Monday, August 13, 2018

The Rabbit Listened (a gift from my mom)

My mom and I

My mother always finds a way to touch my heart.  She knows just what to say and do and she always supports me (both personally and professionally).  Yesterday she gave me the book, "The Rabbit Listened" by Cori Doerrfeld, as an early birthday gift.   

This story is about a little boy named Taylor who is going through a hard time. All of his friends try to suggest things he can do to feel better, but he doesn't want to talk to them. Finally, a rabbit comes and sits down next to Taylor. Taylor talks about his feelings and the rabbit just listens. Having a friend to listen is exactly what Taylor needed and by the end of his time with rabbit, Taylor felt happy and ready to try again.

Everyone needs a rabbit in their life who will listen to them.  My mother is my rabbit. She has helped me through so many challenges, just by listening.  She empowers me to think things through and supports me to come up with solutions independently.  I am so thankful for my mom.

Today I decided to make a read aloud video of "The Rabbit Listened" to share the message of this story with others.


Who is your rabbit?  Please comment below!

Monday, August 6, 2018

Being Open to Change

I have spent the last hour searching Google for quotes and images that will help me put into words the emotions I am juggling today.  I have been presented with an amazing opportunity to do something I have always dreamed of doing, but I have to leave behind a group of educators who are some of the most talented and committed educators I know.

I joined Stall Brook School as their principal last year. We spent the year creating an authentic, supportive culture in our school that was honest, supportive and encouraged the growth of everyone in our building.  Near the end of the year, we drafted the 2018-2019 school goals, redesigned our co-teaching teams, created a professional development plan, determined the next steps with student interventions, and so much more. Several teachers moved classrooms over the summer and they were excited about the new year in their new roles and spaces.

And then I saw an irresistible position posted on School Spring in another district- Assistant Director of Elementary Education.  I have always wanted to be a district leader, supporting and developing building principals and teachers in this capacity, a role aligned with my passions and strengths.  At first, I wasn't going to apply, but then I couldn't get the position out of my head. Over the course of a week, I applied, was called for an interview, interviewed, was offered the position, accepted the position and resigned from my current principal-ship.  So very exciting and so very overwhelming all at the same time.

I am in a transition period- still at my old school completing schedules, creating a guide for the new principal and other summer tasks. It has been so hard to look at the staff- custodians, teachers, and others with tears in their eyes.  They are mad, sad, disappointed, and scared. I went into school over the weekend (when no one was there) to clean out almost everything from my office to avoid any uncomfortable interactions.  I know everything is going to work out for the best for them, but I just feel terribly guilty right now.

As for my new district- everyone has been fantastic so far!  I had my ID taken, filled out all of the HR paperwork, and even moved in some essentials into my new office.  I won't officially start until the end of the month (and a BIG part of me wishes I could just start tomorrow!).

So here are the quotes I found today during my Google search.  I'm sharing them with the hope that they will inspire others who have had to make tough decisions, too.

We don't always have control over the WHEN!
Oh, this is so important!  Our dreams need to be BIG and we need to follow them!

Martin Luther King, Jr. is an inspiration and his words help me realize that it's ok that I took this step!  

This quote helps me remember what I am teaching my own children by taking risks and following my dreams.