Thanks for reading and following RennerBeepBeep. Blogging has been a new and rewarding experience for me. I hope this blog has given you the opportunity to get to know me better professionally and personally. I look forward to having the same opportunities to get to know you when school convenes this August. The 2009-2010 school year is sure to be the start of something great!
To those of you participating in professional development this summer, I look forward to hearing about your courses and how you have been inspired to try new and different things.
To the travelers in the group, I look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing of your amazing adventures.
To everyone who plans on sticking close to home, I hope a summer of reading and relaxation is just what you need. I definitely want to hear about your favorite summer reads.
As for me, I'll be finishing up at Hawthorn mid-June then taking a week or so of vacation time before officially reporting to Renner on July 1st. The Park Hill School District will be operating under a 4-day work week this summer, so you can plan on finding me at Renner most Mondays through Thursdays in July. And, if you're wondering about the "infamous" July cleaning party, it's scheduled for Monday, July 6th beginning at 9:00am. If you're in town and enjoy organizing and cleaning, stop on by! The more the merrier.
For now, this will be my final RennerBeepBeep post. In August I will be publishing a weekly electronic faculty bulletin to keep you up to date and informed of Renner Happenings. At that time, this blogspot may evolve into a different type of communication tool for Leadership Council or Community Connections or any of our other committees. If you have a creative idea, be sure to share.
Have a safe and happy summer. I look forward to working with you in the Fall.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
American Idol Blog
In my book, a promise is a promise. At the Renner reception this evening I promised (or maybe it was threatened) to blog about American Idol unless someone had another topic they wanted me to blog about. Since I heard no other blog suggestions and I'm a woman of my word, here's my American Idol blog. Even if you're not an Idol fan, check it out.
This American Idol season showcased the most talented group of contestants ever! Tonight, the final two held the spotlight - one a "glam rocker" and the other an "acoustic rocker." The contestants could not have been more different artistically and personally. They represent the full spectrum of entertainers and personalities. The same is true of the microcosm we call Renner. We have students that represent the wealthiest of our community as well as those living below the poverty line. We have English speaking students and those who are new to the English language. We have gifted students and learning disabled students and everything in between. Maybe in some way the American Idol contestant's diversity is a positive thing. It highlights on a national stage the fact that talent and giftedness comes in many different packages. The same is true of our students. They are not limited by their background or circumstances; they are only limited by their hopes and dreams for their future. And, thankfully, this is something we can impact. We can be the ones who find talent and giftedness in every student.
As American Idol progressed, each candidate performed three songs - one they selected, one the producer selected, and a third written specifically for the finale. This format created an entertaining show that captivated my attention. It also reminded me of education. You see, the producers of American Idol know what every good teacher knows - to create excellence you must provide a balance of choice, direction and novelty. Students thrive and learning occurs when exceptional teachers find a way to provide students choice in demonstrating learning; guidance and direction to highlight areas of strength and improve weakness; and novel engaging lessons that captivate the imagination. This recipe works in the classroom and apparently it works for American Idol as well.
Kris and Adam (the finalist) performed Mad World, Ain't No Sunshine, Change is Gonna Come, What's Going On, and a new song, No Boundaries. I thought of many funny, not so funny, and quasi-poignant comments about these songs. Fearful that my sense of humor may not come through appropriately on the blog, suffice it to say hidden in the lyrics of each song is at least one line that may have a motivational or educational message. The new song is no exception. Though the lyrics to No Boundaries are a bit corny, they strive to inspire us to remember we are not limited and anything is possible. The lyrics repeat the statement, "with every step you climb another mountain." That will be our challenge next year...to put one foot in front of the other with confidence and commitment to climbing whatever mountain is in our way. Together, we can do it and make our mark on Park Hill.
Who will win American Idol? I don't know, but in my book every contestant who took a risk, gave their best, responded to criticism with grace, and enjoyed the journey with dignity and joy is a winner! Next year, let's all join that winning team!
Thanks for your warm welcome to Renner. Your graciousness, honesty, and flexibility have been greatly appreciated. Enjoy your last couple days with students and have a fantastic Memorial Day weekend....Now, I'm off to watch the Dancing With the Stars finale....Did I tell you I'm a reality TV junkie?!
This American Idol season showcased the most talented group of contestants ever! Tonight, the final two held the spotlight - one a "glam rocker" and the other an "acoustic rocker." The contestants could not have been more different artistically and personally. They represent the full spectrum of entertainers and personalities. The same is true of the microcosm we call Renner. We have students that represent the wealthiest of our community as well as those living below the poverty line. We have English speaking students and those who are new to the English language. We have gifted students and learning disabled students and everything in between. Maybe in some way the American Idol contestant's diversity is a positive thing. It highlights on a national stage the fact that talent and giftedness comes in many different packages. The same is true of our students. They are not limited by their background or circumstances; they are only limited by their hopes and dreams for their future. And, thankfully, this is something we can impact. We can be the ones who find talent and giftedness in every student.
As American Idol progressed, each candidate performed three songs - one they selected, one the producer selected, and a third written specifically for the finale. This format created an entertaining show that captivated my attention. It also reminded me of education. You see, the producers of American Idol know what every good teacher knows - to create excellence you must provide a balance of choice, direction and novelty. Students thrive and learning occurs when exceptional teachers find a way to provide students choice in demonstrating learning; guidance and direction to highlight areas of strength and improve weakness; and novel engaging lessons that captivate the imagination. This recipe works in the classroom and apparently it works for American Idol as well.
Kris and Adam (the finalist) performed Mad World, Ain't No Sunshine, Change is Gonna Come, What's Going On, and a new song, No Boundaries. I thought of many funny, not so funny, and quasi-poignant comments about these songs. Fearful that my sense of humor may not come through appropriately on the blog, suffice it to say hidden in the lyrics of each song is at least one line that may have a motivational or educational message. The new song is no exception. Though the lyrics to No Boundaries are a bit corny, they strive to inspire us to remember we are not limited and anything is possible. The lyrics repeat the statement, "with every step you climb another mountain." That will be our challenge next year...to put one foot in front of the other with confidence and commitment to climbing whatever mountain is in our way. Together, we can do it and make our mark on Park Hill.
Who will win American Idol? I don't know, but in my book every contestant who took a risk, gave their best, responded to criticism with grace, and enjoyed the journey with dignity and joy is a winner! Next year, let's all join that winning team!
Thanks for your warm welcome to Renner. Your graciousness, honesty, and flexibility have been greatly appreciated. Enjoy your last couple days with students and have a fantastic Memorial Day weekend....Now, I'm off to watch the Dancing With the Stars finale....Did I tell you I'm a reality TV junkie?!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Short, Sweet and to the Point
This blog post will be short, sweet and to the point.
- Every person has strengths.
- Every person can contribute to the goals of a team.
- No person excels at everything.
- Synergy happens when we align our strengths with the mission of the organization.
- Synergy happens when we accept that people are different.
That's my management theory in a nutshell. Many people call this theory strengths-based management: putting the right people in the right jobs that utilize their talents. It's about letting the detail-oriented team members organize; the orators of the group present; and the idea people brainstorm. It's about realizing that other people do things differently and that that's okay. It's about honoring and respecting everyone's talents and gifts. It's about finding our niche and making a contribution in whatever way we can.
When we gather together in August, we'll be talking more about the Renner team and how members of the team have different talents and strengths. We'll be exploring our similarities and differences. Personally, I think we will discover that it is our differences, more than our commonalities, that make us a great team.
So, since this blog is short, take a couple of minute to watch and reflect on the video below. It highlights, in a musical way, how when we bring our talents together magic can happen. Listen, watch, enjoy and remember, we're all in this together.
(Once you select the link and the video opens, hit the "start" arrow to begin playing. Be sure to watch to the end.)
http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741
If you're game, blog back about the lessons you think this video has to offer our team or our students. There are many!
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