Feel the Passion

Each week I start off with a quote and email it to the staffulty (faculty and staff) Here’s this week's Tip of the Week #19 - “Leaders think and talk about solutions. Followers think and talk about problems. “- Brian Tracy

This quote encouraged me to think about the endless possibilities that we give our students and each other at our school. It also makes me realize the significance of including everyone. It makes me realize, most importantly, how significant it is for teachers and administrators to connect with the students in the classroom and at school related events.

Last week, we hosted the PennJersey Collaborative JostensRenaissance Leadership Conference. (It’s a mouthful.) This was an opportunity for all school stakeholders to connect. We had 25 breakout sessions with speakers from as far away as Kansas. (We are in NJ).The biggest thrill that I received as principal of a middle school was to see our students facilitate breakout sessions and give tours of our school.

“The great things happening in our schools are nation’s best kept secrets.” Larry Biddle 

When educators walked around our school to take pictures and ask questions about how we approached school culture, we made connections that will allow us to fine tune the quality of our process. At times, our optimism gets lost in the bureaucracy of politics and blind faith in mandated accountability. This time, we came together at a time to celebrate success and commonality instead of crises and tragedy, bureaucracy not included.

We started the day with a pep rally to revel our connections of education and human spirit. Our theme was “We Rock.” The rest of the day was filled with breakout sessions in three rotations. Even the lunch had a feeling of collegiality that was jammed with enthusiasm and anticipation of new ideas.

One of our teachers says it best in her email to me. As for me, it was a day that made me proud that I chose the noblest profession of all, one that makes me feel like I make a positive difference in our future.

“I woke up Friday not feeling well, but knowing we were hosting the conference gave me the strength to come into school. The pep rally was one of the best I have ever seen!  The energy in the room was awesome.  I was sitting near Charley Nelson and watching the smile on his face was priceless.  Both the kids and teachers all seem to enjoy every second of it.  Throughout the day I heard people saying such great things about our school and our students that it almost brought tears to my eyes I was so proud.  Even in the bathroom there were teachers taking pictures (we have murals and quotes) to share with their schools when they returned.  I found myself last night thinking again how truly fortunate I am to be a part of such a great school.  I know it was a team effort, but none of it would have been possible without you.  You are truly an inspiration to so many teachers and students.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”  

“We don’t need a herd of chickens. We need a team of eagles.” Rudnesky