Did I Just Say That???

Sometimes we say things that sound right in our head, but, when it leaves our mouth, it comes out all wrong.  For instance...

Today, in a meeting, an older, male teacher held up a flyer and asked if "they" really wanted us to post this for the kids.  (The flyer was an announcement for an upcoming lecture at Sandhills CC in regards to the problem with human trafficking in the area.)  Being the "leader" in this situation, I, of course, took the lead on this conversation and proceeded to tell him, "The flyer isn't for the kids; it's for you..."

"WHAT DID I JUST TELL THIS MAN????"  

At this point, I realized the error of my ways and looked at this man (who could be my father) and tried to explain myself... that this wasn't what I meant... that I didn't quite finish my statement... that my brain and mouth weren't in sync.  No words can describe the look I had on my face!  He, of course, was a great sport!

Ahhh... chalk another one up for "open mouth, insert foot"!  Oh well; it will make for a great (funny) story one day!

I didn't Know That Was In My Job Description

On the job training is a wonderful experience.  Hands-on, real world audience, authentic instruction... this is the epitome of ultimate learning! However, I was not prepared for one particular assignment I was asked to be a part of this past week...

...I was leaving an observation when I saw my mentor principal heading down the sidewalk.  He saw me and asked if I wanted to join him.  There had been a call to the office  to come help in the CTE (computers) room.  I was saying, "Sure," as Mr. Powers continued with the story.  There was a SNAKE that slithered under the door and into the classroom.

WHAT????  That's not my job.  But, oh yes it is.  So, me, Jeni Wiley, scared of anything that doesn't have a neck, proceeded to the room to "catch" the snake.  Let's also mention I had on open-toe, open-back heels.  

So, all the kids and the teacher were waiting for us, snake slayers, to find the creature and dispose of properly!  I followed Mr. Powers into the room paying attention to corners, nooks, my toes... After a few glimpses of the HUGE room (once an auto mechanic classroom), we realized that snake could be anywhere.  Being a computer room, there were cords EVERYWHERE and that played tricks on my mind. Every cord, every crack against the wall was "IT."  And, I didn't want "IT."

Needless to say, the snake is still on the loose.  An APB has been put out for a 1-2 foot snake with beady eyes and scaly skin. Reward offered if brought in dead.  ;)

Another Miss but Still a Big Hit!

By the looks on our faces you can tell we had an awesome first day of school!  David's first day of Kindergarten, Zacary's first day of third grade, and my first day as a principal intern were nothing short of wonderful! 

When I missed David's fifth birthday this summer due to my internship, the coaches said there would be many other "misses" with this job.  Today, I missed his first day of Kindergarten.  Daddy had the pleasure of taking him to his class and hugging him good-bye... a stepping stone in his life that I knew I would not get to see.  So, when I picked them up today, I made sure I got a shot of the three of us to celebrate the day!

I know there will be more misses along the way.  But, knowing what I am preparing myself to do... to be... to achieve... makes those misses tolerable.  Today, I was there for 62  children who began sixth grade.  I was there for the parents who "missed" this stepping stone.  And, in a Kindergarten classroom today, a special teacher was doing the very same thing for this mom.  

To all the educators out there who sacrifice many of life's precious moments, thank you.

Change

"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." Winston Churchill

Depending on who you are, change is either seen as a good thing or a bad thing. For many, change isn't always easy, and some people have to adapt to change when they didn't even ask for it. But, change can be a good thing.  Change veers away from the status quo and creates a fresh perspective for what is to come.  In education, change agents have a powerful job.  If we, as administrators, are successful in being a "spark for change", we can create more leaders and fewer followers.  

You May Be A New Administrator If...

You may be a new administrator if...

...you get passed over when class lists are shared!

...you look at bulletin boards like kids eyeball candy!

...you eat lunch at your desk in five minutes flat!

...you eat lunch by yourself... sigh...

...you triple check the email you are sending and then go to 'sent' to make sure it sounded right, err, I mean correct!

...you get to school earlier than what is necessary!

...you do a lot more listening and a lot less talking! (Yes, you doubters... I do have self-control!)

...you know the decision you made to become an administrator was the right choice!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's been great getting to know the staff.  Elise is a wonderful school filled with educators who keep the children at the forefront of decision making.  And, speaking of children, open house is tomorrow night.  This will be, yet, another "you may be a new administrator" kind of night!  I can't wait to meet these kids.  I just hope they are ready for me!

The 3 S's: Success, Slop and Sleep!

My first two days at Elise were great!  I was able to get acclimated to my new surroundings and my new life as administrator.  I settled into my corner.  Literally, it is a corner shared with the nurse.  But, she is only there on Thursdays and I will be in class every Thursday.  So, it works!  Kristin says I need a picture of the outside to make it look as if there is a window behind my desk.  I'm thinking the art class/club may get a project to do!

I took full advantage of the kids not being here this week (thanks Nana and Bumpy) and pretended to be young and free!  Chris wanted me to add the WILD to the young and free, but that wasn't happening.  You cannot be wild when you are in your PJ's by 6:05!

Dinner at Outback was super nice. It was an actual restaurant with linen napkins, real plates, and adult conversation - not one with indoor playgrounds, plastic trays, and conversations centered around Minecraft.

So, I'm off to get the kids and return to CRAZY!

Transition

"Who are you?" said the Caterpillar...
"I - I hardly know, Sir, just at present," Alice replied rather shyly, "at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have changed several times since then." 
- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Friday morning, the SLA coaches transitioned us from students to interns.  Friday afternoon, I transitioned from work to vacation.  Today, when I drop off the kids with my mom, I will transition again.  And, tomorrow, for the first time in nineteen years, I will transition from walking into the school not as a teacher but as an administrator. 

Transitions.  Thank goodness one of the thirty-one books given to us was on this very subject.  Transitions begin with an ending which can be difficult because, as humans, we don't want to let go of what we know and what is comfortable.  The uncertainty of what is to come can be unsettling.  

I remember fondly of our move from Clayton to Carthage in 2011.  It was a rather abrupt move; it happened so fast, I didn't have time to really make a total transition.  I never let go of my "life" at Riverwood Middle School.  I never got to say good-bye to my co-workers and my students who I had grown so close to.  Even though I was beginning my new life in Moore County, I was merely "existing" until I went back to Johnston County in late October and had the chance to say good-bye and let go.  At that moment, I actually felt the weight of what I had carried for those three months being released.  And, once I returned to New Century Middle School, I was not existing.  Rather, I was LIVING!

This transition is a little different than my last one.  And, even though this new change begins with an ending, my time as a teacher has not "ended" per say.  My co-workers (past and present) have reminded me to never forget from where I came.  How can I? Those were some of the best times of my life!  

Gone, but not forgotten... 

“I need to know," we tell ourselves. "No," God answers softly, "You need to trust.” ― Joanna Weaver

A friend of mine happened to post this today on Facebook.  It was very timely for me.

Re-do...

The story of my life... or at least my new life!  Re-do... it's better than No Can Do...

I am finally able to catch a breath between readings and assignments and research to reflect on the week.  This week is much different than last - not in terms of intensity but in responsibilities. Last week we were taken away from family and chores and errands and bills and cooking and cleaning and laundry to focus on our new beginning.  This week we were back in the saddle... learning how to manage both worlds, and let's just say I am getting the hang of it.  But, not before I passed out Monday night at 8PM in my clothes and jewelry and awoke the next morning!

The hot item of the week deals with core values and how they define me.  I got a great idea to talk with Chris about "who I am" (how people see me) from a team member of mine.  I asked for his input which went absolutely NO WHERE.  In his words, I am energetic and uhhhhh, uhhhhh outgoing and uhhhhh, uhhhhh.... You get the picture.  So, I will DIG DEEP into the pit of who I am to share with all what I believe.  For those of you who know me, I may have to paraphrase at this point and embellish to protect my true identity! BAHAHAHAHAHA

Jeni

PS: In case you are wondering, family and education are my top two core values.  What defines you?

It's Good to be Home!

Home: my kids, my husband, my bed!  We went out to dinner, watched a movie that Zac wanted to see, and made David's birthday cake for his party today.  I made a pact with myself that I wouldn't return to the books until after David's party.

After this first week, I decided to take a look at my own life as mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, neighbor... all very important components.  How am I viewed from their perceptions?  How can I be a better person? 

And, I was glad to be home, protected from the realities of the world, realities that I never really thought about until yesterday... 

Yesterday shook the very being of who I am.  I have never been faced with anything like that. Without saying too much (to protect the integrity of this program), what happened yesterday morning took me to a place I have never been before that tested my core values, my faith and my patience.  But that one incident will also make me a better leader.  I needed that one incident to remind me of those very real realities.  

So, here's to you "Mr. F-U".  May I never meet anyone like you again, but, if I do, I will have a foundation from which to start.

On a lighter note, I find myself laughing at stories I heard all week.  My husband looks at me and just shakes his head... yes, it's good to be home!

It's Only Day 4...

How did you infer the post title?  Did you interpret it in a negative or positive way?  

Tuesday was a tough day for me.  I felt inept and anxious and not in control.  I have always been in the know. I have always been in control, queen of my own castle.  I drowned my sorrows all day with coffee, tea and Mountain Dew.  And, guess what?  All night, I tossed and turned and got to thinking.  Why am I not being true to who I am?  Why am I allowing negative thoughts drag me down?  

So, thank you caffeine!  Being awake made me realize I don't have to be in control.  This is learning in the making.  I walked into class the next morning with a zip in my step - even though I hadn't slept - and I informed the group that I WAS BACK!

Today I proclaimed IT'S ONLY DAY 4! It is not month 4 or day 364.  I am at peace with the understanding that I do not know everything.  I am at peace knowing it will be an uphill journey from this point on.  I am at peace with the unknown...

On a brighter note... I have met 19 amazing educators who have come together from all walks of life with the same goal.  We are already close and IT'S ONLY DAY 4!  They say laughter is the best medicine which has helped us keep our sanity this week!

So, here's to day 4 and 5 and 6 and....

Perfection is so yesterday!

So, here's cohort 3... looking all professional and full of life!  I wonder if our coaches took this picture the first day for a reason???

Today was a good day.  We learned lots... and a lot about each other. Walking into the unknown was a little unnerving, and I got a tad queasy with the realization that I am a principal intern. Mistakes will be made and that is okay... which is good news for me because I have a good feeling that there will be some in my near future!

Mountains are not perfect. They're rugged, chipped... flawed by various elements. Yet, they are still beautiful. Like those mountains, I will not be flawless, but those imperfections will pave the way for some pretty amazing learning!

Twas the night before class...

Twas the night before class and no cohort member did stir.
I sat staring at words that soon became a blur.

Okay, enough of that already! 

I chose to write a blog to chronicle my next year as I move from teacher to administrator. I decided I needed a way to unpack my thoughts as this year progresses.  So, the lucky few of you who will suffer through my wit (or lack thereof) will get to share a small glimpse of my world.

...I am sitting here in my one room/one bath accomodations at NCCAT putting away my books after one last review/cram session.  I have two alarm clocks set for fear I will oversleep.  (I have also informed my Moore County pals to knock on my door if they don't see me by 8:30.) I have IRONED my clothes for the week.  (Shhh... If Chris finds out this piece of information, I will be forced to assume this role at home.) 

I have read MORE BOOKS IN THE PAST MONTH THAN I READ MY WHOLE HIGH SCHOOL CAREER! However, those ideas have now massed themselves together into one mutated blob.  May the good Lord keep that blob intact until I wake tomorrow and get a good two cups of coffee in me before the "fun" begins.

Good night!