Make every day count

Today, I'm in school learning with students and staff.  I retired as a principal in 2022 but have found a new calling as a part-time assistant principal and guest special education teacher in a nearby district.  Today's really not too different than nearly every school day since August of 1987.  But today I really was struck by the fact that 5 years ago I was a principal in a school that I loved, and still love, not realizing that it would be a long time before I was in person with students again.  Five years ago today, COVID became more than just news.  COVID took over the news.  And even five years later, I remember the school day pretty well.

The last day with students was Thursday, March 12th.  We had concerts on Tuesday night (March 10th), my normal morning student assembly on Wednesday (March 11th), and an NJHS induction ceremony during the day on Thursday.  We had heard about COVID but never really thought it would reach little ol' Merton, WI.  (For some context, I often introduce myself as Jay from little ol' Merton where we have two bars, a feed mill, and a stop sign.). We were wrong.  And we had three separate activities that brought a lot of students and families together in our gym.  We definitely had no idea that it would have been best to be six feet apart for any of those activities.

That Thursday started out pretty normal for me.  I got to school early, recorded my video announcements for school, and made sure that all of the classroom doors were unlocked for our teachers.  I headed back to my office to check emails and then headed outside to greet our 7th and 8th graders as they arrived for the day.  There's also a chance I was playing music from my "JammyPack" while the students were hanging around pretending not to listen.  When the students entered the school I spent my time walking the halls, checking in with students and staff to gauge their mood for the day.  I checked in to the office and then was back to my normal routine- visiting classrooms, checking in with students, and leaving notes for staff.

When lunchtime arrived I was in the cafeteria until it was time to head out for recess.  Like I mentioned earlier, it was a normal day.  The only real difference was our afternoon NJHS induction ceremony.  This is run by the students so I was able to enjoy the ceremony, interact with the guests, and congratulate the students.  After the ceremony, the school day came to an end and I once again headed outside to wish the students a good evening and told them I looked forward to seeing them tomorrow.  But they didn't return the next day, or the next week, or for the rest of the school year.

I received a call from the superintendent's wife later that night.  It was actually after 9:00 and I normally don't have my phone on past then.  But I did the night of March 12, 2020.  I answered and found out I was needed at their house.  It was only a few houses down from mine but it was a cold night so I drove.  I was greeted by his wife and entered their dining room.  Quickly I realized this was something big.  I was given the task of calling each of the school board members while he remained on two phones while in touch with the health department and the county.  My job was easy- tell the school board members that we would be closed on Friday.  We needed to figure out what to do, with no road map to lead our direction.  Almost all other districts near us were open on Friday, March 13th but we weren't.  They had the chance to say goodbye to their students in person but we weren't.

So why do I share all of this with you?  I guess I just wanted you to realize that you never know when your last day will be with your students.  Because of that I urge you to make every day count with them.  If the day doesn't start out well with a particular student, do your best to connect with them before the day is through to let them know you care about them.  Get out of your classroom or your office and connect with your students.  Join them for lunch or recess.  Hang out with them in the hallways.  For some of our students, we might be the best part of their day.  Listen to them when they are talking to you.  Encourage them when they are down.  Celebrate the little things because to them they might be big things.  That two minute conversation you just had with them might be the thing that turns their entire life around.

Positive Outcomes Celebrates First In-Person ParentCamp!

On Wednesday, January 24th, Positive Outcomes Charter School (POCS) had their first ParentCamp, and what an experience it was! The school was ready and waiting for the participants to arrive. The copies were made. The rooms were set up. The food was all set. And at 5:10, 5 minutes early and excited to start, families and staff signed in, got their pizza and salad, and sat down to eat. You could feel the buzz in the room as more people showed up. While the attendees were eating, the ParentCamp experience was explained and the excitement began to build. 

Four rooms were prepared for dialogue, not presentations, with chairs in circles. The topics were hopes and dreams, mental health, home/school relationships, and building community. The participants went to their room of choice and the dialogue began. Each room provided an opportunity for everyone to share and listen to each others’ perspectives. There were tears and laughter as stories were shared about the impact of POCS on students, families, and staff. 

After an hour of dialogue, choice and voice, everyone gathered together back in the main room to reflect on and celebrate the awesome experience of talking about things that matter. A drawing for gift baskets and a group picture ended our time together. The lasting message for the night - the students, staff, and families of POCS are grateful for each other and the impact they have on each other. Our next POCS ParentCamp will be Wednesday, March 27th. We hope to see you there!

The Story of Positive Outcomes PC1

Google Photo Album

It's been awhile...

I find it pretty sad that I haven't written a blog post in 6 months.  My last blog post was soon after I retired and just before an amazing family trip to Italy.  July and August were times to relax with family and friends while trying to figure out what I would do once I retired.  Little did I know that things would fall into place and fill my time.  What I've found is that there are always things for a retired educator to do.  Here's what I've been up to since I retired and a word of advice for everyone following each opportunity.

• I enjoyed a family trip to Italy.  It was my first time outside of North America.  The time with family was amazing, as was the food and the scenery.  I had taken my school email off of my phone once I got to the airport so that was something I didn't even think about.  I had never taken my school email off of my phone and wish that I could have done so earlier.
• Word of advice- When you are on vacation, take your school email off of your phone.  The time spent on vacation is for you to take care of yourself and your family.  It's not to take care of school issues.  They'll be there when you get back, trust me.
• I enjoyed many weekends in Fox Lake, enjoying cookouts, fishing and boating.  There was also a lot of fun at the Drunken Clam, a local bar on the lake, with family and friends.
• Word of advice- Make more time to visit the places you enjoy and spend more time with family and friends.  Nothing is more important in life than your family and friends, except maybe your health.
• I enjoyed time around our house and hanging out with our family and friends.  Many of our connections occurred in a more spur of the moment situation than something that was really planned ahead.  That used to really bother me because I do like to know what the plan is for the day or the weekend or the week.  This summer, and so far during the school year, I think that I'm more flexible with my time and my choices.  I really think that's a good thing.
• Word of advice- Be more flexible and don't be so planned.  It's amazing what can happen when you just let things happen.  The conversations and the connections are so much more powerful when they aren't preplanned.
• Once summer was over, I found myself having opportunities presented to me.  Here is the list.
• I am working with ParentCamp, an amazing organization that helps schools and districts connect better with their families and their communities.  I look forward to continuing this opportunity as the new year begins.
• I was an adjunct professor at a nearby university where I was able to learn with 23 pre-service educators.  I was nervous as I had no experience teaching adults (except for professional development for my colleagues when I was the principal) and let the students know that.  We spent 25 classes together and learned so much from each other.  I'm certain that these 23 students will be incredible educators.
• I am currently mentoring a first year principal in a nearby K-8 school.  I have enjoyed connecting with him and hope that I have been able to help him along his journey.  I need to make more time for this mentoring opportunity as the school year continues.
• I was an interim assistant principal at a nearby middle school.  It was a part-time position due to my adjunct professor role.  I spent 32 years of my life with middle school students, 20 of them as an administrator.  Working with middle school students and staff is something that I really enjoy.
• I am currently a long term guest teacher in physical education at the same nearby middle school.  When I was thinking about what I would study when I went to college, physical education was at the top of the list.  I didn't start in education when I went to college (that's another story) but when I did choose education, physical education wasn't an option.  I've enjoyed my time as a physical education teacher.  This opportunity has really helped me realize that I still love education and teaching.
• One opportunity I didn't pursue was being an interim principal at an elementary school that wasn't really nearby.  It was also more long term than I was looking for at the time.  In hindsight, it was the right decision as I wouldn't have been able to be a long term guest teacher in middle school physical education.
• Word of advice- When you do retire, other things will come your way.  All of the opportunities that I've had so far are education related.  I'm thinking about reaching outside of the comfort zone that education is for me.  When opportunities do arise, the best thing is that you can decide which of these things you will want to do.
• This last weekend, our daughter graduated from college.  She graduated as a dual certified regular education and special education teacher.  She will be fully licensed once she completes her student teaching at the end of January and already has a full time teaching job for the second semester.  My wife Jen and I are so proud of her and the path that she is on.  We know that she is already a good teacher and will get better every day.
• Word of advice- You never know what kind of an impact you'll have on someone.  Our daughter didn't start in education but when she made the change she was all in.  Jen and I supported her decision and we will continue to support her on this journey.  Make sure that you are a support in the lives of those with whom you are closest.

Some final thoughts...

Well, I guess I lied about my last nuts and bolts last week.  I had no idea what you and the kids had planned for me.  I kind of knew about the breakfast but the assembly was a full out surprise!  It was amazing running through the kids and then to cross the finish line with my family there, WOW!  After Wednesday, I had to share my thoughts.

• You are an amazing staff to go to school with every day.  You support one another, you support me, and you support our kids.
• You can be sneaky when you need to be.
• We have amazing kids, and your efforts with them don't go unnoticed.  Merton is in great hands, and our kids will become even more incredible leaders in the years to come.
• The videos made me cry happy tears.  I bet that doesn't surprise you.
• The assembly was amazing, and I'm glad I got to play my trumpet one more time.
• I was showered with gifts and kind words from so many people.  I am truly blessed.

I have two quotes to share with you, both from Inspiring Quotes.  The first is from Joan Rivers, and it couldn't be more true.

The second is from Judy Garland.  I sure hope that you take your advice to heart because you really shouldn't try to be someone else.  Just be yourself, and don't apologize for that.
 

Make sure that you unplug!

(from Inspiriting Quotes)

Enough said.

My final thoughts

As I sat in my house on Thursday night watching the videos from family, friends, Tweeps, and you, the tears just streamed down my face.  It was a surreal time as I heard about the impact I have had on our kids and on you.  I still can't believe that this chapter in my educational journey is over, but I guess it really is.  I request two things from you.  The first is to complete as much of this form as you'd like.  The second is that Jen and I would like to invite you over to our patio, but not until July.  If you fill out the form then I'll be able to send you an invite.

I love you all, my Merton family.

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

My last nuts and bolts

It's hard to believe, but this is my last formal nuts and bolts.  As I began writing this on Sunday, I was catching up on some school work while also reading an email or two.  Of course, I read an email from George Couros, and this quote made me think of my time in Merton, our time together, and the impact that I hope to have had on our students, families, school, and you.

I have done my best every day to connect with our students and with each of you.  Some days I have done better than others.  The same is probably true for you.  Some of you I have connected with better than others.  The same is probably true for you with your own students.  In the same email was this quote, and it made me reflect even more on my time in Merton.

How powerful is that quote.  It made me reflect on those students, staff, and families that I might not have connected with well to see that it was me that needed to make a different and more intentional effort to create a positive relationship.  As I move on from Merton into the next chapter of my life, I can only hope that I keep these two quotes in mind when I'm connecting with my family, my friends, or anyone with whom I come in contact.

Calendar

Wednesday, June 8th    Last day of school (half day)/ Yearbook signing and ice cream sandwiches

Monday, June 13th    First day of session 1 of Summer School

Monday, June 20th    School board meeting

Tuesday, July 5th    First day of session 2 of Summer School

Family smore for June 7th

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

(from an Annex Wealth Management email)

(from Inspiring Quotes)

(from Inspiring Quotes)

It has truly been an honor and privilege to be the principal at Merton Intermediate School.  I will miss being in your classrooms.  I will miss our conversations about school and your families.  I will miss each of you.  Have a great last day of school!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Thank you!

I began writing this week's nuts and bolts on Sunday morning.  It's the day that I try to catch up on emails, often ones from George Couros because there is always something that I connect with.  It might be his podcast or a personal story or a quote he shares, but there is always something.  This quote is what caught my attention on Sunday.

Think about that quote just a minute.  I know that I've read it over about 20 times. I hope that I've lived this as an educator and as a person in my last 35 years.  On Saturday I happened to stop by school to do a couple of things and saw this in the commons.

Yes, I teared up.  I have no idea who put this together.  I took a picture and shared it with Jen and Lauren.  I love the words of advice but I really love the words in blue that describe me.  It made me feel like I have made a difference and an impact on those I've come in contact with.  Thank you to all who put together that wall of words.  It's something I will cherish forever.

Here is this week's family smore (more pictures may be added later)

Calendar

Friday, June 3rd    4th to 5th grade transition afternoon

Monday, June 6th    PTO meeting/ 8th grade Day Away and dance/ 5th, 6th, and 7th grade Day Aways from 9AM-2PM

Tuesday, June 7th    8th grade graduation 7PM

Wednesday, June 8th    Last day of school (half day)/ Yearbook signing and ice cream sandwiches

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

Rest is Essential to Growth (from George Couros)

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"I really believe that you never stop learning, and you never really ever get there."

Ray Liotta, actor

The Gift of Rejection (from George Couros)

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"The self you know, the you deep inside, is obscured by a stack of untold stories."

Janet Mock, writer, television host, director, producer, and transgender rights activist

(from Inspiring Quotes)

Celebration Day

Thanks to Matt and Justin for their leadership and organization and thanks to all of you for being willing to spend an entire day with our students just letting them be kids.  I sure you hope you enjoyed the day.  Here's a picture of the entire group in the gym.

Today is the last Friday of the school year!  I've got some time played this morning and we have 4th graders visiting us in the afternoon.  I hope that you make it the best Friday of the year!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Doing many different things

Last weekend I was lucky enough to fish all day with my brother on Saturday (together we caught 7 keeper largemouth bass) and on Sunday I attended the Brewers game with Jen and Lauren.  It was a family weekend, for sure.  I did check emails once in a while, especially on Sunday morning, and found this quote.

(from Inspiring Quotes)

On Saturday, the guide my brother and I fished with, Wally Banfi, put us on a number of spots.  Two of my favorite lines he said throughout the Saturday were "This spot looks juicy" and "I've got a story for you, and this one is true."  We tried a variety of presentations, lures, and live bait.  On this Saturday, Wisey Worms thrown into the shallows and near piers was all that was successful.  We stayed with what was best for that day.  As educators, we try a variety of things to make an impact on our students- engaging activities, support individually or in small groups, individual conversations.  Every day with our students is a new day and the "presentation" that we use might be very different today than it was yesterday or even from morning to afternoon.  Keep trying new things and you'll find the right one for the day.  And while you're at it, you should share some of your best, and worst, with your colleagues.  It's so awesome when we can learn from one another.

This week's family smore

I put this together early due to my personal day on Friday.  Just thought I would share it with you, especially with regards to the first paragraph.

Calendar

Friday, May 26th    Jeans for Troops Day ($5 to GIGo Fund for Veterans for wearing jeans)

Monday, May 30th    Memorial Day (No School)

Wednesday, June 1st    PTO meeting 8:45AM

Thursday, June 2nd    Celebration Day (This is a "no letter" day!)

Friday, June 3rd    Celebration Day rain date/ 4th to 5th grade transition afternoon

Monday, June 6th    8th grade Day Away and dance/ 5th, 6th, and 7th grade Day Aways from 9AM-2PM

Tuesday, June 7th    8th grade graduation 7PM

Wednesday, June 8th    Last day of school (half day)/ Yearbook signing and ice cream sandwiches

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever."

Margaret Cho, comedian, actor, musician, writer

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"I just want to live the moment.  I don't want to know how it's going to be, or how it's going to be there at the end.  I just want to live it."

Jo-Wilifried Tsonga, professional tennis player

(from Upworthiest)

(from @teachergoals)

BLT presentation at Student Achievement Committee on Monday night

You would all be proud of our BLT on Monday night.  Our team is Becky O., Carey, Janine, Melissa, Colleen, and Bekah.  Becky F. and Michelle joined the team on Monday to share much of the amazing work that you do every day.  Erin was there to support the team, too.  Here is the presentation.

Something from LaVonna Roth from Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.

In the spirit of celebrating our communities in education - our mentors, our coaches, our teachers, our paraprofessionals, our administrators -  we want to make sure you know:

• Someone woke up today thinking about the impact you made on them last week.
• Your time, your effort, and your continued perseverance is changing this world.
• You deserve a moment to yourself - you deserve many moments; try not to feel guilty about taking them.
• You deserve the empathy, patience, and understanding that you give each and every day.

We hope you feel celebrated always - your work is invaluable and limitless!

Just so you know, I feel the same way about each of you every day!

A week of lasts...

As I look back at this week, I noticed that I had a week of lasts.  It was my last Student Achievement Committee meeting, and it was great to share it with our BLT, Becky F., and Michelle.  It was my last School Board meeting as a Principal and I was able to reflect on these meetings with members of the A-team after.  It was my last Band concert, and I got to play my trumpet with the Jazz Band in their final song.  It was my last staff meeting on Wednesday morning, or at least I think it was.  It has been an honor and a privilege to be your Principal.  It was my last indoor recess, or at least I hope it was.  It was my last NJHS induction ceremony.  There are a few more lasts coming up in the next couple of weeks and I have only one hope- that you are all there with me during those last few lasts.  As I said on Wednesday, it's been an honor and a privilege.

Have a great long weekend, and I'll see you on Tuesday.

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell