If you have not gotten a chance to read my blog about my #oneword for 2016, check out Enjoy the Moment.
As I mentioned in my blog, my #oneword is a call to action for me to be mindful of the moments that make up my day. The moments at home, the moments at work and the moments that happen in between.
As the sunsets on Monday, I find myself having to choose between three #moments that I would love to share with you. I could share about my #moment which would detail how I am starting a 14 day cleanse and have not had a drop of caffeine today. Or, I could share the #moment I spent eavesdropping on a conversation about "Codetalkers", a story students will be reading that takes place during WWII. (I have to elaborate on this just a bit) Students were asked to share what they know about WWII...Did you know Emmitt Smith served in WWII before signing with the Dallas Cowboys? After all, we are in the state of Texas and this young man is a HUGE football fan, but after a quick Google Search we sadly had to let him know that Emmitt was born in 1969, long after WWII.
While those are both honorable #moments, I have decided to go another route. We recently named an amazing teacher within our building as our 2016 experienced teacher of the year. As the principal, I am required to submit a letter of recommendation, highlighting why I feel this candidate should be recognized as the district elementary experienced teacher of the year. Through the nomination process, we ask staff to select a teacher who they feel would be a good representative and then have them explain why they feel that way. The why's are powerful! In fact, I incorporate the statements within my letter of recommendation, to show I am not the only one who feels strongly that this candidate should be considered for the district elementary teacher of the year.
After submitting my letter of recommendation, I emailed the teacher a copy of it, letting her know it was a honor and privilege to write a letter for her. (If you ask me, she has already won the award) It was her response that made me pause for a #moment and reminded me just how powerful my words can be as a principal.
"Every teacher should get a letter like this and keep it in their
"I am having a bad day" folder and reread it along with your
thank you notes to get teachers back on track."
I took the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to write a thank you letter to each one of our staff members, thanking them for everything they do to support our students, staff, parents & me. I know it is important. I know I need to do it more often. I know I need to find a #moment to make it happen. Reading this statement today, just makes me realize how important it is...for both of us.
When was the last time you wrote a letter or a thank you card to the teachers on your staff on teachers on your team? Be sure to take a #moment.
What was your #moment today?
Labels: #oneword, 2016, leadership, Moment
