The Dream Lives…

I am home today in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King’s contributions and sacrifices. I stress the word “observance” because today is not Dr. King’s birthday, nor is it the date of his assassination. Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929 and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. His contributions are beyond noteworthy and speak volumes to those who believe in equality for ALL people. The “believers”, I included, are likely to have a repertoire of Dr. King’s quotes. His colloquial words have served to motivate and inspire those who are charged with the responsibility of preparing children to be Leaders of Tomorrow. As Dr. King elegantly professed, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”    

While mantras may simply motivate and spark action when they are recited, quotes that transcend time serve as the catalyst for forward thinking and action. I share with you, how our awesome teachers are discovering our Masterpieces and are living proof of Dr. King’s vision. We value education, it’s in our DNA!

On any given day, at any given time, our teachers are challenging our Masterpieces to think outside of the box and to embrace challenges as rewards that lead to expanded knowledge. Students are required to explain their thinking and to express their thoughts with clarity. Students bravely tackle new objectives knowing that if they persevere, success is guaranteed! By merely, hearing the word “yet”, students reboot and continue with passion! Working as a team and respecting the thoughts of others is highly emphasized. I am delighted when I enter classrooms and find students collaboratively working. Students are patient, considerate, supportive, and confident. They are eager to complete problems at the board and anxious to share their written products with peers. When I see and hear our students “show off”, I am elated! I am equally as impressed with our students who persevere and demonstrate grit!  The determination displayed by EL students learning the fundamentals of the English language is immeasurable. When struggling writers come to my office to share their works of art, I am ecstatic. I visited a classroom and challenged a group of students to a “math off.”  I was tickled to death when a student told his peers, “Dr. Walker-Hood’s graph is wrong; it’s supposed to be 9 not 8.5.” I am proud when our students hold the doors for each other, say “thank you” when they receive compliments, and wait patiently in the lunch line. I was astonished when a student thanked me for issuing a lunch detention and teaching him a lesson.

With each action, spoken and unspoken,  our teachers are accentuating Dr. King’s vision. I am happy to see our teachers smile when students have tackled hurtles with determination and have won! I know our teachers are proud of their students!

I am proud of our students and teachers!

Hooves Up for Perseverance and Determination!

If Walls Could Talk

Don’t become too overly excited by this alluring title. I haven’t hung up my Mustang spirit wear for a Nikon D or Canon ESO. I am not a newly branded paparazzo, although, I am in pursuit of my crown as “Twitter Queen.” I am still a principal of an amazing elementary school filled with young Masterpieces and crafty Artists.

About a month ago, the annual safety inspection was completed in our district. Our school is well maintained and very pristine. Our overly zealous custodial team ensured that our school would past the inspection with top ratings. Stress levels rise when the state authorities enter your building wearing white gloves and carrying clipboards! District administrators, our custodian, and I escorted the inspectors as they toured. While walking, an inspector shared, ” I’ve never seen a gymnasium with so much stuff on the walls.” I paused, without commenting. He continued, ” You’re okay, you pass code, but it’s just so much stuff. I’ve never seen that in a gymnasium.” As the person reading, you are probably imagining banners of league teams hanging from the rafters, maybe some pictures of notable athletes on the accent walls, and a few posters emphasizing sportsmanship. By deductive reasoning, you’ve probably concluded, that isn’t the case in our school! I will admit, our gymnasium, may be overwhelming at first glance but if you take a moment to explore, you will find that it is a cavern of motivation.

On a wall, in large letters are the words: RESPECT, RESPONSIBLE, and SAFE; key terms which accentuate the expectations that we have established with our kids. Additionally, there are numerous quotes prompting positive mindset, determination, and teamwork. There are silhouettes of children playing sports, game rules, and stations where kids can assess their skillsets.  There is even a display that connects to our brand, “Discovering Our Masterpieces!” By each door, images are posted; each kid hits a mark before exiting to assess his or her behavior while in the gymnasium.  A space that is typically viewed as a place to demonstrate physical agility is an environment that transforms the mental and emotional state of our kids.

As I walk the corridors and visit classrooms, I see many visuals that remind our kids that they are special and limitless.  There is a quote which reminds kids to be the “cool kid” that gets along with others.  Several quotes that are displayed on the monitor remind our kids that they are Masterpieces.  Throughout our school, you will also find posters emphasizing positive mindset, determination, and respect. In classrooms and the office, we proudly display our blue ribbons because we are a “Blue-Ribbon” school under construction.    

Our walls speak loudly!

What’s on YOUR walls?

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