October 9

The past week has been full of surprises good and not so good. For starters, I lost two very good teachers. They both had health issues, so they had to do what was best for them. I will miss them both. Its funny how things work out. I just happened to have 2 very good substitutes who have been doing an amazing job of keeping things together. I feel very fortunate thus far. We have decided to departmentalize one of our grade levels during the 2nd semester. As I have been talking to students and helping them set TAKS goals, I've come to the realization that we have very good students. I know we all say that, but actually talking to students individually has given me insight that I would not have otherwise. I have met with all 4th grade students and learned that they have the capability to pass the TAKS or any other expectation we place before them. I'm actually looking forward to the test in 2007. Since I have been meeting with students I haven't visited as many classrooms, but visiting classrooms daily remains a top priority. This week is a short week, but I will complete my interviews with 3rd and 5th grade by Wednesday and return to my classroom visits.

Being a principal requires so much more than being an instructional leader. Many times you have to mediate between parents and the community. You are looked at as the authority in education in your community. If the principal says it, then it must be true! I often laugh at myself when I think of all the things I am required to be by default. I think about my childhood and how I would run the streets with my friends. We played ball, chased girls, and stayed out as late as we could. I even occasionaly got into trouble in school, however I was never a "problem" child. The "board of education" was the final authority in my school. Still, its funny to know that you can never give up on a child just by looking at them. If I can make it, I really know that anybody can.