee IV
“Emptiness” – Concerning the State Superintendent’s Words on School Performance Grades
It is usually a good feeling that accompanies a “congratulatory” note from someone in a position of authority who recognizes hard work and accomplishment, especially in a field that constantly measures performance in such an arbitrary fashion. School performance grades were released by DPI this week and quick to point out any “successes” that could … Continue reading “Emptiness” – Concerning the State Superintendent’s Words on School Performance Grades
Remembering Rodney Ellis – He Would Tell Us to Keep Fighting For Public Schools
I believe Rodney Ellis would be proud of us. While it has almost been a year to the day that we lost this leader, father, and tireless public school advocate, there is still his unmistakable presence among us here in North Carolina. Think of all that has occurred in this last year with the continued … Continue reading Remembering Rodney Ellis – He Would Tell Us to Keep Fighting For Public Schools
Mark Johnson, Those “Dreamers” Are Our Students. Speak Up For Them.
“We are blessed beyond measure to be citizens of the United States, the only nation ever to have a dream named after it. No matter who you are, your background, your neighborhood, or your race; you should be able to go to school, work hard, and reach your American Dream. More of the same cannot … Continue reading Mark Johnson, Those “Dreamers” Are Our Students. Speak Up For Them.
The North Carolina General Assembly’s Greatest Fear – A Well-Educated General Public
(1) General and uniform system: term. The General Assembly shall provide by taxation and otherwise for a general and uniform system of free public schools, which shall be maintained at least nine months in every year, and wherein equal opportunities shall be provided for all students. – NC State Constitution. There is one thing that the … Continue reading The North Carolina General Assembly’s Greatest Fear – A Well-Educated General Public
Happy Labor Day – Items of the Week for August 27 – Sept. 3
Harvey and Houston DACA North Korea JJ Watt NCAA Football Obama Wiretap LA Wildfire Irma David Clarke Kendrick Lamar What Happened “We will heel”, “to bad”, “their was Afghanistan”, “Texas is heeling”, “heroes”
“Everybody Hurts” – Prioritizing Mental Health In High Schools With Some R.E.M.
Everybody hurts. Sometimes. Teach for twenty years in public high schools and you become entrenched in the lives of young people. Thousands of them. Literally thousands. If you take the avocation of being a teacher seriously, then that investment in young people is not confined to the four walls of a classroom and not restricted … Continue reading “Everybody Hurts” – Prioritizing Mental Health In High Schools With Some R.E.M.
caffeinated rage 