It is hard to believe that summer is winding down already! It seems like only yesterday I was walking off of our soccer field after celebrating the class of 2012 graduation, and although it was hot and I was tired, there was some extra "pep" in my step, as I was ready to swap my tie and dress suit for a bathing suit and head down the shore for the summer!
The Sun, however, about to set on another summer vacation. So, how are you planning on beginning the new year? Hopefully it is not going to be more of the same! This is an exciting time in education and no better time to look to make a change in your practice. For those of you heading back to the Principal/A.P. office, here is a great link to provide a few thoughts on how to do things differently this year: http://connectedprincipals.com/archives/6047.
If you are heading back to the classroom, here are two quick reads (I know you don't have much time to spare) that reminds us of the new "Three R's" in education: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glen-lineberry/school-starts-over_b_1716445.html and how to become "connected" educators: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/new-teachers-becoming-connected-educators-lisa-dabbs.
Wait, parents...don't start "belting out" lyrics to "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" so fast! There is one for you to read as well! After all, we are all partners in maximizing your cherub's education, especially in today's high-tech, connected world: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/5-ways-to-teach-kids-to-use-technology-safely/2012/07/30/gJQAbEClLX_blog.html.
Regardless of your role in back-to-school time (and maybe you have multiple responsibilities...I know I do), it is important to know that this is our time, and theirs for a fresh start. My wife and I are HUGE fans of the Olympics, and I just loved London's mantra of "Inspire a Generation". As we prepare to lead our students through the doors of yet another opening day, please try to keep that message in mind. Put down the syllbi...don't pass out the textbooks yet...remember you are not just teaching content, you are teaching kids. Connect with them. Empower them. Inspire them. They are capable of great things...so much more than simply learning reading, writing and arithmetic. http://www.whatkidscando.org/featurestories/2012/07_youth_converts_culture/
I hope you, your staff and your students have a terrific school year filled with innovation and inspration!
No comments:
Post a Comment