I had a blessed conversation with a mentor of mine (and to many) this week, LaRue Miller.  As you know, she is an extraordinary communicator by example.  She always encourages those around her to know their story, communicate their story, and do what another great writer and mentor of mine says:  “Lead with your story.”  As we often do, we discussed a particular school concern of mine and she commented, “it sounds like communication is really the problem; you know what you need to do now.”  🙂

At LaRue Miller Elementary, we believe good communication and collaboration builds trust.  Communication, after all, is depositing a part of your personal self into the other person.  For example, when a staff member visits with a parent, perceptions are created.  We know perceptions are reality for each of us, therefore, our words and actions should reflect our best efforts.  Sometimes, we miss the mark or miscommunicate our message.  Regardless if it is an email, a phone call, a text, a conference, or other interaction, please remember we are not perfect.  If you walk away questioning, please visit with us again so we can do a better job of communicating and problem solving the situation together.  Everyone deserves some grace and a second chance . . .

Mrs. Miller also says to “be who you really are and do what you need to do in order to have what you need and want in life.”  After all, “the goal is simple…to help you achieve yours.”  May her words of wisdom continue to ring proudly throughout the hallways of her namesake.  Thanks, Mrs. Miller, for articulating it so well; we love you!

Starry, starry day…in the second grade hallway right now.  SNOWkidding!  In the dark of each early morning as I do my initial facility walk-about before most everyone arrives (with the exception of Juanie and a few early bird teachers), I am currently enJOYing the beautiful winterscape awaiting me at the end of the long walk.  Second grade learners have completely “snowed” their ceiling in beautiful flakes and twinkling lights to set the tone for a soothing, inspirational walk-about experience!  I asked a learner why:  “Well, you see, our teachers want to save electricity so they came up with this idea to give us twinkle lights in the hall instead; it saves, you know.”  🙂  Another friend shared:  “Actually, it shows off our work better because you have to really get close to see it.”  🙂  Finally, a third helper added:  “It makes us smile; I hope the starry day stays until spring at least!”  🙂  Anyway you see it, here’s hoping you stop by the second grade hallway soon to enJOY the view.  SNOWkidding . . . you’ll be glad you did!

Visiting a classroom this morning, I heard a student comment: “So, my parents were talking last night about living a balanced life.  What does this mean really?”  Oh my…yes, teachers are often faced with challenging questions to tackle during morning message!  This particular teacher handled it really well:  “You know, I’m not so sure I have the correct answer for you because everyone sees ‘balance’ differently” (she said as she picked up a balance scale to demonstrate).  “Let’s make a list of things we do in our school life everyday; school is our work.”  The children listed school things:  learn some, think some, draw and paint some, write (alot 🙂 ), sing, exercise, eat meals, walk, talk, share, play, and live.  They started a second column to list things outside of school (real life):  play sports, eat, practice piano, do homework, read, ride in the car, laugh, run from the cops (uh-oh!), play, ride our bikes, sleep, and watch TV.  Both lists were staring at the class side-by-side.  “Now, let’s see what they have in common and what is different so we can see if we lead balanced lives.”

The discussion progressed from there and how observant these learners were!  Parents, you just never know what your child absorbs from your discussions at home.  In fact, so much of what students know and learn begins right at home.  Lesson to self:  Never underestimate the power of the spoken word in a casual discussion at home.

As to the final answer for a balanced life, one child summed it up best:  “A balanced life is what we make it, huh?!”  Out of the mouths . . . .   🙂

My Grandpa Brock would say it; my momma would say it; my sister (the voice teacher and opera singer) says it to her students every day…. In fact, I even heard our music teacher, Ms. Grant, say it:  “Sing out like no one is listening!”  Fortunately, this is a figurative practice I have the privilege of observing everyday in our Miller classrooms, so I recently asked some staff members how they perceive us as educator / “singers” in Midlothian ISD:

• We sing out by always being present no matter what.
• We sing out for all learners regardless of race, need, intellectual ability, social status, or any other classification you can name.
• We sing out about the wonderful ways each child learns and the extraordinary learning happening each day on our campus—the baby steps and the milestones!
• We sing out about learning concerns, issues, and challenging family situations while being an important advocate for each child.
• We sing out by giving our personal best to every child and making each child the priority in every decision.

Whether you sing or not, let me ask you:  How do you choose to sing out for your child everyday?  Here’s hoping you sing loud and proud this school year; just remember that we are here to assist you along the way!

What a busy two days we’ve had here at Miller…whew!  Between the New Year resolutions, taking new opportunities when they present themselves, writing goals, resolving to practice more each day, and reading 2,012 seconds today, our two days have definitely been full!

My first grade friend, Travis, was reading his heart out during our annual “READ in the New Year for 2012!”  All students and staff took time out today to read for 2,012 seconds (about 34 minutes) for silent sustained reading time.  I noticed as they unloaded cars and buses this morning, there were pillows, blankets, and loads of favorite books to read!  Silent sustained reading everyday builds stamina and endurance as well as fluency and comprehension.  We challenge everyone to read daily in 2012!

Some other first grade friends were then busy writing their goals for 2012.  It’s important to practice our many skills, especially our personal goals.  As one learner shared, “Mrs. King tells us everyday that practice will help us achieve our goals because practice makes most everything better!”  The learners pictured here were definitely practicing some outstanding personal writing in Mrs. Boehringer’s class today!

I frequently remind students to “plan your work; work your plan; autograph your work with personal excellence!”  Learning to set goals, practice, and resolve to work “smart” to achieve them are life skills we begin in the early years of school.  Just like our college sweatshirt day yesterday, it is critical we talk and walk as real-life examples for our learners now; as a staff, we never take this responsibility lightly!

We appreciate the support and encouragement, the funny stories and comments, and the overwhelming responses to our daily work!  Here’s hoping we all read, write, and resolve well in 2012!  🙂

Note:  Today’s blog posting is sponsored by our attendance committee under the direction of our wonderful assistant principal, Mrs. Bass.  You can expect the following note at home today:

Bass’ Blurb,  January 6, 2012

In order for our learners to maximize their learning time while at school, we are asking for your help.  We have just started our second semester and are hoping to avoid student tardies, which hinders learners from optimal learning time each morning.  This note is to remind you that any student arriving in the building after 7:45 will be counted tardy.  As stated in the MISD Elementary Student Handbook, “Tardiness interrupts your child’s instructional time.  Class begins promptly at 7;45 a.m. each school day.  It is imperative students are in the classroom and prepared for class to begin prior to the 7:45 tardy bell.  Students arriving at school after 7:45 a.m. and/or who are not present in their assigned classroom when the tardy bell rings at 7;45 are considered tardy and must report to the front office for a tardy slip.”   We give you five “free” tardies each semester, so we start a clean slate today.  Upon the 5th tardy any semester, a parent is notified.  Beginning with the 6th tardy, a student will be assigned a detention.  Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action.

Our back and side car lines are open each morning at 7:20 a.m. to allow time for all learners to safely enter our building and get to class on time without being counted tardy.  We appreciate your support with this matter.

Note:  Thanks for all the big smiles and “Happy New Year” wishes during car line this morning.  We are pleased to report NO ONE was tardy today!  🙂 

The big yellow buses are ready to roll again; teachers are ready to engage their learners; our campus is ready to begin the second semester of our school year!  It takes so many talented individuals to ensure each school day runs smoothly.  From our bus drivers to our enthusiastic DADs on morning greeter duty to our faithful crossing guard, Mrs. Bullard, all these dedicated individuals work as a team to start each school day for every learner with a smile and a positive greeting.  We encourage you to join us!

As you start each school day, please remember to slow down in our school zone and driveways, watch those children loading/unloading buses, take an extra moment to tell your child you love him or her, and thank those on duty for the service they provide.  Let us know what we can do to better serve you and your learner.  Welcome to the spring semester; we are blessed to have you at LaRue Miller Elementary!  🙂

Note:  Thursday, January 5th is our annual College Sweatshirt Day.  Show your college spirit with a team shirt of your choice!