The end to another school year brings about time to reflect upon the previous 180 days and to further set goals for the 2017-18 school year. This year has certainly had its ups and downs for me both personally and professionally. In the end, all of the struggles and successes have made me a stronger, more capable leader and person. I am certainly looking forward to the time this summer with family and friends and for the opportunity to refresh and regroup.

Here are some of my goals and areas of focus for next school year:

1. Student Support: I work closely with our Learning Support Specialist (Erin Madonna) and Counselor (Dallin Bywater) to support all students learning and social/emotional growth. Next year I hope to expand my presence with student support and place quite a bit of my time and effort with students. We worked closely together this year and have some exciting ideas and changes for next school year. Redefining and making our roles very clear within the student support team will allow us to be more intentional and fully support students, parents, and teachers. I personally hope to be in the classroom much more next year working with small groups of students and maybe even some team-teaching from time to time.
2. Team: Next year we are very excited to have Harish Kanabar join us as the new elementary school principal. One area in particular that I am excited about is his extensive experience with PYP, as we will begin that journey this coming August. I am excited to work side by side with him in supporting our entire school community. On a personal note, I look forward to the opportunity in supporting his transition and quickly filling him in on the ins and outs of our wonderful school. I have a good feeling that the two of us will work well together!
3. Teaching Assistants: Two years ago a goal of mine was to provide more professional learning opportunities for our teaching assistants. Throughout the year we provided monthly PL opportunities after school and we witnessed our teaching assistants thrive in the classroom and take ownership and agency as instructional assistants. Next year we will move back to this system and continue supporting our teaching assistants in moving forward toward personal and school-wide goals. Some of the areas of growth that we will highlight include working with students in small groups and one-on-one, supporting ALL students at ALL levels (including EAL, Learning Support, Gifted and Talented, etc.), tightening up on classroom management/transitions, and technology/innovation/creativity.
4. Supportive and Positive: The reason I became a teacher nearly 20 years ago was to make a difference in the lives of others. Likewise, the reason I made the switch to administration was to support and encourage others. I never want to lose sight of this foundational piece of who I am and what I strive to be as an administrator. I am still young as an administrator and thrive working with and learning from the teams that I have been a part of. Through being in the classrooms working with students and teachers, making myself available for difficult conversations, and recognizing when teachers need a little extra support and encouragement, I can be that positive support for the entire school community. It’s important that all of us recognize and encourage the good in others and practice the true spirit of collaboration, communication, and commitment.

In the end what we remember and hold onto are the relationships that we have built and cultivated. I work with dedicated and talented individuals at #sisrocks that challenge and teach me everyday. I hope that I provide as much support and encouragement for them as they do for me. Here’s to a summer of rest and to a fabulous 2017-2018 school year!