*Euphoria – a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness.

No, I’m not experiencing this emotion as a result of successfully reaching the 180th day of instruction in the 2013-14 school year (well, okay, maybe that’s contributing to it in some way).

I feel euphoric today because WE (students, staff, parents) had an incredible year together. 

This word cloud captures our work together through the words that were emphasized in bold in all the Thursday Word principal messages.

Thank you for the countless ways you made this year meaningful for children. 

Have a wonderful summer!

*defined through Google search.

Summer excitement is in the air!  Almond students are eagerly anticipating special trips, fun camps, sleeping in, a respite from homework, time with moms and dads, and so much more.  While we only have 5 more days after today, we still have 5 more days after today.  As I meander on the playground and support conversations around conflict, I gently remind everyone to be a little bit more forgiving and tolerant of friends and interactions.  The Almond staff would be grateful for your reinforcement of this message at home.  If we all take a few extra deep breaths and assume the best intentions of each other, we will get through the next 5 days with grace and success.  We can do it!!!!

Following are some updates regarding staffing for the 2014-15 school year.

• Mary Alber’s talents are being called to support kindergarten physical education across the district.  We are thrilled to still serve as Mrs. Alber’s home base.
• Kim Halliday will be dedicating extra time to supporting her family and will not return to Almond this fall.  We are grateful for the warmth and love for books that she brought to the Almond library this year and wish her our very best!
• Jenny Eldrige will be joining Almond as a new kindergarten teacher.  Jenny grew up in Menlo Park, attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UC Irvine.  She comes to us with 7 years of teaching experience.  In her free time she enjoys hiking, playing basketball and much more.  Welcome to our team!
• Candice Marquis will be teaching physical education to our 1st through 6th graders.  Candice comes to us having taught physical education since 2007 at Santa Teresa high school and supported the enrichment of students in grades 2-5 through Campus Kids.  She was awarded the national recognition of “Major of the Year” by the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).
• We welcome back Jose Aguilar to our Almond family as our incredible custodian who makes our school look and function great on a daily basis!

Here is the teaching roster for 2014-15.

• Transitional Kindergarten:  Lisa Schubert
• Kindergarten:  Jenny Eldridge, Laurie Lamb, Melissa Powell
• First Grade:  Sarah Hall, Alicia Peterson, Summer Reeves
• Second Grade:  Edana Conlon, Nancy Liu, Jill Williams
• Third Grade:  Tammy Reilly, Joann Martinez, Anna Uhm, Jenny Wishnack
• Fourth Grade:  Lisa Call, Annie Daggett, Melissa Dowling
• Fifth Grade:  Joe Chan, Laura Ohlund, Samantha Nguyen
• Sixth Grade:  Jessica Abraham, Allison Aubrey, Jasen Stuart
• STEM Teacher: Elizabeth Leach
• PE Teacher: Candice Marquis
• ELD Teacher:  Janine Wulfsohn
• RSP Teacher:  Ginny Kalotihos
• Speech Teacher:  Carol Leamon

We are in the process of staffing our kindergarten aide positions and one more noon duty position for next year.  If you’re interested in this opportunity, please let me know.

And, in the event you were wondering…yes, I’ll be your principal next year!  I’ve had several students ask and point out that I’m the 3rd principal they’ve had since they started Almond.  Earlier this year I wrote in one of my Thursday Words about how I truly love what I do.  Not only do I love being A principal, I love being YOUR principal.  I am so incredibly excited about all that we have and will continue to accomplish together.

Please find the results of the Almond School survey for 2013-14 in the email version of the Thursday Word.  We have begun reviewing the data and will be certain to incorporate it as we reflect on how to offer the best educational experience for children.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” – a question often asked of children.  Typically we expect career-oriented responses such as doctor, firefighter, engineer, etc…  In his TEDx talk, Logan LaPlante reveals that what he wants to be when he grows up is HAPPY.  He shares research from Roger Walsh regarding healthy life practices that lead to happiness.  Two particular ones that stood out to me were a focus on service to others, as well as an emphasis on relationships. 

Logan wasn’t finding a significant emphasis on these elements in his experience in education, so he “hackschooled” his learning path.  Hacking conjures up wreaking unauthorized havoc in the computer world.  However, it can also be defined as, “to cut with rough or heavy blows.”  Logan connects the term to challenging and changing systems that lead to innovation and the mindset of remixing or mashing up the status quo.

While this young man chose to leave traditional schooling in his quest to learn to “make a life” vs. “making a living,” that is not necessary for our Eagles.  In the words of Jack London (author of Call of the Wild), “You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.” 

At Almond, “hackschooling” is underway and we’re chasing after the elements of happiness.  At last Friday’s assembly we announced the February 25, 2015 We Day date [related Tweet].  We intend to make service a significant focus next year. Students demonstrating the greatest contributions to others will be honored at this event.  In addition, we are constantly looking for ways to bring learning alive through experiences like our 5th grade Colonial Day [picture] and the heart dissections that took place today [check out this Tweet].  LASD is a learning community that strives to remix learning so that it is engaging and relevant.

Our energies as a staff will be focused on propelling students towards lives filled with happiness as we pursue our LASD #1 Goal:  Meet the individual learning needs of all students.  We will accomplish this through a) ensuring meaningful formative feedback is included as a constant in student/teacher interactions, b) developing a communication process that allows teachers, students and parents to utilize actionable feedback about each child’s learning, c) regularly incorporating small group instruction as a method for meeting individual student needs, and d) designing learning opportunities that allow for student choice and passion.  I look forward to sharing more details with you about this upon our return in August.

In the event that you need a little pick me up today, check out this amazing video from one of our kindergarten classes.  I couldn’t help but experience joy as I danced with these little squirts and know that your heart will be filled with joy at watching their happiness.

Today marks the 166th day of school!  We have 14 days remaining.  HOLD ON…because we’re about to experience an incredible finish.

TONIGHT, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, is our Open House.  This is a special opportunity for the whole family to descend on Almond to celebrate the learning accomplishments of our children.  As our Eagles guide you through their work, cherish the pride they exude.  Know that their brains have grown, they are wiser, and they’ve worked hard.  Please be sure to stop by the STEM lab to see a slide show.  And, don’t miss the library.  We have some new furniture that gives our library an innovative feel because we know that to inspire creativity we must create learning environments that foster flexibility and collaboration.  Thank you to our PTA (that’s you parents), for making this dream a reality.

You are welcome to venture into classrooms of the upcoming grade level to get a sneak peak in regards to projects and activities to look forward to.  I ask you to be respectful and thoughtful by allowing the teacher to maintain his/her focus on current students and families.

TOMORROW, we have a special Friday morning assembly in the multi that is focused on acts of service.  We will watch a short video, hear from students, interact with glowing lights, and Lady Gaga and her Crew will teach us the We Day Dance.  Don’t miss it!

NEXT WEEK, theater magic comes to Almond via The Wizard of Oz.  Almost 100 students will perform in this Almond Drama Program production and it has brought together countless parents and volunteers.  Check out this feature in the Los Altos Town Crier.  It is going to be an amazing show and we look forward to seeing you there.  Performances are scheduled 6 p.m. May 29-31 and June 5-7.

FINALLY, our school survey (linked here) closes this coming Monday at midnight on May 26th.  Please take the time to share your reflections with us.  We have 524 students enrolled and have collected 173 surveys, that’s 33.02%.  I know we can do better than that.  Please demonstrate your interest at being involved by completing one survey per child that attends Almond.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

I received an incredible gift last night when I joined our 6th graders on their night walk at Walden West.

Yellow broom flowers shined brightly in the twilight hours as we headed towards our solo hike destination.  The call of a wild turkey sounded from the trees.  The silence that we each practiced allowed me to hear the different buzzing frequencies of the various insects flying past my ears.  My eyes adjusted to the dimming light and I deliberately worked to calm my mind so that I could appreciate the beauty through which I walked.  I reminded myself of our guide’s direction, “be present.”  On our way back to camp, the moon glistened as it crested over the treetops and we came upon several deer. 

This time could not have been more magical.  It provided me with tranquility atop a flurry-of-a-day and during this small amount of time, the only decision I faced was to stay in the moment.  On any given day, we are each faced with countless decisions.  Some of these we approach with intention: what to wear, eat, time to arrive at work or school, whether to play soccer or basketball, and the list continues.  Other choices unfold based on an instantaneous, and often unconscious approach to a situation.  For example, when greeted by a friend or peer, do we take that extra moment to actively listen or do we interact in a typical fashion and then move forward with our day.

As a principal, I have the incredible privilege of guiding children through reflecting on their choices on a daily basis.  During some discussions with students this week, the sentiment of regret surfaced.  That emotion often sends a painful sensation into our stomachs when we realize that we made a wrong choice and we can’t take it back.  Although it doesn’t feel all that wonderful, remorse is healthy.  It is key though to acknowledge the feeling, reflect, and to then enact steps to not repeat what lead us to it in the first place.  It’s also critical to forgive.  Often, the hardest person to forgive is our self.

Making mistakes is not just part of life, it’s part of growing up and learning.  While each of us wants to be the best we can be and we want our children to be the best they can be, there will come a time when we/they just don’t make the best choice.  We can support our children by discussing what contributed to that decision, why it may not have been the best choice, and then support them with specific language or steps when faced with a similar situation in the future.  Thank you parents and staff for the role you play in raising thoughtful children who strive to make the best choices possible.

Note:  Remember the ball pit assembly?  How about the air orchestra?  Well, Almond has another fun assembly planned for Friday, 5/23.  The theme is around service to others and we have a special guest (Lady Gaga) who will teach us the We Day Dance.  The assembly will be in the multi and involve glowing lights.  Have I peaked your curiosity?  I hope so!!!  Come one, come all.  We will assemble outside in our typical spot and staff will quickly guide students into the multi.

Don’t Forget:  I promised not to email you daily about the survey, but didn’t say anything about not mentioning it in the Thursday Word J.  We currently have 523 students enrolled at Almond.  129 surveys have been completed.  If I calculated my percentage accurately this time, we’ve gone from 6% to about 25% since Monday.  That’s fabulous, but I expect 80% participation because I want your voices to be heard.   Come on parents!  Let’s show our children how it’s done when it comes to participation.  Here’s the link.

In Closing:  See you all at next Thursday’s Open House from 6:30pm – 7:30pm.  It’s a wonderful evening to celebrate the year’s accomplishments.

A Week of Celebrations

Wednesday, May 6th, marked National Teacher Appreciation Day.  This is a day for us to pause and reflect on the contributions of our entire team (both teachers and support staff).  On a daily basis I marvel at the incredibleness of our teachers, office/support staff, custodian and teaching assistants.  Each and every one of these individuals goes above and beyond to make Almond an amazing place.  What I most treasure about the Almond staff is how much they truly love our children and each other.  THANK YOU for having giving hearts, open minds, willing attitudes and souls that face outwards to others.

Our PTA honored us with an amazing luncheon that transformed our lounge into a beachside patio.  We were able to visit together and nourish our stomachs with delicious treats prepared by our parents.  THANK YOU so much to our parent volunteers for showering us with constant love and support.  We are very blessed to be part of this incredible community.

This week, Lisa Call was also celebrated - as the Almond Teacher of the Year.  LASD rolled out a new process in which staffs select a teacher at every site who exemplifies excellence in supporting student learning, collaborating with peers, serving as a site and district leader, and in continuing his/her own personal growth.  Lisa not only works tirelessly to innovate instruction in her classroom, but she also coordinates the Almond School Drama Program and Chorus.  Her talents sweep far and wide!  Congratulations Lisa – you are precious to Almond.

Today, our 4th thru 6th graders performed at the LASD music concert.  Their hard work over the last few weeks paid off and they filled our multi with music and song that showcased their talent.  Through this program, students gain valuable skills in reading a non-alphabet language, learning the pacing and rhythm of music, commitment to practicing and mastering a piece, synchronizing their individual instrument (that includes the voices of our singers), and overcoming their jitters to perform in front of an audience.  Thank you LAEF for supporting the education of the “whole child” by funding our music program.  We are grateful for the guidance provided by our district music team:  John Beeman, Corrie Dunn, Brianna Jorgensen, and Eliza Masters.

Finally, on Sunday, mothers across our nation will be pampered with love from their families.  Moms, you are the first teachers of your children.  From you, your children have learned how to smile, listen, love, give, and care.  As I watch you interact with your little ones (and some big – although they’ll always be little to me) during arrival and dismissal, I appreciate the bond you’ve fostered over all these years.  As you are celebrated, take a moment to look at your children and allow their amazingness to serve as a reminder of how remarkable you are.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

*On a side note, many of you have inquired about the trees that are missing in our parking lot.  I miss them too!  They were big, beautiful, and have left a gaping hole.  However, they had massive pinecones that destroyed someone’s windshield and in order to ensure the safety of our children, and adults, we moved forward in removing them.  We thank them for the shade they offered, the oxygen they generated and know that they’ve been transformed into something that will continue to serve others.

When an event takes place annually for 54 years, there’s a reason! The Junior Olympics was a phenomenal experience.  From the early 1320 race, to the opening ceremonies, the various field events, mascot mania, afternoon finals and the relays -absolutely intoxicating.

Throughout the day I heard upper grade students sharing their “personal best” times or counts with their peers.  Parents and friends cycled through the different field locations to watch their children with pride.  The “E-A-G, L-E-S, Almond Eagles, Yes, Yes, Yes,” cheer boomed in the stands.  All of our best intentions were focused on supporting the athletic performance of our children.  And – they shined brightly!  They conquered their nerves, they persevered through the challenges, and can now celebrate in their accomplishments.

None of this would have been possible without the service of the countless volunteers who prepared our students over the past weeks, set up and tore down the event, and worked the long jump station, that Almond hosts.  I offer my heartfelt thanks for your generous spirit.

This past Tuesday, our lower grade students performed in the CSMA concert.  Our children dressed their best in beautiful dresses and handsome shirts and ties.  They sang loudly and proudly and had some impressive moves to accompany the tunes.  Amidst all of this, a moment captured my attention that reminded me of the power of experiencing and overcoming a struggle.

Two of our youngest students approached the microphone to introduce their song.  They paused together before reaching their destination and exchanged some dialogue.  It was evident that they were working through their next steps.  Our nurturing, grown-up instinct tends to be to jump in and rescue.  However, if this is frequently our first step, we rob children of the opportunity to problem solve and find their own solution.  Kaye, our CSMA music teacher, exemplified best practice in this moment.  She gave them their space and allowed them to experience that moment.  Then, she literally got down to their level (on her knees) and guided them through the introduction.

I have been reminded that when I’m tempted to just tie Alex’s shoes because it’s easier and I can to it faster, I’m going to pause and let her work through it.  When Samantha and I read at night, I’ll give her those extra seconds to sound out the word before I whisper it in her ear.  Why?  Because that means their brains are pushing through challenges and finding ways to get through them.  They’re going to need this practice to become resilient adults.

How might we support our children through small struggles to build their capacity to ultimately overcome greater challenges in life?

This past weekend I journeyed to L.A. via Southwest and got to peruse the airline’s Spirit magazine (something I used to do several days a week while in the corporate sector).  I came across an article by journalist Warren Berger, “What if you found that creative genius does not lie in knowing all the answers? Chasing Beautiful Questions.”

My initial intent as I began reading was simply to add to my collection of favorite words and phrases. Most of the books I devour are filled with my scribbles. My office features a wall with a patchwork of Post-it notes featuring beautiful thoughts I've gathered from others to which I turn when inspiration is needed. However, as I progressed through the article, my thinking kept circling back to Almond.

Berger defines a beautiful question as “one that leads to invention and profound change.”  He then shares how Van Phillips has used the “indomitable spirit of inquiry” to transform the design of prosthetics (creator of the Cheetah blade) and ultimately details how questions can progress from “Why?” to “What if?” to then finally the powerful, “How might?” 

One particular generalization prompted a great deal of reflection, "schools tend to discourage them [questions] and students get graded more for their answers than for their questions."  Those of us who have (or have worked with) children have been faced with the million and one questions.  I recall reminding myself as a parent, “Don’t squash the question.”  I would either try to answer it, which often kept leading to more questions, or when I was out of answers, would then say, “Why do you think that is?”

Let’s pause together, parents and staff, and recommit ourselves to fostering curiosity in our children.   When we pose questions and support others in doing so, we encourage divergent thinking by “stepping back from habits, assumptions and familiar thoughts.”  To ask a question, we must first make an observation of the world around us and then be “unafraid to ask naïve or fundamental questions.”  Asking is only the first step though, we must be “willing to stay with the questions as you [we] endeavor to understand and act on them.”

There are 3 new sticky notes on my wall:  “When you find your beautiful question, be prepared to own it and to live with it,”  “Follow it [my question] into unfamiliar places, grapple with it, and change it over time,”  “Answers have a way of becoming insufficient or obsolete over time.  Only the question endures.”

I look forward to pondering beautiful questions and to hearing the beautiful questions that beckon you!

At last night’s Book Wave Blast, first grader Kyle asked author Mac Barnett, “How do you get a publisher?”  Those who know Kyle, understand the seriousness of his question.  This seven year old already has a plan to publish and there is no doubt in my mind that we will all be able to read his words in formal print in the coming years.

Mac Barnett shared with the Almond students that perseverance and persistence is required to become a published author.  He delivered a humorous account about some of the responses he most certainly received upon asking for publishers to share his work with the world, “no,” “please do the children of the United States, and Canada, a favor and don’t write anymore children’s books,” “I don’t think so,” etc…  I am elated that Simon & Schuster published Battle Bunny because it’s a creative story that my children adore!  And that’s just one of his 15 published works.

What a powerful message!  Believe in yourself and have the endurance to stick with your goal until you make it happen.

Endurance – the conviction to not give up.  This virtue is one that resonates deeply with me each spring.  As I admire the buds blossoming in trees, the strength of flowers that have pushed their way through inches of tough soil to share their beauty with us, and listen to the songs of birds chirping…I am reminded that they endured a long tough winter and are celebrating this accomplishment.

We too have much to celebrate at Almond.  It is hard to believe that only 8 weeks remain in this 2013-14 school year.  When I reflect on the children that I met in August and those that I greet today, I am awed by their growth.  Not only have they literally grown taller, but their brains are stronger, and they have matured by leaps and bounds.

In the coming weeks, 4th – 6th grade students will have the opportunity to showcase their physical and mental stamina at the Junior Olympics.  I am beyond thrilled to watch our Almond athletes shine and apply their will to championing various challenges.

As we progress together through these last two months in this school year, I look forward to the many ways that we, as a community, will support our staying power.  I have no doubt that we will finish stronger than we started because this is an amazing community that expects great things.  Welcome back!!!

Notable Fine Print: 

• Lady Gaga will not be leading us in the WE Day dance at this Friday’s assembly.  Not to worry though, she will come to Almond.  We are selecting a new date because many students will be on a field trip. 
• Lost and found items will go to Good Will this Friday, so get your clothes now or say goodbye to them forever.
• Please see attached Almond policy regarding student placement for 2014-15.

It is common knowledge that human beings have 5 senses.  Almond students know this because per the CA state science content standards, kindergartners will “observe common objects by using the five senses.”  The Next Generation Science standards up the ante by taking a more sophisticated approach and outlining that at the 4th grade, students will, “use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.”

My point?

Of the 5 senses, three have the primary function of receiving information (sight, hearing, smell); while 2 have the ability to receive and express information (touch, taste [the mouth]).  Interesting.  Our inherent human design is such that we are created to take in more than we output.  I often reflect on how much I honor that principle.  How often do I listen to the needs of others?  How often do I notice the expression on another’s face?  Our ears and eyes have the incredible capacity to transform our understanding of the world and to connect us with others.  To do this, we must really LISTEN, and really SEE.  We must suspend judgment as we gather this information and let it sit inside our minds prior to processing it with all of our experiences.

One of the many reasons that LASD is an amazing place is because this district values to voices of children, staff, parents and community members.  In the last several months our district has been on a path to determine next steps in revolutionizing learning for students.  LASD has undergone a thoughtful need finding process of listening and observing.  Interviews have been conducted with these various stakeholder groups, site staff input gathering sessions were held and opportunities were arranged for community feedback.

At tomorrow’s (April 4th) Principal Coffee, I will open my ears and eyes to partake in the process of empathizing with topics that are important to you.  We will begin by watching this video together to set the stage for our listening to each other.  Dr. Brené Brown outlines the 4 qualities of empathy: perspective taking, staying out of judgment, recognizing emotion, and communicating.  Our time together will be structured in such a way that all who attend will have the opportunity to share ideas and express priorities.  There will be prompts to guide input gathering and a mechanism to ensure no one voice overtakes another (including my own J).  Should questions be presented, those will be collected and by the end of the hour I will distill which are able to be answered and which require follow up. 

Quick review.  What tomorrow is?  It IS time for us to work together as a community in unison towards the singular goal of ensuring that learning is maximized for our children by listening to parent voices around educational priorities.  What it is not? It IS NOT a time to speak about concerns about a particular child or issue that would best be addressed in a private meeting.

I look forward to seeing and hearing you there!