Reflections

When schools first began the move to all things Google, I challenged myself to try new tools from the suite through the lens of leadership. I tried to model the use of different apps and was even able to find a way to use Google Classroom in my work as a Principal. I also used (and continue to use) Blogger frequently to publish my reflections and observations as a leader. As part of our combined efforts to increase communication and transparency around work we were tackling, my Superintendent and I thought about launching a blog that could capture and share more voice and concrete messages. As we began to build that blog, it became long and felt unorganized. We reached out to our Director of Educational Technology and shared our dilemma. She suggested we look into Google Sites. I remember using Google Sites when it first launched and I was not a fan. So her suggestion met my face of skepticism. She assured me that Google Sites had been updated. I logged in prepared to disregard he...

Recently, I was able to spend time in a new program we have created for some of our most at-risk high school students. The incredible teacher invited me to sit in on part of a discussion and it was something I looked forward to all day. As we read through a document projected on the screen, two of the students began to share parts of their stories. Stories so full of tough lessons and experiences, I wondered how they were able to speak so openly about any of it.  I wondered how they learned  how to show such raw courage in their sharing. I wondered what they thought about our efforts and if it all felt genuine to them. I wondered if it occurred to either of them how inspiring they were.  I wondered if anything we were saying held any fragment of depth comparable to their own words. I wondered how ridiculous we must sometimes look to them, as adults, when we press on about academic expectations within the school right at the same time they are forging through a...