What Makes Renner Special?

Last week I blogged a response to your question about an accomplishment at Hawthorn that I am proud of. This week I'm turning the tables on you! In the Renner 3-2-1 Survey, I asked you to tell me three things that make Renner special. Here's a summary of what you said:

• The teachers' dedication to the students


• Great parents who participate and volunteer on a regular basis


• Collaborative sharing between grade level teachers


• Our students!


• Outstanding, talented, ingenious staff


• Renner familes are second to none


• Parental support


• Access to a beautiful park right out our back door


• Teachers and support staff work together to help students succeed


• Open and friendly atmosphere


• Before and after school programs, tutoring and student support


• A diverse and unique student population


• Longevity and diversity of staff


• Renner traditions such as Renner City, Pioneer Days, Field Day, Family Math and Reading Nights etc...

It's obvious, many things make Renner special. Yet, the bottom line of almost every response was "the people". Staff, students and parents were definitely a common theme among your responses. This is very exciting.

In his book, Good to Great, Jim Collins talks about the importance of "getting the right people on the bus". According to your reflections, the right people are on the bus at Renner. For a leader this is the first and most important step to continuous improvement and greatness. The subsequent steps of confronting the brutual facts, setting the direction, assuring fidelity, providing accountability, reflecting and responding, and celebrating successes are easier with the right people. Jim Collins puts it more succintly, and I paraphrase, "to get breakthrough performance you first need 'disciplined people' followed by 'disciplined thought' and 'disciplined action.'" When Jim Collins talks about "disciplined people" he refers to self-disciplined people who are willing to adapt, change and implement systems of improvement consistently and effectively. They are self-starters, go getters, continuous learners, and servant leaders. These are the people you have described as your peers. How exciting is that?!

I can't wait to blog a year from now about my proudest accomplishment at Renner. With the right people and the right determination, I am sure my blog will be about our journey to greatness.

So, get on the bus and join me as we revolutionize Renner towards greatness!