As I have taken the stroll down memory lane (many thanks to Twitter and Wakelet for the help!), there were so many memories that I have seemingly forgotten because we have been forced to be so tunnel visioned throughout the Covid pandemic. Both Heritage and Saline Middle School were able to accomplish some pretty awesome things while enacting social distancing, Covid protocols and mask wearing. In these times, in both buildings, there was a continued focus (and refocus) on literacy, standards based learning and relationships. I am really proud of that.
As Woodland Meadows Principal, I plan to do what I was able to do when I entered Heritage. I will take some time and listen. I will gather information from the staff and find a direction that will support student growth and joy of learning. I know that I will have a continued focus on literacy because reading is a crucial to critical thinking and decision making for students to be productive citizens in our world. I also know that I will be who I am.
This summer I have taken the time to listen to Elena Agular's book "Onward" and the page on values has truly made me pause. When people ask, "What do you value?" or "What is your value system?", believe it or not, I would have trouble answering that question. Not because I didn't know, but because so many things come to mind at once. Ms. Aguilar's book forced to me truly look at values at highlight the top 3. While I haven't gotten down to 3 yet, 5 is where I am landing for now: Collaboration, Empathy, Equity, Kindness and Reflection. I would add Loyalty as a bonus 6! These values are what I am bringing to the table at Woodland and I only hope these qualities will enhance the already incredible team that is there.
I am looking forward to this next chapter in my educational career. I can say that, when I begin this experience, I will have been an educator at every level of K-12 education! I am extremely excited about the joy, energy, curiosity and enthusiasm that our youngest learners bring with them. I am honored to be part of their educational journey!