December 21, 2012

We had no school on 12/21....

:-)  Today is 12/21. It is a Friday. It is a Day 3.  :-)

:-)  Early out schedule due to Winter Parties!  :-)

Our last office "Winter Wish" video to you...

Some more penguins have arrived in the office!
Have a happy holidays everyone!

Holiday Schedule - My plan is to be in the office next Thursday (12/27) and Friday (12/28) during the mornings if you need anything. Otherwise, I will be taking vacation over the break. I hope you find time to get away to enjoy time with family and friends! I will send out a FWR next Friday to update you on January events and dates to note. School starts on January 2nd. 

Moment of Silence - As you may have already heard through the local and national media, many are observing a moment of silence on Friday at 9:30a.  At the building level, we will NOT be observing this with students due to not knowing the understandings of each student, family discussions and wishes.  If you as an adult would like to do so, feel free to arrange your classroom schedule so it is a quiet learning time at 9:30a on Friday.

Continued Safety Questions - I appreciate the feedback you have provided and questions you have asked us over the past week. After conversations with you, parents, Shelley and the West Des Moines police chief and lieutenant, we are continuing to put things in place to make sure we are providing a safe learning environment for everyone. In addition to a Homeland Security walkthrough I have set up for early January, the district will be taking a look at all facilities across the district to ensure the safety of staff, students and visitors alike. Continue to ask question and provide suggestions.

My Editorial - It's Time to Step Up

The views below are just mine as a dad, a husband and an educator.

...as always, take it or leave it. 

I'll be honest. My focus has not been on effective feedback and improving student achievement this week. It has been on the tragic events of Newtown, CT. It has been on the moms, dads, brothers, sisters and grandparents of the those who lost their lives senselessly last Friday. It truly has not been on the "why" of what happened, but rather has been on the "what now" of the issue at hand. It has been on what can I, one person, do to ensure something like this does not happen in our building, in Waukee, in Iowa or anywhere for that manner - not tomorrow, not next year, not 15 years from now. It has been about what can I do to make a difference in the life of a 7 year old TODAY who may one day think the only way to kill the pain, sorrow, hurt, etc.... is lash out in this violent manner? I've gone past the age of being politically correct or "soft" in order to not upset everyone. For example, I share my views and beliefs that violent video games are not healthy for any child. Not in any circumstances, I believe. I share with my family and friends how important it is to build relationships with your own children first (put down the iPhone, the computer, the video game) and then develop positive relationships with other students and adults. Welcome people. Smile at people. Help someone you don't normally help. I must admit, I need to get better and more consistent at this myself. I need put my family first - my kids are growing up quickly. I need to support your learning and development as front-line educators in a sometimes harsh and brutal society. I need to help you develop positive and proactive relationships with each other and your students. I need to let you know on a regular basis that you do make a difference. You are important. By choosing your profession (teacher, associate, nurse, custodian, nutrition, etc.) within a school, you have already stepped up and put yourself in a position to make a difference. Our potential is endless. Together we can make a difference. We can change society one child at a time, one parent at a time, one community member at a time. We can go beyond just stepping up and potentially making a difference.  Thanks for stepping onto on our bus and making a difference every day.