First Year Principal - Thoughts from the first weeks...

A whole new understanding of August and what happened to my friend, July?

It is fitting that I’m behind in posting this blog entry…pretty much matches my state of mind right now. Being in the thick of preparing for my first year as a principal has been a monumental learning experience every day.

I eased in to August with a new hire here, and a budget requisition there. Files were organized, the office was decorated, and conversations happened without the ever-present timeline and ‘binging’ of outlook calendar reminders. There were a few times where I boldly thought, “Girl, you got this.”

And then, the District Leadership Institute happened. There I was up front, with a mic in hand, introducing myself in front of 150 district leaders. As the words, “…new principal…” came out of my mouth I couldn’t help but wonder, “WHAT!?” It wasn’t in a frame of being overwhelmed or scared, it was more, “I can’t believe they let me be the principal at the greatest school on the planet!” 

Having already worked at this school in other roles, I am very well aware of its history, as well as our staff, community and, most importantly, our students! As I have told many people this summer, being the principal at this school is my dream job!

As anyone who has ever prepared for a new school year knows, August is one of the craziest times around – it lacks routine and structure, and things come at you rapidly. I love the intensity and the challenge and I would hope others in this role do, too.

I’ve always been a believer of stretching yourself and making yourself uncomfortable in the spirit of growing. When you get too comfortable, you stop growing.  I hope each of you does something that stretches yourself in the upcoming year – how are you modeling professional and personal growth for the colleagues you work with?

No matter what your role in education may be, I wish you a successful, growth-filled school year. Embrace the journey and remember it is okay to tell yourself, “you got this!”  

Stay tuned to this blog for more adventures in the life of a 1^st year principal! :)

A Preemptive Approach to Busy-ness

Time is speeding up as the condition of busy-ness creeps up on educators. Many of us are already filling our days up participating in (and sometimes facilitating) professional development, engaging in meetings, and completing paperwork as we ease back into our school-year lifestyle.

Like fellow educators, I’m excited about making a difference this school year! I know it’s going to be tough as I balance family, work, dissertation, and…life. So, I’m taking a preemptive approach to busy-ness by writing myself a letter that I’ll go back and read on November 2^nd. 

I invite you to join me! Consider writing a letter to yourself this week. Your letter might contain words of encouragement, questions for reflection, and/or a reminder of why you do what you do. Remember to file away a hard or electronic copy of your letter and create an event on your calendar that gives you time to read & reflect in a couple months. 

Below is a copy of my letter. I hope it will give you some ideas!

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Dear Hannah,

It's November 2nd already! I know things are a little crazy right now with marking period just finishing up. It’s time to slowdown, breathe, be present, & reflect. Trust me: This will make you a better leader. =)

1.     What do you think “balance” might mean to you these days? Reflecting on your time & actions lately, where might be some places you see alignment/misalignment with your mission and values? If there’s misalignment, either adjust your actions or update your mission/values.

2.      Read your definition of leadership. How might your recent actions as a leader align with your definition of leadership? If there’s misalignment, either adjust your actions or update your definition.

3.      What have you learned lately?

4.      Review your current professional growth goals. Analyze the progress you made/are making on each goal. Who are you connecting with? Who else should you connect with? Should any updates be made to your action plan as a result of your reflections today?

5.      Decide when & how you’ll take time again to slowdown, breathe, be present, & reflect. Get this on your calendar.

P.S. Here’s a handy copy of your mission, values, & definition of leadership. Tweak if needed & lead on!

·         Mission: My mission is to collaborate, continually learn, and lead in order to support each student in receiving a high quality, whole child Pre-Kindergarten – 12th grade education.

·         Values: Communication that is at the core of who we are, the responsibility to do what’s right for kids, and learning as a way of life

·         Leadership transcends time and space by breathing life into individuals and organizations. Leaders ground themselves in a moral compass; value relationships; cultivate an environment for innovation and creativity; nurture the strengths of others; instigate transformation; and possess the courage to purposefully make a difference.

Cross post: http://edge.ascd.org/_A-Preemptive-Approach-to-Busy-ness/blog/6545126/127586.html