Recently the PrincipalCast crew discussed the importance of keeping up with Digital Content. As leaders, we need to be sure that we are growing, so we shared the strategies that we use. As always, I learned a few things and will be trying out some techniques to enhance my professional development. Take a look or listen and maybe you will learn something new…

Tools to follow blogs: feedly.com, zite, http://www.bloglovin.com/

connectedprincipals.com

http://badgeradmins.wikispaces.com/Admin+Blogs

http://cybraryman.com/blogs2.html

http://archive.principalcenter.com/

http://blog.teachercast.net/

http://ericsheninger.com/esheninger?sid=28

Something Awesome (app or tech tool):

Screenr http://www.screenr.com/ also www.screencastomatic.com

“Drafts” app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/drafts-quickly-capture-notes/id502385074?mt=8 (iPhone) and https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/drafts-for-ipad-quickly-capture/id542797283?mt=8 (iPad)

Wifi File Transfer (for android phone users)

Make sure to share any ideas you have!

A few minutes after the fall. Maybe I should keep sneakers in my office?

I usually stay late on Tuesdays. It is something my wife and I worked out to allow me to get work done with out the kids bothering me. The past few weeks I have used the time to catch up, write observations, write, blog and grade the papers from my graduate course.

This Tuesday was no different. I had just finished a conversation with an older brother who came to pick up his little sister from the after-school program. He couldn’t make it downstairs because he recently tore his ACL playing basketball.  Basketball? I love playing basketball. It is one of my favorite sports. Then I peered into the gym and guess what? Kids were playing basketball.

I just wanted a 20 minute break to get my heart going to help me stay focused. I ventured to the gym and the Teacher and I took on five 5th graders in half court. 2 on 5 but then again the (2) were adults. We tried to teach the kids about how they outnumbered us and that they should have no problem beating us. Needless to stay, we got out to an 11-0 run and we were hardly trying. Everyone was having fun and we kept trying to encourage the kids to work together.

Boot? Until I get my brace this will have to do….

Then I had an opening and I was all alone in the lane. The teacher made a perfect pass and I went up for the layup. As I came down on the side of my ankle I let out a very loud roar. I went down like a ton of bricks. I felt like I was going to vomit. It was bad. The kids opened the gym doors to let a breeze in. I scooted off the court and watched the kids finish the game. They checked in on me and I could tell they felt bad. I eventually waddled out of the gym and went to the Nurse’s office to find ice. I returned to my office and tried to get work done but my ankle was killing me. I called my wife and told her what happened and that I would be home early. Ugh, I really feel like I am getting old!

I didn’t break anything but I did a number on my tendons. I will be in a brace for the next three weeks at least. Did I ever mention that I work in a building with lots of stairs and no elevator?

All I can say is be careful going down the lane…. Even if you are wide open 🙂

source: kottke.org

I love when I hear things such as “no one ever talks to each other anymore because of this technology” and then I see a graphic of people reading the newspaper from the 1950s (see picture). Chances are they were not interacting either.

Are people really that different then they were 50 years ago? For instance, was television an interactive device? The radio? The telephone? I know that when I was growing up in the 1970s and 1980s I had to be QUIET while my family watched TV. I couldn’t interrupt my mom when she was on the phone, and well I couldn’t pick the radio station in the car (and if a good song was on, I needed to be quiet).

So nowadays we put a guilt trip on each other because everyone is on their devices. I find that interesting because I can always stop what I am doing to attend to my children. I can press pause on the DVR even on a live sports event to change the laundry (I will be honest, I don’t want to but I can). My children actually show me their learning through their X-Box and the Ipad.

I’m not sure what the difference is between the “old” and the “new”??? Do you?

Source: www.whitehouse.gov

Since we celebrated President’s Day yesterday, I thought I would share my favorite president. Honestly, I am not much of a history buff, so there are scores of Presidents that I know little about. My favorite President was John F. Kennedy and fortunately my son (who is 9) shares the same choice. He says he likes JFK because he created the Peace Corps and the Peace Corps really help people!

I am intrigued by Kennedy’s presidency. Often shrouded in mystery and scandal, Kennedy’s presidency was short lived. He was only in office for 3 years, but many people in our country resonated with his vision. He tried to bring the country into a new era of looking towards the future and beyond the war-torn 1950s. For some, Kennedy was the King, others he was the people’s champion, and still others saw him as a target. About two years ago I was able to visit Dallas for the Texas ASCD Conference. I did the tour of the Book Depository, and Dealey Plaza. I even ventured to the grassy knoll. It was a surreal experience and one that I highly recommend others to try.

No matter your political views, celebrating President’s Day is an amazing way to learn more about our country!

Do you have information that your would like to get out to the staff BEFORE the meeting? Try screenr! In a few minutes (keep it under 5 for the free account) you can turn your power point (or what ever is on your desktop) into an opportunity to present information.

 
So next time you want to try “flipping” your staff meeting, you could try a screenr!

source: rapgenius.com

All organizations have a code, or unwritten rule about “how things are.” What is your code? Is a code of honor, or a code of secrecy?

There are many examples of codes within organizations, communities, and even families. For instance, one of the codes on the street is “snitches get stitches.” No one would dare tell the local police about a problem someone else is having for fear of being labeled a “snitch.” So when the police start asking questions, no one speaks up… not even a peep. Some people would find that type of thinking deplorable for a business, school or even professional association. I agree.

Unfortunately, as we deal with the code, whatever that may be, we find out a lot about ourselves, our values, and our ethics. Is it easier to turn the other way and ignore things, or not speak up? Society teaches us that those who speak up can either be glorified and protected as a whistle blower or vilified as snitch…. What do you think?

I know I must have been living under a rock, but the other night was the first time I heard the song, Happy by Pharell. It makes me happy. Are you happy?

Take a few minutes to watch this… and be happy

I am teaching a graduate class on School Fiance for aspiring administrators. I have learned so much more about School Finance then I did before teaching. Unfortunately, in education, we like to leave all the “budget” stuff up to the Business Administrator. This is not a good idea because the impact can detrimental to the kids in your school.

One of the assignmets asked the students to compare and contrast two videos on School Fiance. The first video was the TED talk from Bill Gates and the second was from students in a school district in Ohio. The balcony vs. the floor? Watch and decide.

Bill Gates: TED Talk How State Budgets Are Breaking US Schools

The World of School Finance

Last night our Home and School Association partnered with our Family and Community Engagement PLC to put on an amazing Sweetheart Bingo Night. This was truley a team effort coordinated by dedicated staff and parents who know that the more our family and community is engaged with the school, the better everyone will be.

Our local business donated over 500 dollars of prizes for the Bingo winners. Despite an expected Blizzard we had over 100 people attend the event. In addition to the Bingo games, we played music, acted silly, and made sure everyone had a great time! This was one of our most successful, collaborative events of the year!

It makes me proud to be a Bacon Bear!

source: www.clker.com

We make sure to help each other (and our students) cultivate an appreciation for African American History Month. Everyone knows it should be more than just one month, but for some it could be the beginning to a journey of understanding, valuing, and integrating African American History into the curriculum, into their life.

It starts with awareness and appreciation for diversity. Then, it expands to include an understanding of cultures and their impact on education. Finally,  it becomes part of what you do and who you are.

Your journey to embracing diversity and cultural awareness could start now, with a month dedicated to cultivating African American History…. It could be a gift… cultivate it!