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

How was your week? (new blog/same title)

Today ends our second to last 5 day week of the year.  Kind of hard to believe, isn't it?  So how did your week go?  Did you zoom out to see the highs and the lows?  I encourage you to do that.  Some days this week I had to zoom out to find the highs because there were a couple of lows that kept coming into my thoughts.  Other days I was able to reflect and the highs were easy to see, and to celebrate.  This week had two "lasts" for me- our last BLT meeting and our last Culver's Night.  The coming weeks will have more of these "lasts".  My good friend Joy, a principal from Connecticut (that's where I was born, by the way), told me not to think of it as retirement.  She said it's "refirement".  I am fired up to support my parents on their life journey.  I'm also fired up to support Lauren as she continues her education journey.  She has a big "last" today- the FORT exam this morning.  I know that she'll do well and I know she'll be happy when she's finished with that test.  And tonight she and I will celebrate with dinner, just the two of us.  Now that's a great way to end a week!

Calendar

Monday, May 23rd    Jay will be out in the morning attending a doctor appointment/ Student Achievement Committee 4:30PM/ School Board meeting 6PM

Tuesday, May 24th    Final Band Concert 6:30PM

Wednesday, May 25th    NJHS induction ceremony 5:30PM

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/ 5th, 6th, and 7th grade Day Away from 9AM-2PM

Tuesday, June 7th    8th grade graduation

Wednesday, June 8th    Last day of school (half day)

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

(from MindShift)

"There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets credit."

Ronald Reagan

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"One has to realize one's limitations.  Why kid yourself?"

I. M. Pei, architect

(from Inspiring Quotes)

(The 5SWs from Andrew Marotta. It's worth the 90 seconds, I promise!)

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"Your greatest mess may be the very thing that qualifies you the most to help other people."

Ed Mylett

(from Inspiring Quotes)

(from @WeinsteinEdu on the Twitters)

(from Inspiring Quotes)

BLT notes

Before we get to the shared notes, I'd like to thank Bekah, Janine, Colleen, Carey, Becky O., and Melissa for their honesty and openness during all of our BLT meetings this year.  I know they have shared your concerns with me so that we can get better.  They also shared your successes so you could be shouted out to all staff.   They will also represent our school well at the Student Achievement Committee meeting on Monday.  It has been an honor.

That being said, here are the notes for our BLT meeting.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out.

To fully answer the question I posed in the title, my week was really just okay.  Jen has been in Sanibel all week and is driving home with her brother.  We have had our daily phone calls, and were on a webinar together yesterday, but I can't wait for her to get home.  I got to spend more face to face time with my parents this week because I made time to go see them.  The week got better yesterday when Lauren came home for the weekend.  I know I say "family first" a lot and you know that I mean it.  We aren't promised tomorrow, but we can definitely make it a goal to make today the best Friday of the week!

See you all soon!

Jay

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