Change is the Only Constant 


"Expectation is the mother of all frustration." ~Antonio Banderas

Frustration is coming out in all of us this time of year. The students are in a hurry to get to the changes that summer brings, or, in some cases, to work to avoid those changes. Either way, they are more challenging this time of year as we move toward school-year's end.

Our patience and our focus can wane with their increased behaviors, and we are the ones who need to make the changes necessary to address the increased noise, concerns, disruptions, and folderol while maintaining order. We are also trying to create a memorable end of the year for these students, especially the sixth graders.

As our understanding of their angst and anger, joy and sorrow about the ending of the year and ending of their time with us, we need to examine our expectations for them. What are the rules that are important to maintain, enforce, and push? What are the levels of chaos that we cannot truly control without abrogating our goal of a successful end to the only sixth grade year these students get to have? How do we create an ending to this school year that is also memorable for us?

Look at all we've done this year! We started with unpacking. Then we repacked for the shelving. At the same time, we were trying to get the renovations corrected (think windows, blinds, flooring, computer drops, new sound systems, the PA, telephones, and even room changes). We also had new staff members as Linda, Amy, and Emily came on board, along with new parapros in Sue's and Mary Ann's rooms. And don't forget we had long-term subs for the entire first marking period in Angie's and Victoria's positions. We had Sixth Grade Camp in early October. Then the Title budget was amended to allow us to add three more paras. About this time, Sarah went on leave to bring Callum into the world. Angie and Victoria came back, although Angie was working in the office rather than the RCR until Sarah's return in January.

It makes me tired just thinking about all we did during all those changes. Our changes are constant. They really always have been. We also created a Parent Lighthouse Team, expanded the Title I services mid-year, explored the new iReady tests, did lots of F&Ps, and kept expecting a knee surgery to happen that never was needed. Such a strange year.

And it's coming to a close. We have what feels like a smaller circle of control with the students during these last weeks of school. What are your priorities for your class? How are you getting the students to accept that they have priorities, too? How will they have the best last three weeks of their 5th or 6th grade school year? How will you guide them to be intentional about their choices?

Please have those conversations with your students. Set up the final weeks to be the best they can be by having them help you define how the best weeks would look and what their part is in making the best happen. Help them to see they have a circle of control that influences how the year will end for everyone.

We're getting a lot of teacher frustration and principal frustration in the office this time of year. What are the expectations we can use that won't add to the frustration? Please let us hear from you!

"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading." ~Lao Tzu

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BIG ROCKS:

• Due to the computer problems last Friday, we will be rescheduling some classes for M-Step. It is important that you keep the current schedule and that teachers give the math test in order of 1st then 2nd. As you are rescheduled, we will give time for the tests as needed.
• We will be hanging the last of the decorative panels. They will go in the Cafe this Wednesday after the Planning Team meeting after school. Thanks to Lauren for getting the pieces ready and to Sally for helping with fun of hanging them! All are welcome to join in the fun!!
• Dentists-R-Us will be at Cooper on Thursday this week. Students will be called down to see them as necessary.
• Field Day is Friday! We still need parents to help, so if you have people in mind, please let them know we are looking for parents to work the events. Have them contact Fatino

Our schedule this week:

Monday        Memorial Day ~ Remember those who served!

Tuesday        8:00 Center EPT

Wednesday   3:45 Planning/LH Team

Thursday      8:00 Staff meeting

                     1:00 EPM at CO

Friday           Field Day! 5th grade in the AM, 6th in the PM