Celebrate Mondays!: 8-15-14

THINK WIN-WIN

"You only get one first day of school-Inspire them!"

PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST

8/18 Teachers Return-Happy 2014-15 School Year

8/19 Special Ed Certificated Staff Mtg. @11:00-3:30

8/20 Special Ed Classified Staff Mtg. @11:00-12:00

8/21 Mini Open House & District BBQ/Wellness Faire

8/21 Cooperating Teacher Orientation @3:30-5:00

8/22 Work Day for Teachers

8/22 Leadership @1:00

SYNERGIZE

WOW!!! What can I say-The Professional Symposium Days were Spectacular! Where do I even start?

*Kudos to Terry Decker for all of his organizational expertise!

*Big Drops in the Bucket for our TOSA's (Angie, Jo, Cara, Katy and Stephanie) for absolutely ROCKIN' their sessions!! What amazing teacher leaders!

*A big round of applause for all of our teacher and outside presenters-Great content and very well delivered!

***Great big Thank You's to***

*Monica and Melani for all of their hard work ensuring that everything was copied, that the classrooms were organized and stocked with everything that they need and the hundreds of other things that they did to make this event run so smoothly and look so professional!

*The Solana Pacific staff for so graciously hosting the event...again!

*The Incredible Tech Team for giving away their best gift ever-Knowledge that we can all use! Not to mention making sure that all of the tech was ready and working for the PD days!

*Our School Board and Superintendent for supporting these two days and valuing the importance of Staff Development for our teachers!

*Another Drop in the Bucket for Sal Gumina on another very successful New Employee Orientation! And a big shout out to Casey Choate for all her efforts to get all of our new employees processed! I think we set a record for new hires this year!

*Positive energy for Nancy and Carlos as they continue to navigate some sensitive issues-they joys of being "at the top!" We love you!

*Congratulations to all of our Principals as they get ready for the new school year! I know that the first couple of weeks back are incredibly busy and stressful-but they are also very exciting! I wish you all a FABULOUS new school year!

*Lastly, Thank You to everyone for their active participation during the Admin Retreat! We have such an EduAwesome Team!! It is a real honor and privilege to work with all of you!

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

Blogs/Articles/Videos for Principals/School Leaders
*50+ Resources for School Leaders
*Quick Ways to Model "Digital Leadership"

*11 Time Saving Advice that you probably haven't considered
*SAMR Model for Administrators-How to use technology to Redefine the way we lead

SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND

Blogs/Articles/Videos for Teachers

*Another year begins...(A heartfelt account of what it means to be a teacher)

*5 ways to make your classroom more student-centered
*5 Questions every educator should ask themselves
*Awesome Chart- Alternatives to Traditional Homework
*Bunch of iPads in your class-Need a quick start of ideas?
*Wonderopolis-An EduAwesome Website-Here's how one teacher uses it daily in her class

BE PROACTIVE

What is your 5 word GPS? You may remember that I posted a video on the last Friday Focus Blog in June by Dave Burgess-of the Teach Like a Pirate fame. (He's also great to follow on Twitter) I am reposting this week because I think it is a great way for all educators to start the year. What is your 5 Word GPS Video? If we don't know where we are going, how can we set our course? I challenge ALL of us to determine AND tweet (don't forget #sbsdedu) what your 5 word GPS would be for your school (or department) this coming year-How do your actions support your GPS? Click here for Video