Working to finish up first round of observations

I am back in classrooms this morning trying to finish my first round of observations.  I have been impressed with the level of instruction in every classroom.  The teachers are doing a great job, if there is an area we need to improve on it is using the technology we already have in every classroom.  We are still relying on the old standards such as pencil and paper.  We have the twenty first century carts but are not using them to their fullest potential.  I know that there have been some training issues, but I will need to get teachers out of their comfort level to make changes to our overall usage. 

Rachel's challenge

Yesterday we started a journey to make our school a better place.  We were very fortunately to be one of the schools selected to be in the first wave of implementation.  I can honestly say that in my twenty two years in education I have never been in a more powerful assembly.  My students were completely engaged during the entire assembly.  I highly recommend this program to any school or district. 

Negativity

I have come to realize that some people are not happy unless they are complaining.  I find myself working with staff members who always have an issue with something.  I can not remember anytime they were positive about anything.  The days become stressful and they start complaining about any and everything.  How do you change this person, can you change a persons personality?  If not, how do you work with people who are the counter opposite of you?

The stress of the Job (Principalship)

I am somewhat overdue to make a post, so I think I will explain my reasons and discuss my job.  The Principal's job is never complete.  It seems that everyday is completely full of tasks that require my attention.  This in combination with my meeting schedule often makes the job seem impossible.  I arrive most days by 7:30 and work until around 5.  I rush home and grab a bite to eat with my family and return for supervision of athletics or another function.  When I get home usually after 9, I can only shower and try to unwind.  I find myself not sleeping due to the amount of stress I have encountered during the day.  Shortly after I am able to fall asleep, the alarm rings and the days starts all over again. 
I am not complaining since this is my job, and I love it.  I just wonder how it effects my overall health.  Case in point, I was not ADD or ADHD until I became an administrator.  Now I find myself wondering about a problem or test scores.  I am just looking for some amens about this crazy but wonderful job.

Ken Leithwood

I have been doing research on Ken Leithwood for my class.  I would encourage all administrators and those that aspire to become administrators to read some of his work.  His work encouraged me to continue the path I started three years ago at my current school.  Most of his work centers on the job of the leader, and how the actions of the leader translates to student performance.  He has written a number of books and I will buy his last one soon.  It appears it will help me on my path to transforming my school into an awesome place of learning, where students, parents and teachers are all working to a common goal.

Smallest items cause the biggest headaches

Why is it that things I do not see as big deals always caused the biggest headaches.  Homecoming court and club representatives have caused me more problems than a major schedule change this year.  Why do parents and students see this type of recognition more important than what my child is learning?  If clubs and sports are more important, then why do we offer classes?  I guess I am just looking for another voice or someone to explain why?