This Thursday is February 12 or 2/12, which means it is national 212 day. What’s that you ask? Did you know that at 211 degrees, water is hot? (Just call me Captain Obvious!) If you remember from your science days in school, at 212 degrees, water boils. That one extra degree is the difference between … More The Extra Degree
Last week, we all watched IU football win the national championship! I still can’t quite believe I’m typing that sentence. Growing up in Martinsville, IU was my team. My dad loved everything about IU, which meant I did too (and, of course, Notre Dame football). We watched every game we could. And while IU basketball … More Anything is Possible
Trevor Muir, who is an educator, speaker and author, once made a video titled “Why Some Kids Hate Christmas.” In it, he reminds us that this season is filled with joy for many. Still, it can also be a time of struggle for others. I encourage you to take 4 minutes to watch his video … More Home for the Holidays
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines! Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover!” Explore. Dream. Discover. That’s what education is all about, right? This has … More Explore. Dream. Discover.
I promise I am not writing about the temperature in our building. I know some rooms feel warm and if you ever spend time in the cafeteria it feels like an icebox. What I want to share is something that always comes up in our Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training. It hits me every year as … More Thermostat vs. Thermometer
That first week is no joke. Just getting kids in the door is a win some mornings. We run into tears, sometimes from the kids, sometimes from the parents. Our kindergarten students are learning everything for the first time. Some do not even know their own name yet. And then there is lunch. Trays to … More Be There for Each Other
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to hear Annette Breaux speak at my Indiana Principal Leadership Institute (IPLI) graduation and celebration. Annette, a former educator who now spends her time writing and speaking about education, has co-authored several books with one of my favorite authors, Dr. Todd Whitaker. She was an outstanding presenter, and … More Acting is an Essential Skill
Our goal with tier 1 literacy instruction is to give every child the best chance to succeed. When our instruction is clear, intentional, and grounded in the Science of Reading, we do just that. A strong Tier 1 benefits all learners. It also reduces the number of students who need additional support through Tier 2 … More Tier 1 Literacy Instruction
Pi Day is this week, and so is Spring Break! With just a few days left before a well-deserved break, I think we could all use a good laugh. So, in honor of 3.14, enjoy these Pi Day jokes, because nothing brings people together like math and a little bit of humor! Happy Pi Day!
We all face challenges, frustrations, and setbacks, but how we respond makes all the difference. One common trap we can fall into is BCD: Blaming, Complaining, and Defending. The concept of BCD comes from Focus 3, an organization that helps teams build stronger mindsets and cultures. While BCD may feel justified, it never leads to … More No BCD
Explore. Dream. Discover. 