Budget Inventory

It's amazing how little money a large high school receives to operate annually. As part of the team here, I can clearly understand why we have to be so creative when it comes to extracurricular activities and fundraising to get the things we need.

I think back to the "little school house". Small in size and minus all the fancy things.  It was the teacher against the whole school. No principal, no aides, no custodians.  When we can get back to the basic, I think we will be able to push forward.

Weekend Reflection on Face-Face

Taking the time to listen was the simplest and most effective activity of the evening. Remembering to take that time to, “LISTEN”. Not just listening but actually being an active listener. Remembering you don’t always have to provide a solution, agree to what they say, or respond. In our group I think we could all agree when it came to parents, sometimes just wanted to be heard.

After I reflected upon the non-negotiable items presented by various human resources staff from different districts I had a few thoughts.  At first I tensed up to hear it said, but then I thought, “You feel this way too”.  What settled me was to hear that there were actually backing their staff to make them successful.  As one person stated providing their staff with the tools and equipment they need to make students successful.  With this I was reassured they were on track with realistic expectations.

October 31, 2011

The Irish Prayer ~

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand…

This quote above was a wonderful beginning to the ending of this book. This was a great book with many good stories told about administrators from their faults to their corrections. Jeff’s story was a nice ending.  Getting the jitters and thinking of backing out because of negative past experiences at his retirement party was something I could totally see happening. However in the end the impact he had on others positively outweighed all the negative experiences.

Chapter 6-Reflection

“Trust is precious” immediately this chapter title stood out and made me think of several situations that I’ve witnessed or experienced.   As a human when those thoughts can trigger us to immediately go to the negative and then find balance with the positive.  This chapter discussed how trust can be destroyed in seconds, one encounter, or one wrong response. I feel once a leader loses trust then nothing that is spoken from that person again is perceived as a good thing, even when they may have something great to say.  That’s why it’s important as future leaders use caution on what we say and how we respond to others in tough situations.  I believe we will be remembered during those times those times are what we will be remembered for.  I want to be remembered on how I handled the situation and how I didn’t allow it to impact me in a negative way.

Chapter 5- Reflection

Chapter 5

The points that resonates the most with me included knowing when to pick your battles and knowing when to fight and when to retreat. Mrs. Abernathy case, she jumped the gun in a moment of stress versus giving the situation more time to be reflected upon. Sometimes that happens however the principal felt as though this is battle he didn’t want to deal with the teacher, parent, or student. Mr. Crockett’s discernment was correct.  By giving it a day the situation resolved.  I especially like to think about things 24 hours unless they need to be immediately responded to.  This gives me time to examine the situation in full. 

When reflecting upon fight and retreat, I felt there are times you have to fight.  This could include advocating for the needs of the classroom, school, or a student.  However you have to know how to humbly retreat and give time for situations to be resolved even when it’s not going at the pace you would like it too.

Oct 21 and Oct 22 On ground session

This past weekend was very informative. Lots of information was presented from Dr. Hauser, Lozano and Smith Law firm, and the attorney from Central Unified Kevin Toorosian.  The most insightful information was the presentation of Kevin Toorosian. His perspective presented the legalities of the district on dealing with discipline, attendance, and ed. code. Through all the courses I felt this is something we as a class should have spent more time covering, the ed. codes. His expertise covered a case scenario in which we as a class had to find the ed. code violations that specific student had broken based on his behavior, actions, and verbal comments.  It was pretty interesting to go through those steps.
Ebony

Chapter 4 - Competence

As I reflect I think about this chapter as the opportunity as a leader we must take time to reflect and think about things. This way we are not making rash and quick decisions on issues we have not thoroughly thought out. I have recognized I don't know everything. In fact when I teach courses on the college level I have stated, "I don't know everything, but I do know something." I'm not afraid to admit if I don't understand or if this is the first I have heard of it. I like the approach in the textbook. If you don't know then dive in and find out about it..