I've Got My Buddy

Best Friends.

There are lots of memorable best friends out there.

Thelma & Louise.

Buzz & Woody.

Harry, Ron & Hermione.

Sam & Frodo.

Hans & Chewy.

Sophia, Blanche, Dorothy, & Rose.

Captain Kirk & Spock.

The list goes on. Having companions in your life is good for you mentally and physically.  You make memories together.  You laugh together...and at times at each other.  You help each other through rough times.  Your friends are the people that are there for you through thick and thin. They are the people who are honest with you...they have seen you at your best and your worst.

Sometimes our circle of friends is large.  Other times the circle can be small.  It may be shared jobs or interests that bring us together.  There are those people who have a great attitude and personality that draw us into the friend circle. The best group of friends is those that feel like family.

In "Ted Lasso", Ted approaches everyone in a friendly manner.  He works hard to become a friend to those around him (cue "Biscuits With the Boss"). Even when he receives pushback (cue Roy Kent), he lends an ear and offers advice.  He understands that often in a friendship our words should be short and our listening should be long.  By doing so, he is able to create trust and create a culture where people want to be his friend (cue "The Diamond Dogs).  They know that Ted will listen.  Ted will offer advice.  Ted will BELIEVE in them.

Look around this school.  Find your buddy.  Find that person who will be honest with you and who will support you.  Find that person who NEEDS a buddy.  Support them.  Be honest with them.

Years ago, I came across an article about finding your marigold at school.  It is still a good read.  

Surround yourself with good people.  Be a good person.  Thank those around you for their support and guidance.  Believe in those around you.  Believe in the power of friendships.

On Your First Day...

We all prep for the upcoming school year in different ways.  Some of us start planning before the previous year has even ended while others wait until the calendar says August.  I find myself to be more of a "try to finish the current year and plan for the upcoming year" type of gal.  I find it allows me the time to adjust and dig deep into what I am planning.  It also gives me time just in case I may have a difficult time deciding on what to do.

This year caused me to do some planning much later than usual.  I also for the first time as an administrator could not think of a good "theme" to center our year around.  Every year, I try to start with a theme that relates to education...that inspires you...but this year...NOTHING.  I kept going back to Ted Lasso and the word BELIEVE.  I knew it was a word that was still heavy on my mind. It was a word I feel like I didn't fully embrace.  Did I believe in myself?  Was I at the point where I felt comfortable with the word?  I struggled with how to do I get others to believe, especially when for many of you, this is your first chance to play the game at this level.  How do I get our seasoned players and rookies to believe in each other...and in themselves?

I knew I needed to explore this word and concept further with you...for both you and me.

The first thing was to BELIEVE in my thought of not being a thief of time.  I had to BELIEVE there was no reason to do a "dog and pony show" for you.  I had to BELIEVE that if I put the information out to you, you will read it...and do it.  And if you are unsure of what you need to do, I needed to BELIEVE you would ask me for clarification.  I had to BELIEVE my idea was ok, even if it didn't match the thinking of others or what has happened in the past.

Moving forward, I want you to know what I BELIEVE;

• I BELIEVE we have the best team out there.  Build relationships with these people that go beyond the classroom.  Listen to them when they give you guidance.  Bring the best out in each other.
• I BELIEVE that no one wants to be fine.  We all want to do great things.  Will great things happen every day?  No.  Will we make mistakes?  Yes.  By laying good groundwork, developing good plays, and practicing those plays, we can ensure success in all areas.  Will it take work?  Yes.  Will it take time?  Yes.  Can you do it?  Yes...I BELIEVE in you all.
• I BELIEVE in listening.  I BELIEVE in teamwork.  I BELIEVE in working together to make this the best place for you and your students.

Wear the colors of our team proudly.  Cheer for each other.  Smile.  Believe.

It is going to be a great year.