Refreshed!

I am flying home from San Diego, California as I write this latest blog post and reflecting on what an action-packed, learning-filled trip we have just experienced. 4 staff members from our school, plus an additional 17 members from our school district, were in Southern California attending the National Title I Conference as well as visiting elementary schools in the Chula Vista School District.

What had originally drawn us to the Title I conference was being selected to present a session on the journey of school improvement. The theme of our presentation was how to make it a positive experience for your school, students, and community when you are designated as a school in improvement, and we outlined the work our school has done in the past 3 years. On a personal note, having come to this school 3 years ago as a classroom teacher, and now principal, it was an especially meaningful presentation.

The team! Getting ready to present
at the National Title I Conference

Our team of six included one classroom teacher, our special education teacher, literacy facilitator, district Title I supervisor, and our district’s curriculum director, plus myself. Presenting to a packed room of educators from around the country was a fabulous experience for our team. However, what was even more fascinating was how it rejuvenated the team - and the work – in just the right time of year where we tend to feel a bit of a drag.  

As we prepared for our presentation in the weeks leading up to the conference, there was a sense of pride among the team members and amazement of all that we’ve done in a short amount of time. The rest of our staff rallied around the team expressing key pieces of information to include in the presentation. Several parents wished us good luck as we left to tell our story and students were excited to be in photos displaying some of our programs and initiatives. While only 6 of us presented, it felt as if the entire school community was with us in San Diego.

As the presentation room filled – first the chairs, then the floor space, and finally the doors were closed because we were far above capacity, I could see the team get a little nervous. We were able to keep in mind who this was really about – all the kids in our schools. The presentation went well and the feedback from the session’s participants was very positive. The team left feeling excited and proud, not just of their part in the presentation, but of the larger journey we have taken in school improvement.

                                                                                                                                

As we stated at the conclusion of the presentation, we are nowhere near done yet…we have not arrived yet…our test scores are not yet glamorous. However, we hope the message of our journey helps to show how a school can truly benefit from a state designation.

Our presentation was on day 2 of our week-long trip and set the tone for an inspiring conference experience. Each of us brings back memories and stories to tell about our presentation, but more importantly we are bringing with us ideas, tools, and strategies to try out in our continued strive for excellence in teaching and learning as we meet the needs of all learners.

As we sat in the airport this morning and as we chat on the plane, there is excitement among the team members - a new sense of urgency, a rejuvenated energy, and eagerness to get back and continue our journey.

Can’t wait to see the 530 faces of KIDS who remain the #1 reason I love my job! 

My 5 Co-Presenters...our presentation was the day after the SuperBowl.
Being from Seattle, Seahawks decorations were a must! :)