Be Responsible For The ENERGY You Bring Into This Place!

Hey strangers! Love both of these quotes! Since we are all coming off of a Spring Break hangover...a GREAT one...FULL of rest and relaxation...it's time to refocus and finish out this year strong! We are in full steam ahead mode...testing season mode...and striving for ways to get our kids to outperform even their own expectations mode. In order to do that WE must OWN the right mindset! The "I CAN AND WILL"...mindset! The "WE MUST BAND TOGETHER…even if we don't teach the tested subjects" to help our RMS TEAM get this job done mindset! YOU have SO much power when it comes to getting the kids motivated to push even harder...YOU are the key to their success. Keep pumping them with good teaching and the unwavering support that they CAN do it! Keep in mind that this can ONLY happen when we are 100% in the RIGHT frame of mind. The POSITIVE frame that believes (and strives to believe in these "4 ways to LIVE" below). Rise above the Negative Nelly's and show them that with hard work and an unwavering belief in our kids, our teaching methods, and our unwavering expectations we WILL shine bright this first year...the "proof is in the puddin'"...as my grandmother always said! We have to WALK OUR TALK...don't let naysayers drag us down...WE are responsible for the ENERGY we bring into school each day! The more positive energy we exude...the more people will want to be around us...and support us...including our peers and kids! They will drink the positive "kool-aide" if you will just serve it up! :) Have a marvelous Monday...I can't wait to see your smiling faces...yes they will be smiling (even if it takes a double cup a Joe first!) ha-ha :) (I have highlighted some key points that I found especially important to me...which ones spoke to you?) Btw...don't forget to wear green...I would HATE to see where those 6th graders choose to PINCH us! :P

4 Ways to LIVE in the TODAY!

Borrowed from the book “1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently”.

1. Invest the present in what matters most to you.

You are the customer of a bank called Time. Every morning it credits you with eighty-six thousand, four hundred seconds. Every night it writes off, as a loss, whatever remainder you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you with the same deposit of eighty-six thousand, four hundred seconds. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the tomorrow. You must live in the present on today’s deposits only. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success. You’re making withdrawals right this second. The only question is: Are you making them count?

2. Focus on writing your own life story, your way.

Remember that every moment counts. Every second matters. Honestly, whatever is given is a gift. So don’t be so satisfied with the success stories of others and how things have gone for them that you forget to write your own. Unfold your own tale and bring it to life. You have everything you need to become what you are capable of becoming. Incredible change happens when you decide to take control. This means consuming less and creating more. It means refusing to let others do your thinking, talking, and deciding for you. It means learning to respect and use your own ideas and instincts to write your passage. If you want your life story to soar to new heights, you’ve got to clear a path, reduce the time-sinks and burdens weighing you down, and pick up the things that give you wings. Keep your best wishes and your biggest goals close to your heart and dedicate time to them every day. If you truly care about what you do and you work diligently at it, there’s almost nothing you can’t accomplish. (Read The Last Lecture.)

3. Live what you preach.

Remember that thinking and doing are two very different things. Success never comes to look for you while you wait around thinking about it. You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do. Knowledge is basically useless without action. Good things don’t come to those who wait; they come to those who work on meaningful goals. Ask yourself what’s really important and then have the courage to build your life around your answer. Identify what’s most important to you. Prune nonessential commitments. Eliminate as much as you possibly can of everything else. No wasted time, no fluff, no regrets.

And remember, if you wait until you feel 100% ready to begin, you’ll likely be waiting the rest of your life. So challenge yourself to be who you know you are capable of being. Challenge yourself to follow through – to live what you preach, to walk your talk. Don’t worry about how slowly you feel you’re heading towards your goals, or how many roadblocks you find, or how many detours you’re forced to take. As long as you keep doing your thing, you’re still cruising far ahead of everyone who’s too scared to even try.

4. Step boldly into the unknown.

And don’t buy into the myth of the perfect moment either. Moments aren’t perfect; they’re what you make them. So many people wait around for the stars to align to do what they’re here to do. The perfect moment, the perfect opportunity, the perfect state of being, etc. Wake up! These states of perfection are myths. They do not exist. Your ability to grow to your highest potential is directly related to your willingness to act in the face of imperfection. You will come to succeed not by finding a perfect moment, but by learning to see and use life’s imperfections perfectly. So ask yourself this: “When it’s all said and done, will I have said more than I’ve done?” Let your answer be NO! May your actions speak louder than your words. May your life preach louder than your lips. May your success be your noise in the end. And if life only teaches you one thing, let it be that taking a passionate leap is always worth it. Even if you have no idea where you’re going to land yet, be brave enough to step up to the edge of the unknown, and listen to your heart every now and then. You’re worth it.

LIFE...The 90/10 Principle!

Have you ever heard of Stephen Covey's 90/10 Principle? If you let it, it can change your life (at least the way you react to situations). What is this principle?10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react.

What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How? ……….By your reaction. You cannot control a red light. but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react. Need a little more convincing?? Check this out....

http://www.videoinspiration.net/blog/inspirational-short-story-video/

This short video showed you two different scenarios. Both started the SAME. Both ended DIFFERENT. Why? Because of how he REACTED.

Bottom line...You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If a co-worker says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if a student doesn't do what you ask them to do? Do you lose your temper? Do you ridicule them? Or in the words of Fred Jones...are you the fool that argues back with them? The important thing is to have a have a management system in place, no need to REACT hastily to the situation...remember the 90/10 principle, and follow the system. Maybe you ignore it (if it's minimal) or a call their parent..or even better yet...let them know that you don't deliver bad news to parents...they have to, and have them call (with you in there of course). The key is...don't let the situation control you...react appropriately.

Now that you know the 90/10 principle...TRY it...APPLY it...you will be amazed at the results. So many people are suffering from stress, trials, problems and heartache, but if we all understand and apply the 90/10 principle. It CAN change our life!!!

They Will NEVER Forget How You Made Them Feel

As I read through the student surveys and comments that our own RMS kids said about us, I thought this blog post that one of my best friends (and fellow principal) passed onto me, now resonated more than ever with us. Check it out....and ask yourself...what will the students remember MOST about us (and you)? Will they FEEL you cared more about THEM or the content? Do they feel safe here? Do they feel loved? Do they FEEL we believe in them...whole-heartedly? Have we built the bonds and relationships with them...that they will look forward to us coming to visit them next year at different events?! I TRULY hope so...because I know that is what gets me up each and every day...the fact that we CAN, WILL, and ARE making a difference in each of their young lives! Enjoy the read...and take a few minutes to reflect how it relates personally to you. Have a marvelous Monday team!

HP

What Students Remember Most About Teachers

Posted on January 26, 2014 by pursuitofajoyfullife

Dear Young Teacher Down the Hall,

I saw you as you rushed passed me in the lunch room. Urgent. In a hurry to catch a bite before the final bell would ring calling all the students back inside. I noticed that your eyes showed tension. There were faint creases in your forehead. And I asked you how your day was going and you sighed.

“Oh, fine,” you replied.

But I knew it was anything but fine. I noticed that the stress was getting to you. I could tell that the pressure was rising. And I looked at you and made an intentional decision to stop you right then and there. To ask you how things were really going. Was it that I saw in you a glimpse of myself that made me take the moment?

You told me how busy you were, how much there was to do. How little time there was to get it all done. I listened. And then I told you this: I told you to remember that at the end of the day, it’s not about the lesson plan. It’s not about the fancy stuff we teachers make — the crafts we do, the stories we read, the papers we laminate. No, that’s not really it. That’s not what matters most.

And as I looked at you there wearing all that worry under all that strain, I said it’s about being there for your kids. Because at the end of the day, most students won’t remember what amazing lesson plans you’ve created. They won’t remember how organized your bulletin boards are. How straight and neat are the desk rows. No, they’ll not remember that amazing decor you’ve designed. But they will remember you. Your kindness. Your empathy. Your care and concern. They’ll remember that you took the time to listen. That you stopped to ask them how they were. How they really were. They’ll remember the personal stories you tell about your life: your home, your pets, your kids. They’ll remember your laugh. They’ll remember that you sat and talked with them while they ate their lunch. Because at the end of the day, what really matters is YOU. What matters to those kids that sit before you in those little chairs, legs pressed up tight under tables oft too small- what matters to them is you. You are that difference in their lives.

And when I looked at you then with tears in your eyes, emotions rising to the surface and I told you gently to stop trying so hard- I also reminded you that your own expectations were partly where the stress stemmed. For we who truly care are often far harder on ourselves than our students are willing to be. Because we who truly care are often our own worst enemy. We mentally beat ourselves up for trivial failures. We tell ourselves we’re not enough. We compare ourselves to others. We work ourselves to the bone in the hopes of achieving the perfect lesson plan. The most dynamic activities. The most engaging lecture. The brightest, fanciest furnishings. Because we want our students to think we’re the very best at what we do and we believe that this status of excellence is achieved merely by doing. But we forget- and often. Excellence is more readily attained by being.

Being available.
Being kind.
Being compassionate.
Being transparent.
Being real.
Being thoughtful.
Being ourselves.

And of all the students I know who have lauded teachers with the laurels of the highest acclaim, those students have said of those teachers that they cared. You see, kids can see through to the truth of the matter. And while the flashy stuff can entertain them for a while, it’s the steady constance of empathy that keeps them connected to us. It’s the relationships we build with them. It’s the time we invest. It’s all the little ways we stop and show concern. It’s the love we share with them: of learning. Of life. And most importantly, of people. And while we continually strive for excellence in our profession as these days of fiscal restraint and heavy top-down demandskeep coming at us- relentless and quick. We need to stay the course. For ourselves and for our students. Because it’s the human touch that really matters.

It’s you, their teacher, that really matters.

So go back to your class and really take a look. See past the behaviors, the issues and the concerns, pressing as they might be. Look beyond the stack of papers on your desk, the line of emails in your queue. Look further than the classrooms of seasoned teachers down the hall. Look. And you will see that it’s there- right inside you. The ability to make an impact. The chance of a lifetime to make a difference in a child’s life. And you can do this now. Right where you are, just as you are. Because all you are right now is all you ever need to be for them today. And who you are tomorrow will depend much on who and what you decide to be today.

It’s in you. I know it is.

Fondly,

That Other Teacher Down the Hall

Effort Is Like Toothpaste....You Can Always Squeeze Out A Little Bit More!

Did you know that at 211 degrees water is HOT...at 212 degrees it BOILS...and with boiling water comes steam...and steam can power a locomotive!? What does this have to do with us you ask? A LOT! This video link below...is all about what just ONE degree of "effort" in the way we do things...can pay off exponentially with our RMS kids and in our personal life, as well! The line between failure and success is SO FINE that we....are often ON the line and don't even know it. So the next time you are ready to throw up your hands up and say..."I quit”...pray for a little more patience and decide to give just 1 degree MORE effort. (even if your brain tells you that you can’t…don’t listen) I know this is easier said than done...and I struggle with it as well! But when you REALLY think about it...one degree is NOT gonna kill us and according to Vince Lombardi, "Inches make a champion!" I think he might have known a little about that in his field of work! :) It’s not about the LONG race...our job is about many short races...and with these short races all it takes is PERSERVERENCE. In the end...the difference between success and failure is not HOW you look, HOW your dress, or HOW you've done it in the past...It's about the HERE and NOW and HOW YOU THINK! Let's pull together and reach down deep inside and find that EXTRA degree that can ensure that every outcome can be a SUCCESS STORY! Have a marvelous Monday team!

Click here to see what I'm talking about! :)

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z6o8GRmPdiE

SCHOOLS...a PR Job? Sure!

Customer service....have you ever thought about what our school "rating" would be...by our staff, parents, and kids? What would your own personal "rating" be...by our parents and kids? Well, wait no more...the district surveys are back in. The ones that you filled out on RMS and me, the ones that parents filled out about all of us at RMS, and the ones that our students filled out about all of us. It was very interesting, and def worth sharing with you at our Wednesday meeting this week. You can look at it in many different ways...but the one thing you must have is an "open-minded" attitude to be willing to listen and read between the lines...especially if it is a suggestion that will make our team and school stronger and better! Lots of good info to be taken out of it. Areas we are doing well, areas that we need to grow in, and some areas that are well...just "nitpicky never gonna make some people happy" areas. It reminded me of a video I had seen earlier about "Johnny the bagger"... since KIDS are our customers!

Overall, people LOVE this school and the direction we are headed. Sure we have some work to do...but that's to be expected with a new school...heck even existing schools have lots of work to do! It's about the journey...if you are here for the kids, here to be open to new and exciting things (even when you are uncomfortable)....here with the best intentions to build this team to make us the "most requested" school in LCISD...then you are def in the right spot! Hang on tight..the road is bumpy at times, but in the end we have each other to "refasten" our seatbelts and help us back on the bus when we stumble and fall out the window a time or two! When you watch this video...I want you to reflect on what your personal "signature" of customer service is. What's that one "extra" that you do because you love kids and are here to help them succeed no matter what? I would love to know what that is, if you would like to share. I KNOW (because I have personally seen it in some of your rooms) that I have some "Johnny's" right here at RMS! I appreciate you SO much for that...and so do others! (hence the survey comments) :) Have a marvelous Monday team! :0)

Below is the inspirational story of Johnny, a 19-year-old bagger with Down syndrome. Johnny decided to personalize his service to his customers by dropping a thought for the day in each bag. His spirit of service transformed the store.

http://play.simpletruths.com/movie/simple-truths-of-service/#.UwEKFLQmOEg.email

The WORD Itself Says.."I'M POSSIBLE"

If you build it they will come! We have all heard this saying before...but it is even more personal for us! With the "opening" of RMS we are making 6th grade history. We are in the process of "building" a culture and vision like no other. By making the CHOICE that we can create a new and exciting way of reaching our kids...we are setting the bar sky high for every other school that opens behind us...and even some of the ones that are already open. :) By thinking out of the box...with new and different ways to engage our kids, the building of personal relationships, days sprinkled with a little fun and laughter, and with an UNWAVERING BELIEF in ALL our kids (no matter their story) we will most certainly reach extraordinary results in year one!

This video reminds me of us with our "out of the box" Exploratory classes, our paying it forward vision, and our never giving up on kids attitude. It's all about MIND over MATTER...we can accomplish whatever we put our minds too...but we must fully COMMIT to NEVER giving up...no matter how dire the situation seems at the time. This time of year is more important than ever, so grab a "lifesaver"...buddy up and be prepared to surf the waves of doubt! We are a campus that has a vision of success...no matter what we come up against...together we WILL not only survive...we will THRIVE! Don't let the naysayers get you down...just let them know that everything was impossible...until someone had the courage to JUST DO IT! That's us....we are gonna DO IT! In doing that, we must ask ourselves...."Are the things we are doing right now making a difference in our students (and our co-workers) lives?" If not...we need to reflect on what WE must do differently...yes, US...our actions...not necessarily the kid's "issues". The adult actions (all of us..me included) are where the results will come from. Sharing IDEAS...and strategies that are working with your students...that's where the magic is!

Come May, I expect to see scores like never before...scores that will set the bar higher for all the grades following us at the junior high and high school. We must RALLY around each other, and be ok with asking for help when we feel like we are sinking. We can't let pride get in the way...this is a sure fire way of drowning. (I'm speaking from experience here) It takes a village...and everyone pulling their weight to get to the finish line...everyone is accountable for their own piece of the puzzle and now more than ever it is so important to give it all we got! Break through moments are happening all the time...so keep going team! :) I believe in YOU...in what you are DOING...and all WE WILL be accomplishing our first year as the RMS Longhorns! I hope your extra long weekend was just what you needed to kick-off the second half of the year...and "get er done" in the 3rd nine weeks of school! Your extra effort of planning, using those new strategies from the training, and continuing to build those relationships is noticed and VERY appreciated, thanks for that! Have a terrific Tuesday...a four day week! Wahoo!

Check out the video...that sparked this weeks mush!

http://vimeo.com/79902240

Notice Similarities....But RESPECT The Differences!

Have you ever thought about how different we all are? And did you know that's a GOOD thing! Every one of us (and our kids) have unique qualities, struggles, and personalities! To form a ROCK solid team, you must have a little bit of everything! If everyone was exactly the same personality as each of "US" (even though "we" think we always "know" best)....that would be a recipe for disaster. Let's be real....some of us are rigid, some are easy-going, some are procrastinators, some are impatient, some are go with the flow, some are glittery (no eye rolling), and on and on and on... Our RMS team is comprised of many differences...we have task oriented people, people that are the "out of the box" thinkers, people that organized, people that are persistent, people that are dreamers, and people that ALL MUST have ONE thing in common....the BELIEF that we CAN and WILL accomplish the IMPOSSIBLE with our kids! (Don't take this the wrong way...but if you don't truly believe that...why are you here?) No matter WHAT it takes...I expect to see scores that out produce everyone else...and I'm not settling for anything less. (Get ready...those student progress meetings are coming)

With all these "differing" qualities in ourselves and our kids...we must make a decision to ACCEPT that not everything will be done the way "we" would have done it, and that is ok....as long as we were successful as a TEAM in the outcome! We have to be flexible...when it is good for kids. (even when it messes up our schedule a bit). There is no "I" in team...just saying...you can't do it alone! So this video of Tara and Bella is a true picture of what being a TEAM is all about! They are completely different...yet they show us what rallying around each other, loving each other, trusting each other, and forming bonds that are unbreakable is all about! They show us that by working together and by leaning on each other when we are frustrated or out of ideas...that we CAN do anything...as long as we work together! They show us that with no FEARS...no SECRETS...and no PREJUDICES we can accomplish anything and have each other's backs at the same time! We must look past the things that seem "different" or not the "norm" for us...because we NEED each other! We need a campus of "Tara's and Bella's"!


Here's the video....something to learn from for sure!
http://youtu.be/cBtFTF2ii7U

If you're intrigued...here is an update video on the duo...the true essence of friendship til the end.
http://youtu.be/qlajUJ1ygdI

Refilling Your Own Cup....It's Essential!

Well, this will be the last Monday Motivator of 2013...I can't believe we are about to start 2014! And with a new year...comes new and exciting things...and in order to stay on top of all the new and exciting things we must take a little time to "refill our own energy cup". That's what my hope is for all of you...to use the "GIFT" of time-off to SLOW down, leave the school stuff at school, and spend some much needed, (never promised), yet very deserved quality time with your loved ones. This is an ESSENTIAL piece to success and being able to come back and finish this inaugural year strong. If you don't take a little time for you...then you can't give your best to our Longhorns...and that is why we are here! So drink up the relaxation, and come back ready to hit the ground running, and "pour" that great teaching onto our kids, because we still have lots of work to do. :)

With that being said I found this video and it immediately reminded me of how I want (and strive) to live my life...by giving back to others. It demonstrates how powerful it can be when we take the time to find out "a little bit" about people...our kids...their families...and each other! So, sure...we can't create the SAME thing on this scale...but it doesn't have to be so grandiose...it's the "LITTLE" things that matter most! Building strong relationships with each other and having an attitude of gratitude is what it's all about. It's about taking care of business when one of your teammates is out, having no sub available and giving up your conference period for the team (like blue team this week), it’s about a simple thank you when someone does something for you, it’s about Core Team working hard (shopping and preparing) to make all the small daily treats happen for the 12 days of RMS Christmas, it's about Kynzi &Tim & Stu-co running the Jingle Horns clothing drive for Common Threads to give back to our community, and in the end....it's about EVERYONE pulling together to swim in this O-CEAN of first year chaos, excitement, and fortunately most days at LEAST one laughable thing to keep us sane! That's the "little" yet "so important" things that keep all our heads above water! Thanks for all you do and please KNOW that the extra effort you give is noticed and appreciated! Have a marvelous Monday team!

 

http://mashable.com/2013/12/09/westjet-christmas-miracle-ad/

Procrastination Buster!

 

Ahhhhhh...better late than never! Right??? Wrong! I must work on treading my O-cean water better!

168...did you know that is the number of hours available to each of us every week???

Let's walk it through for the majority of us. We might give 60 of those hours to sleeping and staying clean (grooming and bathroom ... 8.5 hours a day). Another 50 or so are invested in our work and commuting (average U.S. one-way commuting time according to USA Today is 25.5 minutes). That leaves us with 58 hours each week to apply wherever we'd like. I find that pretty exciting...because that's FOUND time! (something that I always seem to be in need of...how about you??) If we are lucky enough the LOVE our work..love what we are doing with the kids each day...we can make it a paradise...well maybe the next best thing! When you can actually laugh each day with the people you are in the trenches with....that makes it a whole lot easier to get up on those days...that your hand and the "snooze" button seem to have a magnetic attraction. Here's something to reflect on...as individuals, what are we doing consistently to better love what we do and the people you are around each and every day? As a leader (admin, leadership role, department head, etc)...what are we doing consistently to help our people better enjoy their work and the people around them? Are we doing anything to make it worse? Truly happy people tend to be more engaged and make better things happen ... better results, better relationships, more opportunities. And, that's more enjoyable for everyone. Here is a video on procrastination and how to "eat that frog"...something that I ALWAYS need a reminder of! Hope it helps you too...if you struggle from the same "illness" every now and then! Have a terrific Tuesday...can't wait to show off all your "skills" to the other principals tomorrow! :) http://play.simpletruths.com/movie/eat-that-frog/#.UqaClZLYsj8.email

You Have Far MORE Inside of You Than You Ever Knew!

In case you forgot....YOU have far MORE inside of you than you ever knew! Every day is a new day to fill our kids up with the knowledge and encouragement to KEEP GOING!! Every day is a fresh start and new opportunity to reach even the toughest kids! After a nice Thanksgiving break with your family and friends to refill our energy tank...it's now December 1st and time to hit the ground running...we only have 15 more days left in 2013 to fill in the gaps and pour in tons of great learning for our Longhorns! The sky is the limit...if you just give it your all and BELIEVE! The reality is....it is ALL HEART from here on out, TEAM! If you believe...and commit to giving your best each day...the dividends are priceless! You are helping write the success stories of our kids...EVERYTHING you do matters...from the rock star teaching strategies to the believing in them even when you may have a doubt...YOU are the key to their success! Keep pushing...even when you are tired or frustrated...you can do it! Together we WILL make a difference...mainly because failure is not an option...and I refuse to give up on kids! So teach on....believe on...and NEVER, EVER Give Up! (You will be astonished by your results...just like in this video!) Have a marvelous Monday...and thanks in advance for giving it your ALL for the next 15 instructional days!

http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/facing-the-giants/death-crawl#.UpvUuuJr2FI.email

Gratitude Is My Attitude!

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday I want you to know how grateful I am for each of YOU! Thanks for swimming in this first year O-CEAN with me and 9 times out of 10 finding SOMETHING to laugh about! That is a great example of having an attitude of gratitude! We can always find something that is wrong...and complain about. (see the reality of that in the picture above) But have you ever thought about how many things are going RIGHT? There are so many. I know they may not always jump out at you...but they are there! The time and effort many of you are putting into forming those relationships with our kids...this act will cause them to work "THAT" much harder for you in the future, because they don't want to disappoint you. (yes, even the stubborn ones...that don't always show it) and for that...I am grateful! The extra time you are putting into planning out stations and small groups...for that...I am grateful! The willingness to tweak your current plans to add technology and more hands-on activities ...for that...I am grateful! Giving up your conference time to meet, plan, and learn new ways we can engage our kids...for that...I am grateful! Reading your emails....for that...well it's a work in progress...but I will definitely be grateful! :) ha-ha! This Thanksgiving break I want you to practice having an attitude of gratitude! Did you know that grateful people are happier and more likely to maintain good friendships! A state of gratitude, according to research by the Institute of HeartMath, also improves the heart's rhythmic functioning, which helps reduce stress and helps you heal physically. Gratitude is simply great medicine for our heart, mind and body. And like anything in life, the more you practice gratitude the more natural it becomes. Gratitude is like muscle. The more you do with it, the stronger it gets. So flex your gratitude muscles by practicing the following 5 ways to give thanks during this Thanksgiving Break! These tips came from my "other" man...Jon Gordon...some really good stuff! These are all things that we can practice right here at RMS...give it a try! BTW...they say it is physically impossible to be BLESSED and STRESSED at the same time...so I'm definitely willing to give it a shot! :) Have a marvelous Monday team!

5 Ways to Show Thanks by Jon Gordon

1. Thank You Walk - Simply take a 10-minute walk each day and say out loud what you are thankful for. It doesn't have to be complicated. Simply start with the things that you are blessed with each day... the ability to take a walk, to talk, to breathe. As you walk, shift your thankful thoughts to those you love, your job (even if it drives you nuts), your kids, your garden, etc. This one walk will shift your energy for the entire day by not only placing your mind in a state of gratitude but by also adding a boost of physical exercise to energize your body.

2. Meal Time Thank You's - On Thanksgiving, or just at dinner with your friends and family, go around the table and have each person, including the kids at the little table, say what they are thankful for. Try this for Thanksgiving!

3. Gratitude Visit - Martin Seligman, Ph.D., the father of positive psychology, suggests that we write a letter expressing our gratitude to someone. Then we visit this person and read them the letter. His research shows that people who do this are measurably happier and less depressed a month later.

4. Thank You Prayers - I was recently talking to my Grandfather who is 89. He sounded so upbeat and happy. I asked him what his secret was. He said 95% of the time he prays two simple words, "Thank You." And only 5% of the time does he say "Give me a break, God."

5. Every Day Thanks - Sometimes we forget to thank the people closest to us. It's easy to take people for granted. Just start thanking the people closest to you on a daily basis. Thank your children. Thank your spouse for the little things they do. Thank your co-workers and employees. Thank the security officer in your building. Thank the employees you interact with at the grocery store, the post office, the bank, etc

Be Different...Be BOLD...Go For It...Live With NO Fear!

"EVERYTHING we do is personal! How we talk to each other...how we work together...how we prepare for the day (for lessons/meetings)..It’s all personal! As you surely realized I was MIA the last three days of last week. I had an amazing opportunity to rekindle that "fire" I have deep in me by the one and only Ron Clark in his "house" at the Ron Clark Academy. I was asked during the summer if I wanted to tag along with another principal and one of her amazingly talented teachers to visit the RCA once again. Of course I jumped at the opportunity and asked Cindy to jump right in with me, along with the other 3 LCISD 6th grade principals. Since the Essential 55 and Ron Clark himself are such a huge part of our culture and vision at RMS, the training itself was paid for, but that was it. Everything else (food/hotel/transportation to and from Atlanta was all out of pocket for each of us). So not a cheap trip by any means....but one that will change EVERYTHING about you and truly rekindle that love for education that we all once had! How you look at education, how your teach kids, how you build the relationships with them (yes especially the tough ones), how to engage at the highest levels, how to effectively use the time you have each day for bell to bell teaching, and especially how to push kids to levels you never knew they could reach because YOU pushed YOUSELF to those levels and you truly BELIEVED in them! That's what my man Ron is all about...high expectations...for the kids, staff, and most importantly...HIMSELF! If you don't have those...you have nothing and you will never find success! He reminded me that we must continue to push ourselves to discover new things and always...BELIEVE even more than is wise! Everyday...make that every period in your rooms.... our longhorns are learning something more valuable that they can get in some book! We are teaching them...and most importantly...they are teaching US! (Are you open letting them? We can't let pride get in our way of doing what's right for kids). If we are..then together we will learn to "LOVE TO LEARN"! If we are pulling out all the stops and giving 110% every day...then they are going to walk out of our school realizing that they can do ANYTHING they choose with their lives...because of the positive "imprint" we have made on their life! Here is a little reminder of what I was just talking about! :)  I am full of energy and fired up about what I saw! Have a marvelous Monday team and don’t forget to BE BOLD!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHMmvD47rX8&sns=em

FOCUS on Your Potential....Instead of Your Limitations!

Wow, what a rough two weeks it has been! The bright side...we've made it 1/4 of the way through our first year together...and we are still standing...or swimming, depending on how you look at it! At our meeting on Wednesday we discussed TBU... “True But Useless” information. So this article by Jon fits perfectly in with where we are headed! We are starting a brand new nine weeks...and we must tune into our "zoom focus" to reach our goals! Zoom Focus helps us turn our ideas and goals into reality and results. Zoom Focus helps us focus on our priorities, execute, and create success while leaving the TBU info behind. Zoom Focus helps us take daily steps towards our big picture vision.

There are several steps for us to get there…

1. Creating our BIG picture vision…These are our teams goals…our hills to die on…it takes actions on everyone’s part to achieve this. Every RMS team member must contribute equally for this to happen.

2. Ask One Question…”what are the 3 most important things I need to do today? Now, commit to getting it done everyday before you leave.

3. Tune out Distractions…execute and accomplish you daily goals…then embrace the distractions (sometimes these distractors are what keep us sane) J

4. Busy….we are ALL busy…ask anyone what they need and they will most always mention...they need more hours in the day. We ALL need more time…but that's TBU...we can't increase the hours in a day but we can utilize the "zoom focus" method so we can achieve our goals and priorities within each 24 hour period.

5. Improve Daily! None os us are perfect...we can all improve! We must be “process” focused...take the necessary action steps…allow the data to drive our decisions and the results and growth will take care of itself!

 

Zoom Focus by Jon Gordon

“Vision without Execution is hallucination” – Einstein

I believe every one of us has a desire to accomplish great things, to do something meaningful, to have an impact. Yet, so many of us don’t take the actions necessary to create the success we desire. Then there are others who are very busy taking actions but the actions have nothing to do with their vision and goals. They’ve become lost in the busyness of life.

I have found that the key to individual and team success is to Zoom Focus. Zoom Focus helps you turn ideas and goals into reality and results. Zoom Focus helps you focus on your priorities, execute, and create success. Zoom Focus helps you take daily steps towards your big picture vision.

Now more than ever it is a time for action. It is a time for getting things done. It is a time to tune out the distractions and the noise from the doomsdayers and the naysayers and focus on what truly matters and what truly will help us create success. In this spirit here are a few ways to put Zoom Focus to work for you and your team.

Create your Big Picture Vision – This might be a goal or a dream. It might be a project that needs to be completed or a sale you are trying to close. It might be a company objective or a team mission. It might be a book you want to write, an initiative to improve your community, or a championship you want to win. Identify your vision and then you’ll be ready to Zoom Focus and take the necessary actions to get you there.

Ask One Question – Each day when you wake up in the morning ask the question, “What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?” Then each day take action on those three things.

Tune out the Distractions – Turn off the television. Stop answering the phone. Don’t answer the email right now. Talk to your friend later. First, get things done. Execute, accomplish and then feel free to embrace the distractions.

Say No and Yes – My friend once told me, “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” He reminded me that we need to stop scattering our energy and wasting our time on trivial things that have nothing to do with our vision and goals and start saying yes to our priorities and to what truly matters. Each day we must make choices and those choices including saying “no” to people and opportunities so we can say “yes” to the work we are meant to do and the success we are meant to create.

Focus on Daily Improvement – I see it in sports all the time. Teams focus too much on winning the championship and forget to Zoom Focus each day in practice. They are outcome focused not process focused. The key is to focus on improving each day and take the necessary action steps. If you incrementally improve each day, each week, each month, each quarter by the end of the year you’ll see remarkable results and growth. When you Zoom Focus on the process the outcome takes care of itself.

The POWER of Connection!

Love the quote from RIta....she was such an amazing woman..that left a ripple affect of GREATNESS! We have all had "that one kid" that in hindsight we would have handled the situation much differently...if only we had known the circumstances. We wouldn't have been so quick to judge...so sharp with our tone...so short with our patience...if we had "only known" what that kid/family was going through. Well the lesson in that is...we may NEVER know what that child is going (or gone) through...but if we treat each student daily with respect, dignity, and always keep an "eye" for what they are doing right vs what is going wrong...then we are "doing right by kids". We must continue communicating the high expectations we have here at RMS with our kids and parents. A very wise woman, once asked me...would you want Sydney Kate (who is my oldest daughter) in "that" teachers classroom...why or why not? Have you ever thought about it? Would you want a teacher to talk to YOUR kid "just like you do?" If the answer is no...then NOW is the time to change it...you are hurting the kids. If the answer is yes...then you are a better person than me...I made plenty of mistakes like this when I was teaching and even when I became an AP. My tone would get the best of me, until I was shown another way to lead. It's not the yelling and condemeing that makes kids (and adults for that matter) follow the rules. It's actually the relationships you build with those people...the trust that forms..that's the "golden ticket". People (and especially kids)don't like to disappoint people that love and care about...and this is very important with our students. So tommorow...find that kid that you have almost lost hope in...and rekindle that flame in him/her...and most importantly be their CHAMPION...and NEVER, EVER, EVER GIVE UP on them!. Thanks for all you are doing..we have almost made it through the first 9 weeks....keep paddling friends...the current is strong! Have a marvelous Monday and enjoy this story that I borrowed from a good friend...hope it speaks to you as much as it spoke to me! :)

HP

Just Trying to Get Through...

Ryan Kennelly. There is always a reason why you remember their names, even when you've known thousands, tens of thousands of names. Ryan Kennelly. Football player. Second row. Third seat back. This is all I knew about him after the first six weeks of school.

I didn't know the color of his eyes. I didn't know that he loved to read. I didn't know his mom wasn't around. I just knew if he didn't care enough about language arts to stay awake in class, then I didn't care enough to wake him up. He had an F at midterm. That happens when you never complete any work. The afternoon after midterm reports went home, I flicked off my classroom light and turned to find a man standing in the classroom doorway. Ryan Kennelly stood behind him, his head down.

"Mrs. Ayres? I'm Ryan's dad." The work boots on his feet,along with his jeans and shirt were coated with dirt that can only come from hard work. He shook my hand. His hands were rough, but his fingernails were clean. "I wanted to talk to you about Ryan's grade."  His eyes were kind. He reached behind him and put his hand behind Ryan's shoulder, gently moving him up to the conversation. I noticed Ryan's eyes were the same warm brown as his dad's.

He wasn't the parent I expected for a kid who sleeps in class. I stumbled through explaining that Ryan didn't complete any work, so he was failing. Mr. Kennelly nodded. He squeezed Ryan's shoulder and looked me straight in the eyes. "Why didn't you call me?" I didn't know five words could be filled with such disappointment. I couldn't answer him because the truth was so wrong:I didn't think you'd care.  He spoke again, "Now he can't play football. It's the one good thing in his life right now.We're just trying to get through. If I knew, then I would have helped Ryan get his work completed. I just didn't know."

My stomach twisted, knowing the mistake I made was because of my own misjudgment. "I'm sorry," I said. Then I gave him the work which Ryan brought to school complete the following day. I went to the principal and admitted my mistake, showing Ryan's current grade now that the work was turned in. I wrote a letter, asking for Ryan to be allowed to return to the football team.

It's a mistake I didn't make again.We're just trying to get through, Mr. Kennelly's voice haunts me from time to time. Now, fifteen years later and a mother to four, I know what he meant.
Tonight I had a meeting with one of my kids' teachers. She's a first year teacher and, like every first year teacher, is making some mistakes. I'm on the other side of the table this time. I hope my eyes are kind.  For the entire meeting I can't shake Ryan Kennelly from my mind.
I extend grace.

"Tomorrow is a new day," I said. "Let's just be glad we're not brain surgeons. They don't usually get a second chance."  The new teacher smiles, even laughs a little.It's going to be okay.This is education at its finest -- learning and growing from our mistakes.

http://www.ruthayreswrites.com/2013/09/the-one-who-haunts-you-learning-to-work.html?m=1

My Favorite Teacher....What Teacher Changed Your Life?

Whew!!!! So this past week was one of my toughest yet. I needed at least 5 clones of myself...I kept getting drug under by the "currents" of craziness! Sometimes, no matter how much you are trying to look at the glass as half FULL and stay positive...some days will just be tough! The lesson is...you have to BELIEVE that somedays...it's going to happen and REALIZE that a bad day...even week... doesn't mean it's a bad life! I love this job, and swimmming in this OCEAN with some of the best "scuba divers" in the world...makes it do-able on those tough days!! We have to lean on each other sometimes...and admit when we are struggling! We are in this together...and together is where the success is! As Annie said, "The sun will come out tomorrow"....and boy was she right! My "sun" was a weekend, some beautiful COOL fall weather, and a cup of pumpkin spice coffee! Sometimes, we have to walk away and know that tomorrow is a new day...a day FULL of life changing possibilities...a day that we WILL be that "person" that changed a student's life! I found this video on Soul Pancake about people talking about their favorite teacher and telling why they were. Was it the knowledge they gave? The rules they enforced? Nope, what they remembered was the ones that "cared"...ones that were "good men".... "let them be way too silly"...."let them do projects with things they loved...like drawing"..."pick and choose own assignments"...were "supportive and lifted them up"....was "personable"...was "imaginative with a deep heart"...one's that "care, cause you can't fake it" and lastly ones that "LOVE THE KIDS"! That's us....we HAVE to be here for these reasons! If you're here to collect a paycheck, you are in the wrong business...and on the wrong bus. This job is way too stressful and important to "coast"...we are changing lives just by showing up each day! So my expectation (and always will be) that we are doing the RIGHT thing and striving to get better everyday not because it is easier for us...but because it is RIGHT for kids! That being said, I want to say thank you for all the kid's lives you have touched in the past...all the kid's lives you are touching right now...and for those kids that will be lucky enough to have you in the future! I am proud to be your leader and promise to keep striving to be better at my job, (I am a huge work in progress) but maybe one day someone will say I made an impact on their life! My favorite teacher was Mrs. Burns in first grade, she was loving, supportive, taught me to love reading, and even gave me my FIRST spanking for chasing my friend Holly under the bathroom stalls! lol Oh, yes...I was "that kid"! Now, I have one question for you....who was your favorite teacher and why were they? I would love to hear about it! Shoot me an email! :) Have a marvelous Monday team...btw...I found some Pumpkin Spice creamer...so I can spread a little "sunshine" onto you in the morning too!! See ya in the coffee room for a cup of "pumpkin-shine"! :) Enjoy the video!

http://youtu.be/36QWcC0Y5rE

What DRIVES You To Carry On?

Hey team, I have a question for you! How do you make it it through your day? Make it from one place to another? One task to the next? What DRIVES you to go on? I hope when we are talking about our job...it's the kids! Everything we do is focused on ways to help them achieve and show them that the skys the limit! It's not the pay...or the hours of planning...or the paperwork...that keeps us coming back. The fact of the matter is, we are all here because we KNOW that we can make a difference. It is so important that we are building our kids UP...letting them know that their "DRIVE" can take them anywhere. Our tone, our body language, and our words...can make or break them...as Team RMS I choose to "MAKE" them! Make them feel that we expect them to give their best...everyday, and that we wholeheartedly BELIEVE in their talents and are here to do "whatever it takes" to ensure that we are setting them up for the "DRIVE" of their life! Check out this video...and share it with the kids...they need to FEEL Richie Parkers DRIVE. Too many times we allow our mind to take over our thoughts...when it should be our heart! Our BELIEFS must be greater than our DOUBTS! Kids will out perform their IQ everytime for a teacher that believes in them. So never, ever give up...even when the going gets tough. (that's when they need you the most ) We can do this...you are the right people for the job! Thanks for all you do!
http://www.youtube.com/embed/qiLDMBDPCEY?rel=0

Walk Your Talk!

So todays motivator was taken straight out of a few fantasy football draft videos! Since we are the RMS Longhorns (and as long as I am driving the bus) we will continue to PUSH hard and BELIEVE in ALL our kids...I think you will find some great messages in what these pro football players are saying. (I know I did) For example, they talk about finding balance (my word), trusting your strengths and instincts, you never know what you are capable of until you try, and my favorite (courtesy of Andre Johnson)...ACTIONS always speak louder than words! As educators we must play on our strengths (even admitting that other ideas might be better than ours, so we might need to talk less and listen more). We also, need to trust our instincts...you were born for this job so trust your gut...have no fear...and go for it!!! It is SO VERY important that we push our kids (and ourselves) to always try...no matter if it is new and we make mistakes...that's where the REAL learning takes place. In the end it's not about what's easiest...it's about the end product (our students success) that makes it totally worth it! Lastly, we need to remember that kids pay way more attention to what we DO than what we SAY! If we don't walk our talk...we lose credibility...and we work just too hard for that to happen! So make every moment count..and make it memorable!

http://youtu.be/FRLfWlC_3lQ

ONE Person CAN Make a Difference...And In Just 5 Minutes!

Since our RMS motto is "Be the ONE" I thought that this picture was a great reminder of what ONE person can do. ONE person can show, change, give, cure, offer, share, save, etc... It only take one, and this is a lesson that we must continue to model for our Longhorns. Have you ever hear the saying...your ACTIONS are speaking so loudly I can't even here the WORDS coming out of your mouth? Like it or not, they are watching us....I know scary....but they are. So that is all the more reason that we must MODEL what "being the one" looks like. It is having a filter...and using it. It is putting others feelings ahead of our own...even when we don't want too. It is going the extra mile...even when we are pooped. It is being flexible...when things don't go exactly as planned. It is about realizing that making a difference may only take 5 min...like in the short video below. (It's one that I want you to show the kids during 3rd period...and have then write about it in their interactive teambuilding journal..write about ways they could/WILL make a difference in just 5 min right here at RMS this year).

Thanks for all you are doing... I LOVE the spirit that each of your teams are bringing on Fridays at our color chant pep rallies! And the moves that you are busting out at the end of the day! Fun times!!! Now that classes are getting leveled out....you can get your teaching groove on! Go forth and do what you do best....push our kids to the highest academic level possible...and make a name for the RMS Longhorns starting year ONE! I have no fear that I have the right people on the bus to make that a reality! Enjoy this video from these inspiring kids from Australia....I expect the next video to be coming out of RMS! :)

http://youtu.be/oROsbaxWH0M

Not Everything That Counts...Can Be Counted!

Below is a video that some of you may have seen before. If not, you may need to grab a few tissues! It is the perfect example of the RMS way...putting the needs of OTHERS ahead of our own...because it's the right thing to do. (And no, it's not always the easiest thing to do.) That's how blessings work....the MORE you do for OTHERS expecting nothing in return...the more blessed YOU become! It means even more to see kids doing this, because they "learned" it from someone and I like to think that that "someone" just might have been a teacher like each of you. Our RMS Longhorns are watching...and soaking up EVERYTHING we say and do...so it is our responsibility to model the "right" way to handle situations and examples of "paying it forward" moments...without expecting anything in return! I can't even begin to count the ways that this team has blessed me in the short time we have been together. Your hard work, flexibility, and understanding when things don't always go as planned...has meant so much to me. You are some of the funniest people I have had the pleasure of working with, and when I walked into that teacher workroom this past Friday morning to find ya'll "jamming" and laughing..it made me love my job even MORE! A work family that can have fun together can get through anything, and will accomplish amazing things! I have no doubt that we are gonna knock the socks off of the scores....as well as set the bar SUPER high in every aspect for the rest of our Longhorns academic career in LCISD! I hope you had a chance to relax this weekend...you earned it. We made it through the first two weeks, so by this week we are hoping to have the new sections opened up and classes leveled out. Now is the the time for all that planning to turn into great bell to bell teaching. See ya tomorrow for a marvelous Monday! BTW...I actually think that this video would be a GREAT teaching opportunity for our Longhorns...especially during 3rd period after the Longhorn Essentials! :) Feel free to use it as a conversation starter...modeling the "right way"....the "RMS way" of doing things that COUNT! :)

http://youtu.be/sTaB-hPg0P4

Adjusting the Sails and Fitting It All In - The Mayonnaise Jar Story

WOW!! We (as one big RMS united FAMILY) made it through an exciting...exhausting...emotional... and oh so eventful first ever week of O-CEAN school! :) I can honestly say I couldn't have done it without all of YOU keeping calm and ROLLIN' with the waves! I really appreciate your positivity and flexibility as we continue to ADJUST our SAILS...to ensure the SEAS will be SMOOTH soon!

As educators, we know that the first week of school is always the craziest, throw in opening a new campus with a couple of comedy act "captains" (being Petunia and Buttercup..in case you couldn't guess..lol) and that just might make you want to walk the plank! Lucky for you we have “life-savers”...just in case! :) This 3 day weekend came just in the nick of time and it was what each of us needed to refuel our Energy Bus back up! I hope you were able to relax this weekend and take a lesson from the "Mayonnaise Jar"...it's about BALANCE! (my one-word) We have to successfully juggle the "big things" and the "little things"...and find a way to "FIT" it all in!! :) Thanks for being such an amazing team, it makes coming to work each day a lot of fun! :) See ya Tuesday...for a cup of coffee! :)

 

MAYONNAISE JAR LESSON

A professor stood before his philosophy class with some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full. They agreed that it was…

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was….

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up all the space between the pebbles and golf balls.

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand, pebbles and golf balls. The students laughed.

‘Now,’ said the professor, as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things – family, children, health, Friends, and your favorite passions – the things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else–The small stuff. ‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ He continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.’ The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. So…

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. ‘Take care of the golf balls first — The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.’

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. ‘I’m glad you asked’. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.