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