It is Friday, February 15, 2019.  What a winter we are having.  In my 13 years, this has definitely been the worst winter for trying to have school.  We can hardly get more than 2 days in a row.  This craziness and inconsistency makes it very difficult for students and teachers.  Some students really thrive on the routine and normalcy that school days provide.  I am hopeful that the snow and ice will lessen and we can get back to doing our jobs - teaching and learning. 

I want to share with you some interesting points to an article I read recently in Momentum, an NCEA publication.  The article was written by Roy Petitfils and explored ways we can all help keep our schools safe.  He talks about first understanding that this is not just about putting in protective measures but also about addressing the underlying issues that cause these senseless acts of violence.  We must be committed to identifying and helping students who feel left out, bullied, or alone.  He went on to talk about the 'soft skills' that we can all do to help our schools be safer environments for everyone.  Some of those skills included smiling - at everyone.  Smiling not only makes the person doing it feel good but it feels others around them with happiness too.  Can you imagine what our schools would be like if we just smiled at each other - all of the time? 

You can read the entire article here.

Greetings!  We are now in our 3rd week of school this year and off to a great start.  I am so blessed to be a principal at an awesome school in a wonderful community.  I am thankful for each and everyone of the 96 students entrusted to me and the staff this year.  I intend to post something around once a week.  I will pass along inspirational articles about education, parenting, and faith that I find interesting and worthwhile.  You will also see information about the wonderful things going on here at the school.  I hope you enjoy.

I read a great post from a site called Fixed on God, Growing in Virtue today.  It gives some insight into the difficult profession of teaching.  You can find it here. 

Don't forget we don't have school next Monday, September 17!  Thank you Bishop Boyea.  Information about the upcoming Made for Happiness Assembly can be found at https://madeforhappiness.org.  I am looking forward to experiencing our faith with over 10,000 people.  What a great opportunity!!

Enjoy your week and God Bless!