I've made it to Traverse City and am thoroughly enjoying yet another short trip that is revealing to me God's beauty across this country while also getting to develop my personal learning network.  So I was doing some window shopping in this quaint little town, went into a book store, asked where their children's books were from local authors or about the area (that is Carlee's usual souvenir from my trips).  I read the Legend of Sleeping Bear and teared up. We are going to Sleeping Bear Dunes this evening.

http://sleepingbearpress.com/shop/show/11504

So now I'm setting in today's general session which is usually led by a local photographer or artist who focuses on nature, and it's the illustrator of the book! His name is GiJsBert van Frankenhuyzen, otherwise known as Nick. Check out his beautiful work and published products.

http://sleepingbearpress.com/contributors/1497

I get a little excited when it comes to connections like this, but just had to share with other educators who love making learning authentic for kids and who also love books.    

He's also written some chapter books based on 20 years worth of nature journals his family kept about his farm and surrounding areas.  My "next step" to continue bringing cultural awareness to Greenbrier Middle School is stirring in my mind, "Teacher's Travels" or "Principal Martin's Places to Visit."  Can't wait for this next project!

Prepping for PD at PLT

The time of year is here once again where I have the blessed and unique opportunity to present at the annual Project Learning Tree's International Coordinator's Conference.  I will get to share with those in this environmental education network how I perform one of my most favorite tasks of my "job," which is leading adult learning.  I'm anxious to share with these professionals who facilitate professional development many research based, engaging, and practical pd tools that can be embedded into any type of pd session.

Filled My Cup...Practiced What I Preached on Christmas Break 2013

So here I am at the end of Christmas Break 2013, feeling somewhat sad about leaving my humble abode and family Monday morning, but feeling even more motivated on the things GMS will accomplish in the very near future.  I believe my motivation outweighing my sadness is solely tied to me actually practicing what I preach this time around.

While my previous school staff was very familiar with DeWitt Jones' "For the Love of It" mentality, and were well accustomed to the deep meaning of "fill your cup" personally to be a better person professionally.  Fill your cup...hmmmm...in October when I had my first opportunity to present "fill your cup" to my new school staff, it was once again like magic in the air, when we as busy adults, professional educators, individuals work at a calling and not just a job, all were way laid by this concept.  I must admit I did have tears in my eyes, just as the pathetic business men in Jones' story, who could not even remember the last time they did even one of the five things that brought joy to their life.  The few things I could remember, well, it had been way to long.

Having presented and preached this to my teachers the last few months, and having given reminder after reminder, if not even strict instructions, before our Christmas Break for them to fill their cups, I practiced the same.

I spent an entire afternoon with my mom "pickin" at flea markets in small town Beebe, Arkansas.  Even better, I came home with a bench for my kitchen entryway and some adorable, little, country snowmen for my mantle. I know it's crazy, but do you realize how much this simple little turquoise jar has made me grin?  A perfect addition to my new work area at home.

I cooked, and I baked, and I cooked and I baked some more!  And I loved it....and I fed my family and friends.  In a break far down the road, maybe this could lead to my cookbook. My triple chocolate trifle cake and Hoppin John Black Eyed Pea Soup were at the top of the faves list.

I download a new ebook to better guide my daily devotions and walk with my Lord, Believing God Day by Day.  This morning's devotional words from Kay Arthur hit home:  "God's intention all along has been for His children to succeed. So I ask you, is your Christian life feeling successful? Are you achieving and experiencing what Scripture says you would?...The only way we are going to impact our generation is to prove that our faith in Christ is real and that it works." Wow!  A new perspective on success for me, and an answer to a very specific prayer.

And get this, I even went on a road trip!  A simple yet jam packed three day road trip with the love of my life. It was to this cool little town called Fort Worth, Texas that I have visited at least five times before but had never slowed down long enough to take in the history and the culture and the scenery, and just to enjoy it with someone I love. Our first ever NFL game added to the awesomeness of the weekend as well. I didn't realize how much I needed a break, not just to be at home, but to truly get away from every day life and focus on relationships.  Hmmm....I've preached that before as well?  Does the Railroad Track Model sound familiar?

So there we have it, some of the few but powerful ways I actually practiced what I preached during this Christmas Break, and just as I've told my teachers for years, I am now ready to go back to work and give it all I have professionally.  Thank you, DeWitt Jones, for your words of wisdom, and thank you, Lord, for allowing me to fill my cup this holiday season, and thank you, GMS, for the great things that lie ahead in middle school education.  .

No Fail Friday...on Tuesday

Our second "No Fail Friday" event will take place tomorrow, on a Wednesday, simply due to inclement weather and school closing.  The same premise is there as in our first attempt in November, communicating between middle school staff and students that choosing to not complete school work and choosing to receive a zero on an assignment is just not good enough at our school.  Our culture for learning is striving to keep expectations high for all students, all of the time, and in all aspects of schooling.

That first attempt brought the number of literacy students who had received zeroes from 120+ students to around 20, and the number of assignments still outstanding was also remarkably decreased.  It was chalked up as a big success, and reflection centered on the importance of the organization and communication among all involved.  Literacy zeroes were addressed in November, and we are branching out quickly to lead and manage this change by addressing both literacy and math zeroes tomorrow.

Our ultimate goal is to no longer have a need for No Fail Friday, for all teachers and students to commit to the high expectations that students can and will complete all work in a timely manner, and that the work we are assigning is appropriate and worthy.

The success of our action research project as No Fail Friday to be reported on soon....

2nd Annual Keeping Our Wits Professional Development Retreat

2nd Annual Keeping Our Wits Professional Development Retreat:

The fabulous staff of Wooster Elementary School just completed their 2nd annual professional retreat at Crowley's Ridge State Park.  Our overall mission was accomplished!  31 staff members have written their first goal for their 2012-2013 Professional Growth Plans.  Many have set up classroom blogs. All have explored new educational apps to aide in the CCSS research and media standards.  Lastly, two awesome parent nights have been planned.