I imagine when my son leaves for college in 4 years, I'll feel the same way. I imagine my heart will be breaking as I think about how fast time has flown and not being able to have things stay the same. I imagine I'll convince myself this is what has to happen and to be happy for him. I keep telling myself that lump in the throat goodbyes like this are tests of our courage.
In just a few days, I'll be saying goodbye to the district I've been connected to for the last ten years. Ten years. The last four years of that decade have been in a remarkable place within the district, Corinth Middle School.
I've told anyone who would listen to me over the last four years all about our work, all about this team, and all about our incredible students and families. I've shared what I've learned and what we've accomplished. I've stood on sidelines and quietly cheered on successes and I've stood among them when we needed to dig deep.
In 4 years, we went from being a SINI school to a LAP school to a school in good standing. We spearheaded the PBL and PBIS approach in our district. We created the first Makerspace in the district. We fully embraced Google Apps for Education in our classrooms. We maximized common planning time and protected dedicated time each and every week for true team PLCs. We piloted an Advisory program for students in need of behavioral support. We’ve overhauled our grading and homework practices to better match current research and not just traditional practices. Almost any new idea I volleyed to them, they accepted.
Faculty Meeting Smackdowns? Check.
Egg Hunt? Check.
Schoolwide Picnic? Check.
80s Night? Check.
One Word Challenge? Check.
Schoolwide Dance to Celebrate the End of State Testing Week? Check.
and so much more...
Of course, I'll also miss the students -- the incredible students. Students who reminded me how important true middle level leadership is and how very much adolescents can feel, do, believe and dream. I'll miss being the one in the lobby in the morning, the one in the satellite office in the hall, the one at their lunch table in the cafeteria, and the one in the foyer at dismissal. I'll miss the high fives, fist bumps and even the "planned ignoring" on their part toward me sometimes.
I'll miss everyone. I'll miss being a part of their story.
For most of us, we become leaders and educators because we truly want to make a difference. I hope every single member of Corinth Middle School, from the offices to the classrooms to the gymnasium to the nurse's office, to the kids and adults, realizes how much of a difference they made in my life. I've learned so much about culture, learning, and leadership. I'll take all of these lessons with me as I move onto the next phase of my career.
Thank you doesn't seem like enough.
Neither does just saying goodbye.
In just a few days, I'll be saying goodbye to the district I've been connected to for the last ten years. Ten years. The last four years of that decade have been in a remarkable place within the district, Corinth Middle School.
I've told anyone who would listen to me over the last four years all about our work, all about this team, and all about our incredible students and families. I've shared what I've learned and what we've accomplished. I've stood on sidelines and quietly cheered on successes and I've stood among them when we needed to dig deep.
In 4 years, we went from being a SINI school to a LAP school to a school in good standing. We spearheaded the PBL and PBIS approach in our district. We created the first Makerspace in the district. We fully embraced Google Apps for Education in our classrooms. We maximized common planning time and protected dedicated time each and every week for true team PLCs. We piloted an Advisory program for students in need of behavioral support. We’ve overhauled our grading and homework practices to better match current research and not just traditional practices. Almost any new idea I volleyed to them, they accepted.
Faculty Meeting Smackdowns? Check.
Egg Hunt? Check.
Schoolwide Picnic? Check.
80s Night? Check.
One Word Challenge? Check.
Schoolwide Dance to Celebrate the End of State Testing Week? Check.
and so much more...
Of course, I'll also miss the students -- the incredible students. Students who reminded me how important true middle level leadership is and how very much adolescents can feel, do, believe and dream. I'll miss being the one in the lobby in the morning, the one in the satellite office in the hall, the one at their lunch table in the cafeteria, and the one in the foyer at dismissal. I'll miss the high fives, fist bumps and even the "planned ignoring" on their part toward me sometimes.
I'll miss everyone. I'll miss being a part of their story.
For most of us, we become leaders and educators because we truly want to make a difference. I hope every single member of Corinth Middle School, from the offices to the classrooms to the gymnasium to the nurse's office, to the kids and adults, realizes how much of a difference they made in my life. I've learned so much about culture, learning, and leadership. I'll take all of these lessons with me as I move onto the next phase of my career.
Thank you doesn't seem like enough.
Neither does just saying goodbye.
For Good - Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel
"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you..."
Since 2008 my family has been on a journey to help one of our own be successful in life. You have been there every step of the way, provided him with the support he needed and followed his path and progress. You have been such a force in this boy's life and one of his best advocates. Now it is time for all of us to continue our paths in life and I hope that as these paths move slightly apart, you'll know how much you've helped us blaze our path and that we will always be an advocate for you and your goals. From the bottom of our hearts, we will dearly miss you and wish you the best in you future!!
ReplyDeleteMike, I will miss your incredible son to the moon and back. I hope, through the magic of social media, we can continue to keep in touch. I have always appreciated your family's support, creativity, and feedback all these years. Time has flown and I've learned so much from so many incredible families and amazing kids-- including yours. I will miss you dearly as well. Please keep in touch.
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