Bright Future Campaign - Week 15 Rewind
This past week was cut one day short as ICEMAGEDDON took over Dallas/Fort Worth, but the Sigler Staff and students were still shining bright, right up until dismissal on a frigid Thursday afternoon.
As you know, we are in the midst of MAP testing at Sigler Elementary and students are spending a majority of their mornings completing assessments on the computers or working independently so students can have a quiet testing environment. In a perfect world, our students would log on, do their absolute best and achieve a score higher than their previous score. Of course, we do not reside in a perfect world. We celebrate the achievements made and reflect upon those that were not and adapt as needed to equip students with the tools they need to achieve the desired score the next time they are assessed.
While I like seeing our students hit their goals just as much as the teachers do, take a step back with me just for a moment. What about the other successes we have that are not measured by MAP?
What about the fifth grade student this year whose attitude toward school has totally changed? Last year this student did not arrive to school on time, did not want to work when she was here, and rarely demonstrated a compassion or care for others. This year she is on time, working hard in the classroom and developing relationships with her peers that did not exist a year ago. Measure that on the MAP!
What about the teachers who are desperately wanting to partner with a local apartment complex and provide families with tools and resources to begin educating their children before they reach pre-kindergarten or elementary school? Teachers know the power our parents hold and yearn to teach our parents strategies to incorporate into their homes to strengthen the foundation necessary for learning. Does that show up on a MAP score?
At the end of the day, we are measured based on the success our students have on assessments, but for me, its the success of the whole student. Yes, academics are one part of that, but again, the mission of Sigler Elementary is to "Prepare Students to Excel in a Diverse and Changing World" and our staff is ensuring our students will be ready academically, emotionally and socially.
While everyone is working tirelessly to ensure our students and families have what they need to be successful, please do not forget to ensure you have what you need to be successful. It is easy to get caught up in making sure everyone else has everything they need and forget about your own well-being. Take care of one another! A great example of this is the fellowship being promoted through the Crock-Pot Club and the large number of staff signing up to feed one another. Another way you can support each other is by inviting your significant other to our winter party next week and celebrate the relationships you have at work by introducing your significant other to the folks you spend so much time with each week. My wife is excited to meet many of you and see several of you again and I hope you feel encouraged to bring your significant other with you as well.
There are just a few days remaining in 2013 portion of the school year and 2014 is just around the corner. Let your brightest light shine in the remaining days. The students' future depends on it!
