Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 35
I saw many wide-eyed looks this week as we get closer to spring break. There is a tiredness and wear that is coming over all of us and fuel tanks are nearing the “E”. The challenge, then, of course, is…
Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 34
This week started out with an unexpected (and hopefully) final reminder from Mother Nature that it was still winter. Snow kept us out on Monday and with a delayed opening on Tuesday. With my lead custodian sick, my assistant principal,…
Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 33
Not only did I have a chance to bring down a group of my teachers to the Ron Clark Academy this week, but I was also joined by five of the Instructional Superintendents in my district. Interestingly, as I was…
Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 32
It was somewhat of an unexpected week when my family traveled to Pittsburgh for the funeral of my wife’s grandmother on Monday and Tuesday. Those kind of events obviously come out of nowhere and it can be challenging to refocus…
Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 31
So yesterday (Friday) afternoon we were extremely short staffed in the front office. Ms. Wharton was the only person left to cover, and Friday afternoons tend to be an extremely busy time because many parents check out their child early…
Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 30
As this week comes to a close, I think back to the tragedy in Florida on Wednesday (Valentine’s Day) and am angered by another senseless shooting. This anger and despair is nothing new, sadly. In fact, as I looked back…
Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 29
At the conclusion of last week’s post I mentioned I was nervous for our first Educator Playground this past Wednesday. It was a new concept for us and the success of it was completely in the hands of my staff….
Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 28
As I was thinking yesterday about what to write on this week’s blog, I was content with explaining how this was probably my toughest week yet as principal. There just seemed to be one rough thing after another at every…
Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 27
I don’t know about anyone else, but I am personally ready to get back to a “normal” schedule. The past few weeks have been a roller coaster. Between delayed openings and early closings, getting stranded in New Orleans, closed schools,…
Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 26
It was an interesting week for sure! I spent Monday and Tuesday presenting at Get Your Teach On in New Orleans. We had 900 excited educators from around the world! I was able to bring four of my own staff…
