Leadership Lessons

Leadership Lessons

Over the holidays, I received a book titled, Cigars, Whiskey and Winning:  Leadership Lessons from General Ulysses S. Grant.  I must admit that I am not a “history buff” and was unsure if I would enjoy the book.  Well, let me tell you, I do not just like the book I love the book.  Therefore, in this edition of my blog, I want to share some of my favorite "lessons" from the book.   

First, why is the book called Cigars, Whiskey and Winning?  This is due to Grant smoking constantly, Abraham Lincoln urging the removal of Grant because he drank too much, and Robert E. Lee hailing him a winner, but really, who was Ulysses S. Grant?  The book describes him as perceptive, a lifelong learner who learned from his own and others success and failures and someone who was skilled at seizing opportunities and boldly shattering paradigms. 

As I continue on the journey of becoming a better leader in order to lead the school district in the right direction for our students and staff I am hopeful that I can grow to attain more of Grant’s characteristics.  He was praised for his common sense, decisiveness, energy, self-control, self-confidence, and as a man who concentrated on contribution and service more than individual fame or glory.  Below are 5 of my favorite lessons from the book and what I learned from them.

1.  You can’t succeed if they don’t:   Leaders realize they cannot succeed if the people working with them are not successful.  Therefore, they EMPOWER the people and do everything they can to help insure their success. 

My Lesson:  I can’t do it all.  I must trust my staff and provide assistance when needed.   (I am a “doer” so this is a tough one for me, but I am working on it).

2. What matters is effectiveness, not style:  There is not perfect management style that suits all.  The best management style is the one you feel most comfortable with and the real focus should be on effectiveness, not style.

My Lesson:  I can certainly learn from others, but I don’t have to be exactly like another leader.  I need to do what feels comfortable and focus on being effective staying true to my ethics and morals.

3.  Keep your eye on the ball:  Avoid chasing after little successes, no matter how appealing.  Stay focused on achieving your primary objective. 

My Lesson:  I can’t be persuaded by the “shiny new toy” on the market or trying to imitate what another district is doing.  I must stay true to the needs of our district and the long-term goals and plans. 

4.  Cultivate a thick skin:  This will help you deal with unwanted criticism, which is likely to happen in leadership roles.  Go about your business without responding to critics.  Trying to explain reasons for your actions will not satisfy your critics, but only distract you from your work.

My Lesson:  If what I am doing is the right thing for students and the district then I can lay my head down at night knowing I have done my best.  I must be able to block out unnecessary criticism, but also know the difference between criticism that allows me to grow. 

5. Some projects need to wait:  It’s great when you take on multiple tasks, but there will always be some projects that need to wait until others are completed because working on them prematurely only wastes time and resources.

My Lesson:  I need to read this early and often.  I definitely struggle with patience and wanting to do too much at once. 

It was difficult to narrow this down to the 5 lessons I wanted to share. I encourage anyone wanting to strengthen their leadership skills to read this book.  It is certainly causing me to self-reflect and will hopefully make me a better person so that I can be an effective leader for Williamstown Independent.

What Does a School Board Member Do?

What Does a School Board Member Do?

January is School Board Recognition Month and therefore I would like to take the time to educate the public on the role a Board of Education member and to also publicly thank our board members; Ms. Angie Cleveland, Mr. Chris Lawrence, Mr. Roy Osborne, Mr. Cliff Wallace and Mr. Jeremy Winters, for their service and dedication to our students, staff, and community. 

Our board members are elected by the community and must carry out responsibilities for the benefit of, and in the interest of, individuals and groups in the school district. Local board members are considered state officers, receiving their authority and responsibility from the General Assembly.

Most of a local board of education’s duties are fulfilled with the adoption of district policies. Once policies are adopted, it is up to the district superintendent and staff to implement the policies. The board is responsible for monitoring the overall district performance and can revisit, amend or repeal policies that it believes are in the best interest of the district. In short, it is not the board members job to run the district, but it is their job to see that the district is well run.

Among the major duties of the board: 1. Establish schools, acquire sites and erect buildings. 2. Adopt courses of study. 3. Provide necessary services to pupils. 4. Manage all funds and property. 5. Make appropriate rules, regulations, and bylaws. 6. Appoint a superintendent of schools. 7. Adopt a budget. 8. Take necessary action to levy needed taxes. 9. Assess individual student progress. 10. Adopt a plan for immediate and long-term strategies to address school safety and discipline. 11. Formulate a code of acceptable student behavior and discipline that applies to each school in the district.

What is Unique About Williamstown’s School Board Members?

• ·         It is not uncommon to see our local board members present at band competitions, ballgames, school plays, or helping out around campus.  They enjoy being around students and staff and helping the district in any way possible.
• ·         They do not accept their allocated per diem of $75 per meeting, which saves the district over $6,500 annually. 
• ·         They regularly mentor juniors and seniors and offer assistance and advice before dispensing students their diplomas.
• ·         Over the past several years there has been over 50 years of combined experience on Williamstown’s school board.
• ·         The majority of our board members are graduates of Williamstown.
• ·         One board member was the former superintendent of Williamstown.
• ·         All board members are extremely invested in making Williamstown the best place to learn and work for students and staff.

Lastly, our education program exists to support student achievement. Students are our #1 priority.  The local board represents the community by making sure tax dollars are used effectively and efficiently on behalf of students.

When you see one of our board members please offer a thank you for all they do for students, staff, and our community.  They are true partners with administrators, teachers and staff in making sure students come first in this district.

The Joys of the Holidays

The Joys of the Holidays

I am only two months into my new blog and I already missed the month of November.  Therefore, I am going to combine the month of November and December together and title it, "The Joys of the Holidays".   This was all part of the plan. 😊

This post is going to be personal in nature.  Although I am NOT a fan of winter weather I am a fan of the holidays this time of year.  Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder to give thanks for the many blessings I have in my life.  I must admit, I am blessed way more than I deserve.  I have the most loving and supportive family, healthy and happy children, and a career that I love,

I have fond memories of Thanksgiving meals of the past- eating brown and serve rolls and brown beans with my grandparents and cousins who I didn't get to see a lot. Now that I am grown, I am thankful I still only have to "show up" and eat. My mother and mother-in-law do all of the preparing and we just do the feasting.  I love that my children get to have the memories of going to their grandparents' house and being with their cousins on this special holiday.  I  know that one day they will look back, just as I do, and realize what a special time these moments were.

This year my mom, sister, and I ventured out on Black Friday for our 20th year in a row.  This is such a fun day for us and we look forward to the time together each year.  The first year we went my sister was expecting my niece and we had to be at Wal-Mart at midnight in order to secure a holiday barbie. We were successful on that trip and we were bit by the bug and have made it a tradition since.  Oh, the memories we have made and the stories we could tell.

Which brings me to Christmas- my most favorite of all holidays.  As a child I know I waited with much anticipation about the gifts I would find under the tree, but as I look back I can't recall but only a few actual presents I received (i.e. Cabbage Patch Doll- which is a great story about how my dad secured one of those hot items).  However, I DO vividly remember the times I spent with my family.  I remember the candy my grandmothers made, the singing we did in the car on our trips to our grandparents' house, the chirping bird on my Granny's tree, and exactly the spots each person sat year after year to open presents from one another.  I remember walking down on Christmas morning to view what was under the tree as a child and the special memories I created as a mom watching my young children do the same thing.

Due to the fact I love Christmas so much, I got married on December 23rd and had a beautiful wedding filled with Christmas decorations. This year Greg and I will celebrate 21 years of marriage. The years have gone by quickly and our children have grown much too fast for our liking, but the joys, memories, and fun times we have shared together will forever live in my heart and mind.

Lastly, the New Year's holiday.  My favorite part of New Year is the feeling of being able to start fresh.  It is a wonderful time to reflect -I can learn from past mistakes and make goals and plans for the new year. It is a refreshing feeling as we get a new start knowing the possibilities are endless.

I understand the holidays are difficult for some and it is hard to find any Joy within this time.  I pray this will not always be the case and that all are able to find happiness within the holiday season.   I wish you joy, peace and comfort. May 2017 be filled with good health, happy times, many friends, and lots of wonderful memories for you and your family.

So, What Does it REALLY Mean to Be College and Career Ready?

So, What Does it REALLY Mean to Be College and Career Ready?

The mission of the Williamstown Independent School District is to Engage, Educate, and Empower ALL students for College and Career Readiness.  What does this actually mean?   Nation and local concerns regarding the use of “Common Core Math” or that cursive isn’t taught in schools anymore leaves stakeholders wondering, “What are they actually teaching nowadays and why?” It is important for all to realize that the world has changed and today’s students are preparing for jobs that do not yet exist.  It is the goal of educators to give students an educational experience needed to keep pace with the demands of our competitive, knowledge-based, technology-driven society. 

Below are five areas I believe students need (and educators need to promote) for paving the way for a successful future. 

1.      Academic and Content Knowledge:  This one is pretty cut and dry.  It is comprised of knowing core subject areas of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.  Students need the capacity to process, retain, and apply content knowledge.

2.      Higher Order Thinking Skills:  This refers to the processing and interpreting of information.  Students need to have the ability to identify issues, analyze situations, formulate hypothesis, critically think, and problem solve.

3.      Creativity: Research confirms that every individual has innate creative potential (I think I am still looking for mine). In order for this potential to be actualized, all students should be actively engaged in the creative process. Engaging in the arts inspires creative and imaginative confidence in students and empowers them to address the challenges of the future.

4.      Self-Awareness:  Students need to be aware of their goals, beliefs and values.  They should enter into an area that is of interest and one they are capable of doing.  Many of these can be explored throughout the high school career.

5.      Employability and Life Skills:  This is often referred to as “soft skills” These are the skills employees look for in an employee and include collaboration and teamwork, responsible, trusting, reliable, flexible, good communicator, manages time, takes ownership, perseverance and grit.

Ultimately, college and career readiness demands students know more than just content.  They must know how to learn and build upon content to solve problems. They must develop versatile communication skills, work collaboratively and work competitively in a school or work environment. Williamstown is committed to Engaging, Educating and Empowering our students for the demands of their future.  We ask for your support as we provide both the academic and social skills necessary so students can succeed on whatever path they choose.

What Education Staff Want Parents to Know

What Education Staff Want Parents to Know

My first blog is titled, “What Education Staff Want Parents to Know” because having a strong partnership between home and school is, in my opinion, the most essential ingredient for student success.  Below I have created a top 5 list of what I believe parents should know.  

1.  You are your child's first teacher. You have more of an impact on your child’s values, behavior, expectations, work ethic, and actions than any other person in the world. If you value education, your child will know that doing their best in school is important. Early foundations are formed when your child is born when the brain is developing and growing at a rapid rate.  Talk, Sing, Read, Play.  You matter! You can make the difference!

2.  We care a great deal about your child and we want what is best for them.  We aren’t perfect and we will make mistakes, but trust us as professionals.   School and home environments are quite different, and there may be times children behave differently when forced to follow rules and work with peers. Listen to what staff members have to say and work with them to find solutions to any problems.  Because we care, we will hold students to high expectations. We are here to ensure that your child can succeed and your support and encouragement are necessary. Your child's success is our success!

3.  Communicate with us.  If you're having an issue with a staff member, your child, your child’s work or grades, talk directly with the staff member before going to the principal or other administrators. Most problems can be resolved between staff members and parents with a simple phone call or email alerting of the situation. 

4.  Be an involved Parent.  Ask your child about their school day.  Check their folders, agendas, and the parent portal for grades.  This not only helps you stay on top of updates and what's going on in the classroom, but it also shows your child that you are checking in and that you care. Attend school events and ask if you can volunteer or provide assistance to staff.  Students love to see their families at school and to “show off” their work environment.

5.  Celebrate your student’s accomplishments.  Set expectations that require your child to put forth their best effort and when they do, say things like, “Great job!” and “I’m proud of you.”  There will always will be someone in the world who is smarter, more athletic, more musical, more… than your child.  Students learn and develop at different rates, so let their skills and talents emerge naturally. Don't put so much pressure on your child that it causes them to dislike learning, playing a sport or musical instrument. Failure and challenges teach students new skills, and, most importantly, teaches them they can learn and grow from those challenges. 

We want your child to have the best experience while at school and our staff works hard to make that happen.  Parents and education staff working together can make a huge difference in the success of a child!    

YAY.  I have written my first blog.  Feel free to provide feedback and comments.  Perhaps someone will be inspired to write from the parent perspective about what they wish educators knew.  This would create some great dialogue as we all work together in the best interest of children.