"Boy, Does Time Fly!"

Can you believe that we are going into our third week of this new school year? This is certainly a reminder to use your time wisely in school during instructional time as well as home while completing homework. Allow me to take this moment to simply encourage each of you to fly and soar like an eagle this school year. Make a commitment to yourself that you are going to go deeper into the curriculum by making every minute count in all of your classes; attending Team-Up; studying on your own time at home; attending class prepared; reading independently; and thinking things through as you make decisions in your life. You have the support of all of your teachers and administrators whenever needed. So, with that said, Landon Lions, make it happen!

Time Is Drawing Near

Students,

Since my last posting we have taken the FCAT, gone on Spring break, and even had Good Friday off last week. This shows that time is certainly drawing near to the end of the school year. It is normally this way after returning to school from the Winter break in December. Nonetheless, you all received your 3rd quarter report cards today and it is my hope that you take a moment to reflect again on this nine week's grades. Evaluate your academic progress; what you are most pleased of and what changes you plan to make to improve your grades this last quarter. You should always use this as a learning experience. Before I close until my next posting, I leave you with one question: "As an aspiring leader, what has been your most valuable learning experience thus far this year?" Feel free to respond to my blog. Have a great week!

Boy, Does Time Flies

Wow, time certainly flies. It seems as though we were just out for the January and February holidays. However, we are two weeks and two days away from the 3rd quarter ending and three days away from the FCAT. Students, I take this moment to encourage and challenge you to reflect on the strategies and skills that are embedded in your intelligent minds that your teachers have taught you to prepare for not only the test, but to utilize in your classes daily. Below are a few helpful hints as you get closer to the test:

1. Be Proactive (Attempt to answer every test question with confidence).
2. Begin with the End in Mind (Begin the test knowing that you will come out on top!)
3. Put First Things First (Use the reading, writing, and math strategies that your teachers have given you.)
4. Sharpen the Saw (Get plenty of rest; Eat a good breakfast each day.)
5. Use your testing time wisely by not spending too much time on one question.
6. Leave electronic devices home or in your lockers.
7. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the entire FCAT testing.

Oh Happy Day

I realize that it has been a moment since I posted last. However, I am here and always available to assist my students, teachers, and parents. Today marks history for all us as Americans and will never be forgotten. It is my hope that, as Americans, even after the Inauguration celebration has settled, we will strive daily to extend a hand to help others, recognize our inner strengths, and work collaboratively to enhance our professional learning communities. It is so important to know that we all have a different piece to the puzzle, which means that we all serve a different purpose to reach a common goal. No matter what piece of the puzzle you have (purpose you serve), each piece is just as important as the other.

Today, also begins a new nine weeks (3rd quarter). Students, I encourage you to sit back and evaluate your progress from the first half of the school year and develop a plan for this quarter to enhance those growth areas. Remain focused and utilize your resources (Compass Odyssey, Team-Up, Math Club, peer tutoring, etc.) around you to get the job done.

Fresh Start

Well students, we are a week and a few days into the 2nd nine weeks. It is my hope that you have already set new short term goals for yourselves as you work hard this quarter. As you receive your report cards on tomorrow, use that time to reflect on where you want to go from there. I encourage each of you to avoid putting negative energy into focusing on grades that you cannot change at this point. Focus on the positive (how hard you tried academically; how well you have adjusted to the new magnet program; the nice friends you have met; the caring teachers; the positive activities you participated in; the various food choices you have in lunch, etc)!!!! As young leaders, learn from your errors and press forward. Keep living, you will make many mistakes. However, the key to it is learning from your mistakes and making adjustments wherever necessary. For example, if your grades may have been affected by hanging out with negative peers, change your environment and choose your friends wisely this time around. Just know that it is not the end of the world. This is all for now, but before I leave, your exit ticket is: "As a young aspiring leader, what are some positive changes you plan to make this nine weeks?"

Are We There Yet?

If you are wondering are you there yet, well, yes you are!! You have made it through to the end of our 1st nine weeks of the school year!! Students and teachers, you deserve a round of applause. I know it has been a challenge for most of us who are new in the magnet program world. However, it has been worth the challenge for me. I've enjoyed observing classrooms and listening to the dialogue between teachers and students; the awesome student work displayed on the standard based bulletin boards; and observing student presentations in various classrooms. Students, I challenge you to step back and look at your attitude, grades, and study habits during the first nine weeks and make the necessary changes for this new nine weeks to reflect that positive leadership!! Tomorrow, October 23rd begins the 2nd nine weeks and I encourage everyone to hit the ground running. Before I end this blog, your exit ticket is: "List four goals for yourself for the 2nd nine weeks that will allow you to demonstrate positive leadership. Until my next blog, remember that if you never expect positive results, you will never reap positive results!

Intermission is Over

Well, everyone. I am back. I apologize for such long intermission. I am often busy as a bee and this blogging takes some getting used to. I will do better. By the way, a special THANKS to all of the faculty and staff and my awesome students who showed me so much love on my birthday on Thursday, Oct. 9th. This birthday will certainly be one to remember. On a different note, students I want to encourage you to study, study, study for your nine weeks exams this upcoming week beginning Monday, Oct. 13th. Remember that what you put in (study time) will reflect what you get back (grades). Before I go, your second exit ticket is: "What are some ways that you demonstrate leadership in school, home, church, etc.?" Until my next blog, remember that the sky is the limit!