It’s officially summer today, the longest day of this year in fact.  Around me are reminders we’ve been out of school for two weeks (although the building is abuzz with summer school and all manner of activity).

On top of this excitement is the celebration today of our fathers.  Our dads…those remarkable guys who may not always say “I love you,” but most certainly show the love in action everyday.  My maternal grandfather often observed:  “If people concentrated more on the really important things in life, there would be a real shortage of fishing poles around here…”  We loved to fish together and he taught me much about life during those early morning adventures.  Likewise, I am blessed to still have my daddy living close by who often reminds me, “Don’t count the days; make the days count…doors are everywhere so open one today.”  Truly, my dad is unconditional love in action, word, and everyday living…a real servant leader who leads by his daily example in life.  Here’s hoping you take a moment today to call or visit with your dad if you’re blessed to still have him; if not, reflect on those powerful memories, stories, and legacies he left you and your family.  Happy Summer and Happy Father’s Day, LME family!  🙂

As we begin to officially close out this extraordinary school year, we celebrate the many personal educational achievements and everyday successes along the way.

Yesterday, I enJOYed a scrumptious meal with several LME friends who achieved the coveted Principal’s Luncheon opportunity.  We dined at Carinos in true Italian “la famiglia” style with lots of yummy treats and eats, including gelato.  From Kinder to 5th grade friends, those who achieved, received!

Likewise, today was our annual LME Awards and End-of-Year Celebrations.  We shared achievements, more treats and eats, and our traditional LME Clap-Out for 5th graders entering middle school next year.  I always wrap up our 5th grade ceremony (before the party) with a special gift to each student.  As is a Miller tradition, on the first day of Kinder each year, I read The Little That Could to each Kinder class to introduce them to the concept of how your attitude and effort determine personal excellence daily–they are the two most critical things you control everyday.  On the last full day of 5th grade, I gift them a copy of I Knew You Could, A Book For All The Stops In Your Life.  I remind them of our first Kinder day talk and look at all they’ve accomplished in their six years so far–great attitude, effort, determination, and believing in yourself no matter what truly yields extraordinary results!

There’s more about life that you’ll learn as you go;

Because figuring things out on your own helps you grow.

Just trust in yourself, and you’ll climb every hill.

Say, ‘I think I can!’ and you know what?  You will!

To our fifth grade friends traveling new tracks, we send you big LME hugs and lots of love for your bright futures…and hopes for lots of “ducky days” ahead!  🙂

“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” ~George Bernard Shaw~

This is true everyday in the education world…we think we’ve done our best to get the message out and then someone communicates to us otherwise. As part of our core principles, we believe communication and collaboration builds trust. Trust is critical to our work as educators daily. As a parent, you have to trust we are trained and properly certified to teach, to act in a crisis situation, to make educationally sound decisions for each individual learner (your personal treasure)…the list is endless. Likewise, when we are wheeled into an operating room, we have to trust the surgeon and the anesthesiologist have communicated various allergies, reactions, and other medical concerns with each other. TRUST is involved on a daily basis.

My conversations throughout many school days often involve this very issue and usually include some form of misunderstanding on everyone’s part. As we talk through each situation, offer ideas or solutions, and work our way to final resolutions in order to move forward, it is apparent the need to LISTEN first is really the challenge.

We teach our learners to “use your words” to share and “use your brain to really listen” as we communicate and collaborate together each day. Sometimes we miss a critical step but assume we did it; sometimes we just do it all too fast.

It’s important to remember how everyone involved in any situation carries a piece to the overall puzzle…usually, it’s as simple as asking, “Can we talk?” Always let us know what we can do to communicate and collaborate better with you as we wrap up another extraordinary year at LME!

Speaking of communication…This final week holds several special notes:
Tuesday: Principal’s Luncheon for honorees
Wednesday: Awards and Parties throughout the day
Thursday and Friday: Early Release @ 12:45 p.m.