What Really Matters This Year

As we begin the next school year, a few things to consider.

1. It is NOT about the fancy stuff or the laminated decorations.
2. It is NOT about the lesson planning or the books we read.
3. It is NOT about the data and endless paperwork.
4. It IS about the relationships you build.  180 days is a long time to work alone.
5. It IS about the time you take to be fully present.  Not rushing around, not feeling overwhelmed.
6. But above all it IS about the kids.  At the end of the year they won't remember the bulletin boards, the creative lessons or the neatness of your room. No at the end of 180 days they will remember YOU.

Your kindness, your emapthy, your interest in them, and your compassion for their lives is what they will treasure most.  They will remember your smile, your laugh, your encouragement, high fives, or pats on their backs.

As you set sail for 180 days remember YOU make it or break it for yourself and for them.  Take the time to look beyond the behaviors, the work load, the testing and uncover what lies beneath each collegue and each student.  But most importantly look at what still lies within YOU!

Cheers to a great school year!