Be the Sunshine!

 

It is time to bring back that joy and love of learning!  It is time to bring back the joy of teaching!  It is time to bring back the joy within us all!  

Our school theme this year is, "Be the Sunshine!"   The climate of our world today surges with a teaming of unhappy and critic-frenzied people.  Every post, article, and story on the news is lined up in the cross hairs of pessimistic, gloom and doom attacks- laser focused on judgement, negativity, and shaming. It is focused on tearing others down and not building them up to a better place. This world could use a little (or a lot) of sunshine, positivity, and possibilities.  I could definitely use a few sun spotters as you read this blog.  (I am sure you can find plenty wrong with my writing. Please focus on the intent and not grammatical and mechanical deficiencies.) 🌞🌞🌞

Many people think about changing the world and say this is impossible.  Supporting a cultural change in others and how they perceive themselves and the world is daunting at best.  It is not an easy task; specially with adults that have lived many years with experiences that have fed their minds unhealthy energy and shaped their thinking patterns.  Schools have the unique opportunity of being able to help young people to use positive thinking to view a new, brighter world.   The power that this could have on our school community could be huge!  Our students are remarkable, and we can help them to remove the shadow of negativity that has enveloped our families, schools, communities, and our nation in darkness.  Schools shape the future! Students spend up to eight or more hours a day at school.   Curtis Elementary staff has the opportunity to model and teach our students how to live in a world where we can find the silver linings, the beams of positivity, and find the sunshine. Positive thinking can be learned. The brain is a muscle and we must train it.     If we can help our students understand the importance of positive thinking and teach them how to frame and focus on the positive, we can change the heart of the world!  It will start with our Curtis Elementary staff.   

Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or you can't -- you are right."  This quote says so much about the power of thinking.  We can control the narrative in our own thoughts.  If we only focus on failures and what can go wrong, that only shines a light into a dark hole- which devours positivity, light, joy, and hope. Taking a path of positive thinking, to assume positive intent, and finding spotlighting the good in the world leads to finding positive solutions and outcomes.  I truly believe that individuals that live their lives through thinking positively can more easily reach their goals. Focusing on the negative can prevent someone from even working toward goals.

We are going to "Be the Sunshine" at Curtis Elementary.  When we can't find the sunshine, we will bring it.  We can radiate a bright light into the darkness.  No one has ever found anything easily in the dark, look into the shining light- for all can be revealed in the brightness.  For those that have entered our building, you can feel the warmth of the sun for sure.  Why do you think this blog is named, "Passion Lives Here?" The Curtis staff shines bright and you can see and feel it each day on our campus.  

It is going to be a Bright Year at Curtis Elementary!  Watch and see!  (You might need to bring your sunshades though.)

 

It's Back! Curtis Annual Chili Cook-Off 2021!

  

What a great night we had at Curtis Elementary!  for nearly 15 years, we held a Chili Cook-Off night.   This was one of the most successful parent engagement events in the history of the school. Six years ago, we decided to change it up a bit and stopped having the Annual Chili Cook-Off. Due to the pandemic, we have not had  visitors in our building for nearly two years.  A month ago, our doors finally opened to the public, and we decided to  bring back of our greatest events - Curtis Chili Cook-Off!

So many parents and students came to the Chili Cook-Off Night, and we had such a great time.  Hotdogs, nachos, and a Literacy Magician were the highlights, and of course THE CHILI!  It was wonderful to see our teachers get into character, decorate booths transforming our hallways into a magical world! The spooned out the chili for all to taste, and encouraged everyone to vote for their delicious creation.  Kids were able to see their teachers in a whole new light! 

These events are needed for our students, teachers, and parents.  It made me realize how much we have missed these kind of opporrtunities in the last couple of years.  It made me realize how important parent engagement is to a Title I campus. It made me realize what the best part of school is for kids. It made me realize how  we missed!

If any of you had similar school experiences as I did, the things that kept you connected and focused were the fun things!  What was the best part of school for you?  Was it going to English class or math class- or was it something else? Think back to your own school experience.  What one thing motivated you in school? What was your purpose? What developed your character and self-esteem?  Being a part of something gives a person purpose and provides a sense of belonging.  In many of our own homes, we have helped to create that sense of purpose and belonging with our own children through family activitites, dinners, and chores.

As educators, our job is to help make those connections and find ways to keep students engaged.   Making connections with our students  (Even those that make it hard to make a connection) is vital to teaching and learning.  Students learn better when they know the teacher cares about them, and when they feel connected to the classroom.   Building character and internal motivation to learn comes from showing interest and making learning fun.  Making memories for students in schools helps them to feel connected. This is why parent engagement activities like the Chili Cook-Off are so important!

Looking back at my time in school, I can honestly say that I did not get excited about going to just do the work.   It was the connnections I had with my friends and teachers that helped to motivate me.  It was the fun activities, experiences, social events that were fun that played a large part of learning about myself, others, and the world around me. We can have high expectations for learning and still have fun! 

To this day I still love the fun stuff!  Parent engagement events remind me that we (educators) are part of something bigger than ourselves.  One of the best parts of education is building relationships and providing our students and families with memorable experiences.     Teachers dress up in  silly costumes or take a little extra time cooking chili, circle students up to have some meaningful conversations in class meetings, prepare kids  for track meets, competitive fundraisers, parties, and laugh with their students to make learning fun, make connectoins, and show kids they care.   

As I said before, a few weeks ago special memories were made here at Curtis Elementary.  I saw several of my former Curtis Elementary students who are now parents of Curtis Roos!  We laughed and reminisced those special moments and victories of those legendary Curtis Chili Cook-Off nights.  Last night’s memories of Quarantine Chili, Hocus Pocus Chili, Hillbilly Chili, Chuckwagon Chili, The Best Show on Earth Chili.  That night was fun!  Many of our parents and kids will remember the relationship they had with their teacher and those times their teachers dressed up like witches, served chili in character, and the students were their zombies. They may struggle to remember the exact time and date of historical events in social studies though.

 

 

Ready, Set, Go!

We have had a great 1st Six Weeks at Curtis Elementary!  After ending our first grading period, we are ramped up and ready to keep moving.  Teachers have worked hard to assess students, and now they are ready to dig in and close gaps.

A large part of improvement is to know where students are so that teachers and students can set and readjust achievement goals.  Many hours were spent over the last few weeks to determine what students know and what they need to know.  Now teachers are ready to differentiate instruction so that every student can set a target for his or her learning.

Over the last few weeks, I have had many great conversations with teachers on how they will set up their student data binders.  Allowing students to track their own data and set their own goals is an effective way to help close achievement gaps.  Students see for themselves what they need to learn and how they need to learn.   Student data folders can empower students to own their learning.  It becomes less about, " The teacher gave me this grade." It becomes more about, " I still needing to learn how to multiply double digit numbers by single digit numbers."  Student data folders, if used effectively, can make a huge difference in changing the learning culture in the classroom.

By allowing students to track their learning data, teachers and students can have meaningful conversations about what the student is going to do about the learning.  It also allows teachers to reflect on what they will do about instruction.  It allows for teachers to individualize instruction.  The learning process is NOT about the teaching.  It is about the learning.  Student data folders help students to be part of the conversation.  It allows them some voice and choice in how they will learn, and it allows student to own their learning. 

Here are some resources for learning how to utilize data folders as a tool for students to own their learning.

Education Week Teacher

The Leader in Me Blog

Restorative Practices

It  has been a great three weeks of school as we start the 2017-2018 school year, and we have been busy.  Students and teachers in every classroom have worked to create a positive classroom environment.  One of the important characteristics to a healthy community is respect.  Students are learning about how to respect one another.  Students and teachers are also learning how to respect each other through Restorative Practices.

Restorative Practice includes strategies for helping students understand positive relationships. Having healthy relationships impacts our lives.  Knowing how to respect others will have a positive effect in every aspect of our lives.  Developing these skills through Restorative Circles is a large part of how we understand one another.  Teachers hold Restorative Circle meetings or Class Meetings with students.  During this time, the instruction centers around respect and understanding.

 Students and teachers talk about how they are feeling.  During these meetings, problems are solved.  Students are able to learn how to have a positive relationship with others.  They are able to connect with others and see how much they have in common with others.   Restorative Circles also help students learn ways to react to different situations which helps to improve their social awareness.

Educating students is not always about Reading, Writing, and Math.  We do so much more than that at Curtis Elementary.  We care about kids!  Staff members are charged with how to develop each student and help them be a positive citizen.  Curtis Elementary staff is challenged with helping students understand how to work through conflict and restore relationships.  That is how they will sustain healthy relationships throughout their lives.  Curtis Elementary is challenged with helping to improve our society by teaching our students about how to develop positive relationships and changing lives one child at a time. Why do we do this? ...Because Kids!

Learning Together is Fun!

Last week our Curtis staff got together for our annual Curtis Retreat.  We had a fun-filled afternoon learning together because our differences.  Developing a positive culture is important in creating a team!  This is something that our Curtis team does best!  We had a great time together.

This year's theme is, "Making the Difference."  We want to encourage our classrooms to include challenges that cultivate problem solving, collaboration, collaboration, and creativity.  Maker's Spaces provide this opportunity.  Teachers can create these spaces for students in the their classrooms as well as accessing our Innovation Lab for class challenges throughout the year.  Our challenge in meeting the  needs of students is to individualize learning and embrace their differences.  At the retreat, our teachers worked in teams to complete a challenge.  Little did they know, some were more equipped than others.  The members of each team all have different experiences, talents, and passions.  Working together collaboratively, they were all able to contribute in their own unique way to complete the challenge together.

Each team had many of the same items to complete the challenge, but some of their items were a little different.  Some teams' directions were in another language while others may not have been able to talk while planning to execute their challenge. 

Like teaching and learning, not every student starts on the same playing field.  Some may be more equipped with certain talents and skills than others, but ALL students have talents.  Allowing students to collaborate to solve problems is important to learning.  Student-centered learning helps to break barriers allowing students to think differently to achieve a common goal.

Learning needs to be fun!

Our learning space on Thursday night was not quiet.  It was teeming with familiar sites and sounds of learning.  Staff members were communicating ideas, laughing, and working with their hands to complete the challenge to make something float!    Learning is messy!  There were materials flying all over the place.  Student-centered learning helps to engage all learners and encourages collaboration, a skill most important to success in life.

Curtis Elementary teachers had fun last Thursday night!  A Team that plays together, stays together!  We are committed to embracing differences in students' learning styles and differentiating learning for every child. 

We will know our students, individualize learning for each of them, and ensure that every child makes progress.  We accept the challenge to make learning fun leading our students to success.

Because Kids!

It is that time of year again!  The start of a new year is always exciting! I try to wrap things up around the house before the start of school so that I can focus on teachers and students. In the last days of summer, I have been working to take care of some things around my house.  I love doing yard work, but sometimes things don't go as smoothly as planned.  Last weekend I was tasked with eradicating some tough black algae in my pool.  It just came out of nowhere!  Or did it?  A week before I awoke to scattered spots on the pool plaster, I had to take my water to get tested.  Distracted by other things, I did not treat my pool as expected and just did not get around to it.  At the end of the week, I was about to begin the treatment and to my surprise, I had a bigger issue - the black algae.  This issue cost me a couple of days of hard work scrubbing and vacuuming the pool. And the really fun part -  cleaning the filter.  All of this could have been avoided if only I had not allowed myself to be distracted.

In between the scrubbing, we decided to test all of our sprinklers to see if the system was working well.  This task took most of the day.  We found a few sprinkler heads that needed replacing and some were watering the sidewalks and not the grass.  The thing that took most of the day was finding a station not working.  There were some sprinklers that were not coming on at all!  My husband and I worked several hours trouble shooting a station which included a couple of trips to Home Depot for parts.  After several hours, we concluded that we were not even working on the right station!  Since we did not have a blueprint for our system, we were just shooting in the dark to determine which station watered different parts of the yard.  Finally, after all day in the hot sun (the hottest day of the summer) we found the right station to repair so that we could fix the valve.

I tell this story about my Saturday because it reminds me of the job we do in education.  My Saturday caused me to reflect on some key duties that I have as the principal of Curtis Elementary.  It is my key responsibility to make sure that everyone in the building is focused on the right things.  The work we do at Curtis Elementary is important.  We are all about meeting the needs of students no matter how diverse those needs may be at any given time.  Here are a couple of the key lessons that I learned from working in the yard.

 1.  Don't Get Distracted!

Sometimes in education the same thing can happen.  We will all have the best intentions to keep everything running smoothly and things distract us.  The next thing you know, there is an unforeseen problem.  It is like spinning plates.  While busy spinning one plate, another one falls.  IT is difficult to keep them all spinning at the same time.  Going back to the pool issue, I am reminded that we have to be focused on the right things all of the time!  As a principal, it is my responsibility to ensure that staff members and teachers are focused on the right things, and I do not take this responsibility lightly.  Not only do I need to focus on the culture of our school, but I also must keep quality instruction at the forefront of everything that we do.  It is all about the students!    As with the pool, if we are not focused on the right things at the right time, we will have to spend precious time treating a problem or it will come back twice as big.

Algae can run rampant just like perceptions can blow up!  We always want to have a positive perception with our parents and community.  We do not want our community to perceive that we do not care.  Developing positive relationships with our parents is crucial.  Having a positive relationship with parents and students goes a long way.  If we nurture our relationships with parents, it is easier to find solutions together to help their child when academic or behavioral issue arise.  The most important relationship we must cultivate is with the student.  Students know when a teacher believes in them and cares.  It is important that there is a relationship with the student in order for him/her is ready to learn.   We also must stay focused on the learning standards that need to be taught to students.  If we teach TEKS to the appropriate depth and rigor that our state standards outline, we do not need to teach to a test.  Our students will be ready! We will not have to sweat it when state testing season begins.   We are about quality learning - not testing.  Not getting distracted and staying focused on the "right" work is good for students.


2.  Focus on the Students' and Teachers' Needs!

We are all different!  Teachers are different from one another and have different talents, learning and teaching styles.  As the principal, I must take these unique differences into account during professional development.  One size does not fit all!  I must take on a coaching role to work with teachers to do all I can to help them to be their best.  It is the same with students.   Kids are different too!  As educators, we must tap into students' passions and talents in order to increase academic achievement.  We must DIFFERENTIATE!  This is such an easy term that rolls out of our mouths, but it is really difficult.  We must provide an individualized education for all students.  Not every student needs the same thing.  It is like those sprinklers that were spraying the sidewalk.

It does not matter how much water you are spraying, if it isn't hitting the grass nothing grows.  The same thing goes with learning.  If teachers are cranking out awesome lessons, but they are not pointing the right stuff to the right kids, it is wasted energy and effort.  We need to point our

sprinklers in the right directions - using the right instructional strategies for each student instead of just spraying it all over the room and hoping some of it lands on a student helping him/her to learn and grow.  We need to make sure we are working on the right station or valve when there is an issue instead of wasting time working on the wrong problem.

I am committed to ensuring that Curtis Elementary provides quality instruction for every student.

It is my job to learn, to lead, and to encourage.  The work we do at our campus begins with me.  I am excited about the year ahead of us and more determined than ever to make sure we are laser focused on building relationships and improving  instruction every single day Why?    ...Because Kids!

Full Steam Ahead!

November 17, 2016 was a magnificent night at Curtis Elementary.  This is our second year of having a STEAM Night, and it was a great success.  STEAM Night is a night full of fun, innovative activities for students to demonstrate to parents Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics that they are learning each day at school.   

We even had some students in our Robotics Club unveil their project that they had been working on for nearly a year!  This is their robot! 

They not only constructed this little guy, but they also programmed him too!  They are still working on getting him just right, and can program him to do more things.  That is the beauty of learning.... we are never finished!  

We also had several challenges during the night and one of those challenges was the Marshmallow Challenge.  Students and parents worked together to create a structure

as tall as they could using marshmallows, spaghetti noodles (uncooked of course), and tape!  Students from

various classrooms and the library were connected through Zoom (a website to allow for video conferencing) and could see and talk to one  another throughout the challenge,

Each grade level also had various challenges and activities. There were circuits for families to experiment with, cardboard games students built, and even a cardboard mini golf course! 

The big hit of the night was the hover craft that sixth grade students helped to construct.  With the support of the 
Weatherford ISD Maintenance Department, we had boards cut so that students could take the supplies and build it.  (Safety First!  We wanted to make sure kids were not handling power tools!)  The hover craft was powered by a leaf blower motor.  With some boards, a shower curtain, and a hose, we had lift off! 

Another popular area at Curtis that night was they gym.  This is where we had a Spyro maze.  Students and parents could navigate a maze using a robot ball and an iPad.  Students and parents alike loved the air cannons also.  With the help from a

fog machine, Curtis students assisted families with filling the cannon up with fog so that smoke rings bounded out of the cannon with full force!  They also knocked down cup pyramids with these cannons.  

This night was a fantastic way for parents and the community to see the wonderful things students are learning at school.  Teachers are looking for ways to "hook" students and make learning fun!  Many of the Curtis classrooms are equipped with Maker's Spaces so students can build and discover how the world works. We want to create a place where students do not just consume information.  We want them to make and create and find their passion.  This also helps them to see the purpose of learning, and having a purpose to learn is half the battle of students retaining what they learn.

I am so proud of this event and the work the teachers and students put into having a successful STEAM Night. This was not just about teachers showcasing learning in the classroom or planning activities for kids.  Our Students helped to get ready.  They not only shared what they have been doing in class, but they planned and demonstrated the activities and games throughout the school.  This was about the students!  Students led-teachers were facilitators so our students could lead the learning!

The Leader in Who?

We are learners at Curtis Elementary.  As the lead learner, I am constantly learning new ways  to support teachers so that as a team, we provide quality instruction for students.  We also look for ways to build capacity for teacher leaders.  Even though I am the principal, I continually learn from teacher leaders.    The teachers are experts in the content.  One of our value statements at Curtis and in WISD is to "Demonstrate Visionary Leadership."  Teachers at Curtis take on all sorts of roles showing their leadership each day.  One of the ways they "Demonstrate Visionary Leadership" is with through Tech Tuesdays. On Tuesdays after school teachers choose a new digital learning strategy or tools. Teachers demonstrate how to use digital tools in the classroom to increase engagement. The great thing about Tech Tuesday is that no one twists their arms to either share or learn about a new tool. Teachers choose to either lead or learn!

While we have leaders within our adults, the most important part of what we strive to do at Curtis is to raise student leaders.  We have many avenues for students to learn about leadership.  Our Student Leadership team is consisted of three students from each grade level.   The team meets the first Friday of each month to learn about leadership.  The Student Leadership team's core responsibility is to help with school improvement.  Last year the team designed learning spaces in our building.  We were able to outfit our landings with sports themed furniture, TV monitors and whiteboards so that students and teachers have cool learning spaces to collaborate and learn from each other.   Learning does not only take place in the classroom.  Sixth graders are leaders also!  The sixth graders lead through Student Council.  They fund raise and work toward helping the school as well.  They look for ways to support the community and improve our school through various committees.

Chloe Whitehead, a Curtis Student Leader, is also a Student Ambassador at Region XI!

Choloe on right with Curtis teachers!
Ms. Rogers, Mrs. Mask, and Mrs. Gibson

 She started raising money to buy Chromebooks for other students at Curtis!  This is an example of  raising student leaders at Curtis!

We also "Demonstrate Visionary Leadership" through our school -wide "Leader in Me" program.  Each month, I read a book that focuses on one of the seven habits a leadership to the staff.  We will participate in activities that outline that particular habit.  Teachers will then take this book back to the classroom so that they can teach students about leadership.  Student work that is centered around these habits of leadership is posted all around the building.  Students and staff members can talk about the leadership habit and provide feedback related to this work that is displayed.  Raising student leaders to understand what it takes to be a leader and the habits of great leaders is important to developing the whole child so that they not only help them be prepared for the world but to also see how they can positively impact the world!

Student Leaders help present at the WISD Board Meeting.

Check out our Third Grade Leaders!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OmdN9hPkAw&feature=em-subs_digest

All In!

Wow!  We are totally ready for a new school year at Curtis Elementary.  We kicked off our new year with our Curtis Risk Takers at our annual Curtis Retreat!  We had a fabulous time of fellowship and fun.

Our theme this year (and always) is "Taking Risks," and that is what we did!  Curtis Teachers teamed up and accepted the challenge of some Risky Relays.   Each team member decided on the level of risk they were willing to take to choose their leg of the relay.  The relays started with some corn hole to paddling a boat across the swimming pool to a zip-line to a narrow board across the snake river (really a dried up creek bed). Throughout these relays, one of Queen's classic hits, "We are the Champions," played through my head.  Curtis staff members are all champions for kids!

I believe that this will be a year filled with teachers taking intelligent risks in order to provide the best education for students.  We want to -Do School Differently- at Curtis.  Our challenge is to prepare our students and support them in developing skills that will prepare them for the future.  Our mission is to "teach, challenge, and inspire!"  Students need to be able to communicate, collaborate, create, and critically think. Curtis staff is up for this challenge!

Next week is our first week of professional development.  Our teachers are ready for kids!  I am excited about this new school year, and proud to be the Lead Learner of this amazing team of Learning Coaches (teachers).  We are all learners at Curtis.  One thing I am sure of is that our Curtis teachers are "ALL IN" and ready to take necessary risks to help kids to be ready for the future!

Curtis Retreat

Two Roads Diverged in the Wood!

As I was doing my yard work this morning, one of the things that makes me happy, my mind was free to wonder and contemplate.  As I was wrapping up with blowing off the sidewalks, thinking about my own children, my thoughts arrived at a profound awareness of my children growing into young adults.  I feel helpless.

I took a walk down memory lane of a time when my kids were babies and toddlers.  I was so important to them.  They listened and actually believed me (most of the time) when I warned them of dangers. They listened to me and learned from me.  As they would venture out into the backyard, I was there.  I watched them take a step and stumble to the ground, and I could help them.  I caught them or picked them up tending to boo boos, doctoring their feelings by hugging them until they were happy or sticking a Band-Aid on a skinned knee.   Even as they ventured further when they grew a little older, I could help!  I was always there with them.    IT was so SIMPLE when they were young children.  I tried to teach them to become independent and make good choices.  Helping them understand compassion and right from wrong. I encouraged and nurtured them on their journey as they grew into adults.

As they transformed into teens, it got a little more complicated.   They were no longer in the backyard.  They took their journey into the forest, and they started becoming independent, which is what I wanted right?  It was so scary.    The realization of the impact of their mistakes could have pretty severe consequences was real.. Like any good parent, I tried to help.  I tried to keep them on the path I wanted them to take.

Now my children are legal adults.  My daughter is 23, and my son is 20.  They are both great kids, but they also have so much growing up ahead.  Not only does this feel like being in the middle of the wilderness, it is like six days off the beaten path with no civilization within hundreds of miles.  It is very tricky supporting them now.  They tell me, "I'm an adult now!"   My brain takes me back to that 1986 hit, "I'm an Adult Now,"  from The Pursuit of Happiness.

Sending your son off to college is scary.  When he chooses not not attend classes the first semester , it was an easy decision to make him come home and grow up a little more, but watching him struggle to find himself and what he wants out of life is not so easy.  My daughter is renting that first nice town home, but  I worry about her biting off more than she can handle financially and about her safety!  This is not easy - not for this helicopter mom.  It is difficult to sit back and allow each of them to continue on their hike through life without a guide.  I am there to support and try to guide them, , but they just are not always willing to follow my guidance or heed to cautions or paths I propose.

The thought of my children not always listening to my reasonable advice makes me think about my experience at Harvard last month. One of the presenters, Samuel Betances, said something that made a lasting impression on me.  It is not that I didn't realize it before, but I think how he said it is what really stuck with me.  "You can't teach a student unless they give you permission to teach him/her." That is so true with my kids.  I have to have their permission to give advice before they will actually take it and use it.   It is so real with students in the classroom. Wanting to help my children avoid the mistakes or paths we have already tread upon that may have caused great grief and struggle is what   parents desire to do.  The thing we often forget is that we learn from our mistakes.   I know learn through mine, and I need to allow my kids to learn from theirs.  I need to give them permission to take their own path, which may be one less traveled or less desirable.   I will still be the guide that shouts, "Over here,   "This Way!" or "Watch Out!"  My only hope is that the mistakes they learn from will not cost them too much or take them down too treacherous a path falling off a cliff that they can't climb up.

This is something I hope to help parents to understand at school.   Allow your children to learn from their mistakes.  The mistakes they make now in elementary school for the most part have minimal consequences.  Not completing projects and homework and suffering the consequences of their actions will hopefully help them to become more organized and responsible.   Feeling disappointment for not making a team or earning merits when they have not shown enough effort has natural consequences.  Allowing students to learn from their mistakes and not repeat them in the classroom is valuable as well.  Teachers need to not rush to just give answers to kids for the sake of time, but guide them into solving problems on their own which will have everlasting effects on their ability to be ready for the future.

 As a parent, I have fallen into the pitfalls that so many parents get trapped in as well.  I sometimes tried to help and "fix" it.  Every parent wants their child to get that A or make that team.  When our child does not use their time wisely, we just really help them get the project complete. We end of THINKING for them.  This train of thought counteracts with the end goal of helping them become independent adults. When we allow kids to learn and grow with guidance, help to show them the dangers ahead, they will learn and grow into adults that are expertly trained to be a guide for themselves and will have the ability to lead others out of the wilderness!

These thoughts are entangled with our theme at Curtis Elementary this year.  We take intelligent risks, to help our students to be future ready and to thrive in the world.  We take the road less traveled at times; not because it is a shortcut or easy.  Often times it is extremely difficult.  We choose that path because it is what is best for kids!  As an educator and principal of Curtis Elementary, I want to lead my staff, students, and parents to remembering that is alright to take risks in learning.  It will not always be easy, but well worth the reward.  My closing thoughts are in the poem, "Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost.    Let's take the road less traveled - it could make all the difference!

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost:  http://www.bartleby.com/119/1.html

Feeling Wicked Smaht!

I have to say that I did feel a little smarter about a month ago when I had the privilege of attending the Art of Leadership (AOL) at Harvard, which is part of the Harvard Graduate School of Education.  It was such a great experience learning among top educators from all over the country and world!

      Cambridge was amazing!

Walking through this majestic campus - the renowned place of learning for some of the most influential people in the world was humbling.  I met so many awesome principals that How did this small town girl growing up in a town of 2,000 in little old Davis, Oklahoma and now a principal in Weatherford,  Texas get here?  I was able to participate in this program through Raise Your Hand Texas.  The mission of this organization is: "Raise Your Hand Texas advances public education by igniting fiercely innovative leadership and advocacy for our state’s 5 million+ students."  To learn more about this great organization that is focused on improving schools and education, visit their website: http://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org/about/



Harvard Professor, Pamela Mason

Through AOL, I connected with Harvard professors, and met lots of new friends in Texas (Other RYHT scholarship recipients) and other principals from the west coast to the east coast and beyond.  I hope to keep these friendships for a life!

My Learning Group 11!

I learned so much about myself at AOL.  I learned about myself as a leader and learner.  I hope to take this experience back to Weatherford ISD and Curtis Elementary with the hope that I will be a better leader for my district, teachers, and most importantly - my students!


Bring in the New!

I love new things!  I just got my car detailed, and it looks and smells brand new.  It is amazing what having something new can do for your attitude.  The part of my life that really makes me happy is a new year. I am not talking about New Years - January 1st.  As a life long educator, my new year excitement comes in August.  I love a new school year!

My school year started last week.  My new Assistant Principal, Sarah Williams, and I have been planning and preparing the new school year for teachers and students at Curtis Elementary.  In the midst of creating staff development and processes to start new this year, I get really excited.

This year will be even more exciting having new folks at Curtis.  I am really excited about working with two new office members, Sarah Williams and Jenny Chapman. 

You all met Sarah in my last post.  Jenny Chapman is coming to Curtis from Aledo ISD. She will be our new counselor!  Jenny has great ideas for how she will help to transform Curtis and create a positive learning environment for students, teachers, and parents at Curtis. 

This year we will have more than new staff members.  Our building has gone through some renovations over the summer.  In a few short weeks, we will move back into new offices!  Through the WISD bond, we were able to create secure entrances!  This new entrance will allow us to ensure a safer learning environment for our students, parents, and teachers. 

I can't wait to start this new year, meet our new teachers, and welcome all of our students back to school. It will be a great, new year!

Summer of Fear - NOT!

With every new school year approaching, we are challenged with new adventures.  Over the last few weeks there have been some big changes at Curtis Elementary.  Some of these changes were a little scary. Change can be scary.  Change can be uncomfortable.  Change can be beautiful!

 A huge change for me and the Curtis staff is Marie Hernandez leaving Curtis to lead the Crockett Elementary campus.  At first I felt some sadness and even panic!  This change was huge!  At first, I thought, “I lost my right hand.  What am I going to do?”   However, this moment of change will have a tremendous, positive impact on Weatherford Independent School District.  While I will miss Marie, I am super excited about her new adventures at Crockett Elementary as Principal.  I know Marie will do great things there, and I will continue to work with her as we help each of our campuses to grow!



Marie and I at our first Meet the Teacher with Dave Cowley.

 

A few days after adjusting to not having Marie with me on campus every day, I lost my left hand, Lindsay Fuller.    Of course, the first thing that flashed through my mind was, “Now what am I going to do?  My first thoughts were, “What about our Curtis kids?  What about our teachers?”  The role of the counselor is important to a school. I was worrying about the impact this could have on my school and only seeing negative impact, but I realized I was wrong.  Lindsay has already built so many positive relationships with students, families, and teachers at Curtis.  Now she has the opportunity to extend her reach positively impacting more students, parents, and teachers at Crockett Elementary.    

 Mrs.  Fuller is excited about this new opportunity to help students, parents and teachers on another campus.  I am proud for her courage to continue to grow and help others on another campus.  I know she will continue to do amazing things at her new school.



Sarah Williams

I took some time to reflect on this change.  Change can be scary due to the unknown outcomes.  Thinking about leading Curtis with a new administration staff really excites me.  I am going to replace an awesome assistant principal with another awesome assistant principal.  Sarah Williams has been the assistant principal at Seguin for two years.  The knowledge and experience she will bring to Curtis will only help to make our school stronger.  I am so excited about this new partnership and want to welcome Sarah to our campus. 

 I have an opportunity to hire a new counselor that will have to fill some pretty big shoes. I know that our new counselor will immediately take care of our Curtis students and we will be alright.  Curtis teachers will be alright.  In the words of Jo Dee Messina, “I’m all, I’m all, I’m alright!”

What I want to continually remind myself, teachers, parents, and students is that change makes us better.  Change will allow Mrs. Fuller and Mrs. Hernandez to grow and empower others to grow.   This change will allow Curtis Elementary to gain new perspectives and reach beyond what we once imagined.    In order for us to grow, we must allow ourselves to accept change.  The only change that is negative is if we do not embrace it and get better from it. If we take the advice from another song I love by Jo Dee Messina, “That’s The Way It Is, you’ve got to roll with the changes. That’s the way it is, you’ve got go where the wind blows.  You Live and Learn. You Crash and Burn.  It’s Hit or Miss. That’s the way it is.”   

 Change is what you make of it, and I’m making the best lemonade anyone has ever tasted with all of the new change at Curtis Elementary.   That is why I say that this is the summer of fear -  NOT.  It will be a great year!   This is opportunity, and it is better to get out of our comfort zone every now and then in order to learn and grow.  I close with these words from Robert Frost.   “Two roads diverged in the wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

 

 

I Got a New Attitude!

Spring is definitely in the air!  It is that time of year when the stress begins to build!  Teachers, students, and parents stress about "The Test". While STAAR is important, we must keep in mind that it is just one day out of an entire year.  One day does not define a student.  The experiences and opportunities we provide for students each and every day is what really matters.

I am mindful of our school culture and the school environment.  As the leader of Curtis Elementary, I am constantly reminding myself about, "Doing What is BEST for kids!"  Providing a safe place to learn is our most important charge.  Our mission is to "Teach, Challenge, and Inspire".  It is my job to make sure that our students, staff members, and families know that and feel that.

As we trudge our way through the high stress and business of school at this time of year, the one word that comes to mind is "Attitude". We choose our attitude.  No matter what is happening around us, we have a choice.  With these thoughts, I reflect on a classic from Patti LaBelle.

"I'm feeling good from my hat to my shoe,

Know where I am going and I know what to do,

I've tidied up my point of view,

I've got a new attitude."

Attitude is contagious and can make all the difference.  A positive attitude is the one thing we can choose to have every day.  An attitude can spread like wildfire, so it must be uplifting and positive.  A positive attitude is energy.  It is the voltage that flows through the school.  Its current runs through each person. When I enter Curtis Elementary, I want light it up with bright, positive energy.  If we as educators remember this, we will brighten every classroom and office lighting the way for kids.

Teachers at Curtis have a strong desire to instill the love of learning.  How can we do that?  We can do that with a positive attitude.  When we are passionate about the work of each day, students will love coming to school and love learning.   As educators, we insist that students possess a positive attitude. What we need to be mindful of and insist of ourselves to be positive because our attitudes matters.  

 My challenge to myself as well as teachers, students, and parents is to choose to have a positive attitude.  When students enter your room or office, is it well lit?  Does your passion and excitement for learning brighten the way for student success?  

STEAMing into Innovation!

Wow! It is the first week back to school for the 2016 school year, I am so excited! I have to admit that, "I just cant hide and I'm about to lose control and I think I like it!" The Pointer Sisters said it best. Today was the big  reveal of a surprise for our Curtis students. Students toured, for the very first time, the brand new Innovation Lab! This room would not be possible without the generous donation from the Curtis PTA. We are blessed with the most amazing group of parents and volunteers at Curtis. Like the staff, they are focused on what is best for kids. We are very thankful for the WISD Maintenance Department.  They worked hard to complete the painting of this room over the holiday break.    

Under Construction!

Rick Montgomery crafting words on the walls!

  I came up with the idea about five weeks ago. Many people are following the one word challenge,  #oneword,  on Twitter. My one word is #listen.  Five weeks ago I did just that - I listened. There was a student in my office that was struggling with making good decisions. I listened to him explain what was going on with him and asked what he loved most at Curtis.  After he responded, I realized that due to his academic struggles, he is not able to do the one thing he loves most which is going to the Maker's Space. This student is pulled in several directions throughout the day and works on an online tutorial after school. Because of this he has no free time to go the Maker's Space or attend the Maker's Club. In several discussions, Librarian, Kim Scoggin, has also been thinking of ways for students to access the Maker's Space more frequently.  In conversations with Kristie O'Keefe, Creative (Art) instructor,  she expressed the many challenges surrounding this class. Often times students are not able to engage in great experiences because of time. Nearly 40 students are in the room working on a creative art activity. Managing students in this environment and engaging them in creative opportunities in 45 minutes is challenging.   Teachers have been frustrated with not having enough time to access online tutorials and programs, and they have to use instructional time to ensure students are able to utilize the computer lab. The  schedule is usually booked, and classrooms are unable to visit the lab. 

After reflecting on these three situations, I brainstormed viable solutions. How can we provide the best education for our students at Curtis Elementary?  I thought about the work I do with principals all over Texas with the Texas Principal's Visioning Institute.  I have been learning how to change - no transform, education. How do we transform Curtis? We do school differently! 

In our quest to do school differently at Curtis, we encourage creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. One of the ways we do this is through the Maker's Space - which only a few kids occasionally access. Following the lead of our students, I am continuing to learn. As the Lead Learner, my Maker's Challenge to myself was to create a space where every student explores their passion in a risk-free environment. After planning with my team at Curtis, we created an Innovation class modeled from the great work of Don Wettrick that runs an Innovation class in Noblesville, Indiana. 

Amy Wallace

With the creative designs of Amy Wallace, we helped to transform a typical classroom in our building into a bright, interactive lab that immediately sparks excitement. Amy worked tirelessly over the last two weeks, managing projects and re-purposing old furniture into a collaborative, inviting learning space. Some of the highlights of this room include a 4 x 8 Lego wall, a giant Lite-Brite, rolling art tables and magnetic surfaces along with dry erase tables. There is also a textile center where students can sew and crochet among other things. One wall of this room will be utilized as a green screen so that students have a space to create videos. 

 Kim 

From the top-left: Marie Hernandez, Kim Scoggin, Lindsay Fuller
From the bottom-left: Abbi Blackburn, Kristie O'Keefe, Amy Wallace, Lori Bratcher

Scoggin teamed with Abbi Blackburn to plan engaging projects. Abbi Blackburn, Kim Scoggin, Lindsay Fuller, and Kristie O'Keeffe, have coordinated to integrate connected activities during collaboration. Shawna Ford, Future Ready Coordinator for WISD consulted with our team to help guide them with ideas and plan how to use this space.

Students will attend the Innovation class during their collaboration schedule each week. They will focus on STEAM activities that enable them to make connections and solve problems without the constraints of traditional instruction and fear of failure. Students will be able tap into their innovative and creative talents. 

Abbi Blackburn introducing the Innovation Lab to students. 

During the unveiling, students entered the Innovation Lab with excitement and curiosity.  They were blown away with the opportunity to innovate and create.  One students' words were, " Most schools do not allow students to choose the way they learn like Curtis.  Kids will be able to be creative in this place." Students were eager to look around and think about all the possibilities for how they can express themselves and pursue their passions.


As the lead learner of Curtis Elementary, my goal is to ignite passion in learning through not only my students but also staff. I believe that this new opportunity will provide a time and space that empowers innovation and continues our educational transformation along this journey as we transform Curtis Elementary

Let the STEAMwork begin!

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