Remember to Relax

Today is my son's 2nd birthday. I had promised my wife Cindy that I would take the day off. Easy enough.... ya , right. By 8am I was answering phone calls. Needless to say I was really frustrated and was on the phone a lot and eventually had to go in to clean up around our new pavilion to prepare for our back to school bbq tomorrow.
It's so important to take time to take care of yourself and your family. Keeping your emotional cup full is very important to doing an effective and positive job. If you are empty then you have nothing to give out to those around you, including kids. This can truly be dangerous. I got home early enough and watched Luke drive his new John Deere 12v tractor around the driveway like a pro. I'm fuller now.

The Building is Burning, The Building is Burning

Well, 1 1/2 weeks till the beginning of a new school year. I really can't wait and I'm excited but the drama is beginning already. Let's see.... Everyone needs everything....from me... and Kathy... my beloved secretary.

A parent "politely" told me today that I don't care about kids.... okay....I've dedicated my lifes work to them or maybe it's because I'm not willing to break the law to accomodate her child in all day every day kindergarten... you be the judge.

Question: Do you ever wander if parents really don't mean the hateful and hurtful things that they say and maybe their are just being manipulative or do they really mean it? Hope not.
I'm afraid I may be getting more comfortable at being "honest" right back..

Have a good one

It's the Law

Spent the day at a school law update. I think the law itself is somewhat interesting and exciting. Let's be honest... It's problem solving, of course it's not always about the right answer but more about being right. It's amazing to share and listen to all of the legal nightmares that other principals including myself come into contact with on a day to day. Of course it's nice to know that you are not alone.
I got some "oh my gosh's" today talking about my experience with the FBI this past year. What have been some of your experiences? What are you currently dealing with. Feel free to let us know.

The Staff

I wanted to take a moment and talk about the awesome staff we have at Lexington. This is a "crew" that gets it done. They work hard for kids and take care of one another. I've been at Lexington for going on now 4 years and continue to enjoy the daily convesations with the team that we have. Here's a pic of some of the team showing off their "bling, bling".

Here We Go....

Well... I've been thinking about getting started with this for some time now. I guess it's time. Spend a day with Alan November and you realize that you are behind the times even when you thought you were in front of them.

I've been enjoying my summer break although work is still required. I'm looking forward to the kids coming back. I've really enjoyed spending time with Luke and Morgan and especially Cindy.

I'm looking foward to using this blog to journal my experiences as an elementary principal and hopefully encourage elementary principals and create ways to communicate beyond the norm.