Principals!

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a principal is "the chief executive officer of an educational institution." Dictionary.com defines a principal as "the head or director of a school or, especially in England, a college", and goes on to say"a person who takes a leading part in any activity, as a play; chief actor or doer." What images are conjured up when you hear the word principal? Bad memories from being sent to "the principal's office" because you were in trouble? Good memories of a caring principal who was deeply vested in the success of his/her students? How about your interactions with the principals of your kid's schools? Any teachers out there who have worked with amazing principals? I certainly had the opportunity to work with an outstanding one during my teaching career.

In my eyes, a good principal leads the school by example. He (for my purposes, but you can substitute she throughout!) sets the tone for the building, creates a vision and purpose for his staff, and enables his staff to reach their highest potential. A good principal is not overly critical of his staff, but rather builds on their strengths and gives worthy advice for areas of improvement. A good principal makes his staff feel safe and supported...like he always has their back. A good principal shows that he cares about his students by involving himself in all aspects of the school. A good principal is in the cafeteria interacting with the kids. A good principal pops in and out of classrooms letting the kids (and teachers) know that he's aware of how things are going on an almost daily basis. A good principal doesn't just chide a child when they misbehave, but rather uses every situation as a "teachable moment". A good principal participates in school events...motivates kids by showing their "fun" side...and maybe even embarrasses himself for a good cause.

Dr. T. was that principal for me. I never felt better about myself as a teacher as when he was my leader. He was my principal, he was my mentor, he was my motivator, he was my friend. I was so lucky to work directly with and for him for 8 years. I still keep my foot in the education door through opportunities he provides. Mr. S. is that kind of principal for my daughter. He's smiling outside as his students arrive. He's in the cafeteria getting to know his students and seeing how they interact (a key to circumventing problems before they arise). He sets a positive example for his students and staff. He's the principal the kids want to see if they get in trouble because he talks them through what's going on and helps them learn from their mistakes. He even makes personal phone calls home to brag on kids. What a lucky staff to work for him.

So...as this school year draws to a close and we look forward to a few months off, I hope that principals everywhere can reflect on the impact they're having on their students and staff. It's an important job that not everyone is cut out for. Students and staff deserve a good principal. He (or she) sets the tone for everything else in the school.

Passages...

So this week has really gotten me thinking about all of the "passages" we go through in life. I remember when I was a kid...40 was old. I also thought that time passed so slowly. It took forever for holidays to come, for your next birthday to arrive, anything special really. They all took time. Now...everything moves so fast. We're always running, always doing, and time is always running out. Maybe it's because I am now 40, but I wish I could slow down time. My kids are growing up too fast, my hair is getting too gray (trust me on this), and "passages" come all too quickly.

Take for instance this beautiful kid of mine. He just turned double digits. He's about to complete the grade I taught when I taught "big kids", and he's my baby! Pretty soon, I won't have any more kids in elementary school. What a change that will bring to my life! My other beauty is going to be a teenager this year. My baby girl. The one whose first year I wasn't sure I'd survive is now only 5 short years away from college. What?!? It seems like I just got them sleeping through the night.

We're going through lots of big "passages" this year. I won't say how old my sister in law turned this year because this would be my last blog, but it was a biggie. My sweet grandma in law will be 90 in August. Talk about the passage of time. She's almost a centurion. Even though I've know her for 22 years, that's not even 1/4 of her life! I'm certain she's seen passages beyond what most can even comprehend. My little nephew will start kindergarten. It really was yesterday that I was caring for him in my home and sending home bag loads of clothes he's spit up on. Now kindergarten. We've had new jobs, retirements...you name it. We all do.

So with each passage, I guess we will remember the best, forget the rest, and watch the future unfold. I just hope to not take time for granted. As we get ready to have the kids home for summer, I want to remember that the added "messiness" and "craziness" that comes with that will be gone before we know it and we won't be able to get it back. So...here's to embracing summer, spending loads of quality time together, and just finding contentment in being together. In the blink of an eye, these amazing beings will be out on their own. I'm sure it'll leave an ache in this momma's heart. I already feel it coming. In the blink of an eye.