The "Little" Things Matter Most

As we go through the school day or the school year it is easy to lose focus on what really matters. Each year the state asks us to do more than we did the previous year and we may even get less support to accomplish it. Some stress and lose focus on the important things, while others step up and get it done. Dr. Davis has five core expectations for all UCPS employees and I have told you these are also my expectations. We need to strive for excellence, work as a team, be professional, try to be a problem solver and most importantly maintain a positive attitude. This year as the budget talks kick in I am seeing the stress level higher than ever. Keep your focus on the "little things".

Why are you here? not for the extremely high salary although that is great too. You are here for the little things, the students. Keep that in mind when you are clocking in at 7:00, or when the angry parent e-mails you at 9:00 at night. Do what is best for the students and in the long run you will feel great about yourself and the students will be able to benefit from all you have to give them.

This weekend I was able to see and experience the benefits of doing what is right for the "Little Ones". I coach, or try to coach a 3 and 4 year old soccer team. It has been a long year with many frustrating moments, but this Sunday I experienced a sense of pride I never knew youth soccer could provide (I am a baseball guy. I hate soccer). I watched the team excel for the first time all year. We had no crying and every child actually chased and kicked the ball (baby steps). Then I saw my little girl Sam take the ball the length of the field and score her first goal of the season. It was amazing especially because she threw a small elbow to keep the bigger girl away. Watching those "little ones" made me realize all the time I have spent frustrated at practice and prior games was worth it. Do what is right for the kids and remember we are here for them. Hopefully we are giving them the skills they will need to score in the game of life (very corny I know).

Inspect What You Expect!

As I walk the building it is easy to see the great things we have going on at Antioch, But I must look deeper to inspect what is driving instruction. I need to step back and take a "30,000 ft view" to better understand where we are struggling and why? I can't assume because things went well last year that they will again be great. There is no time for complacency and we must assess what we are assessing. I would challenge you to do the same. Look at your classroom and make sure you are seeing exactly what is happening. Ask yourself what you intended to teach. Then ask if the students actually learned what you intended. How do you know? If not, what could you do differently to ensure the desired outcome is reached?


Often we make assumptions about what the students are learning, or why they are not learning. Be careful that you are not too close to the situation to see what is actually causing the issues. How observant are you when you enter your classroom? Do you really know what is happening? Be sure you are stepping back and assessing what is happening in your classroom and be sure you don't miss the signs that are all around you. The following link is a great example of not being able to see what is going on if you aren't looking for the right thing. http://http//www.bing.com/search?q=awareness+test+moonwalking+bear&FORM=Z7FD

Why Do We Do What We Do?

This week my message to you will be quick and to the point. As we are winding down the first grading period, I wanted to remind you why we are all here. We are here for the kids and this weekend was a perfect example. Watching the parents, teachers, and staff working together to make GatorFest a huge success is proof that you care. I was so impressed with the event, but more impressed with the number of staff members that came out to support the PTO and to interact with the students outside of the school day. Please watch the following video about Tyler. It will only take 11 minutes, but I promise it will be worth it. It starts out slow, but it will remind you all why we do what we do everyday. http://www.imtyler.org