Monday Minute – July 20, 2020
As I write this post, schools across the country are planning and revising plans to “reopen” schools this fall. Just the term “reopening” seems an odd choice to me. The school buildings may have closed in March but teaching and learning continued until the end of the school year. The beginning of the year for 20-21 will be unlike anything I have experienced in my lifetime.
Here in South Carolina, many districts are planning to offer parents a choice of hybrid instruction or online learning to start the school year. Some districts are offering face to face for all students five days a week or all online learning. With either option, parents, students, and community members have questions, concerns, and often strong opinions. As a school leader, I have allowed myself to get bogged down in the opinions of others. Several times I had a wise man remind to stop worrying about things beyond my control, and focus on the things I can control. I really appreciate him keeping me grounded. Below are some ways that I worked on following this advice.
As a school leader, I can control:
*My attitude
*My response to others, especially how and when I respond
*How I communicate information to my staff, parents and the community
*How I prepare my staff and myself for the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year
*How I treat others
*What I read and watch
For the 2020-2021 school year, my plan is to keep the golden rule as my mantra “treat others like you want to be treated.” Sending positive thoughts to my fellow school leaders are we finalize and revise plans for the upcoming school year, Dr. B.
LEaD by Dr. B 