Message from the Principal

Wicked

2012-02-13T06:01:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the opportunity to attend the production of Wicked at the Bass Concert hall with almost 300 Deerpark community members. The show was fantastic, but what really impressed me was the dress and decorum of our students. They all looked beautiful, and they were mesmerized by the show. The students acted as true ladies and gentlemen, and I am so proud of them. We had a fantastic evening. :o)

The Digital Generation

2012-02-10T11:37:00.002-08:00

If a genie miraculously appeared and told me he/she would grant me three wishes, my first wish would be to be able to eat as much chocolate as I want and be a perfect size 6!
My 2nd wish would be that I would have the ability to transform schools from being replications of industrialized white-middle class schools into places of
21st century centers of learning for all kids. I would get rid of schedules and bells. I would rid this place of the notion that learning only occurs within the 4 walls of a classroom. I would create centers where students create projects and seek out the learning that they need to successfully complete that project. Every child would have a laptop with a scanner and a camera and a printer and a smart phone and the software needed to make computer games, videos, and 3D models. It is a tragedy that we can not give our children the tools they need to engage them in the learning that will need to be successful in the future. Our schools still function the way they did 50 and 60 years ago--what has really changed? Parents often ask me why I don't just change the system--if I envision it, make it happen. Well, I can go into the political reasons, but that is another blog post. The main reason is that people are afraid of change. Parents rely on schools as "babysitters;" what would happen if kids only needed to be on campus 2-3 days a week and the rest of the time, they need to be in libraries, or museums, or doing field research? What options can I give kids for discovery and community learning when we must have class order and schedules? What I can do is teach my teachers how to teach to this generation, but until society expects schools to change, they won't.
However, what would my 3rd wish be? World peace, of course! :o)

What to write?

2012-02-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in awhile because I feel that my creative muse has abandoned me. I haven't been inspried to write about anything. The weather is so abnormally warm for January-February, but I find I love the spring-like temps, so I don't want to complain. My students are taking a "mock STAAR test" today for math, but I don't want to get on my soap box about state testing. My staff has hit the February blues, but it is to be expected (much like Shocktober!) So, I guess I will simply report new items. 1) I was accepted into Texas A&M for the fall semester to begin my PhD. I am very excited, and I can not wait to share my learning and implement it at Deerpark. 2) Our band is preparing to auditon for MidWestern---which is a huge celebration if we are selected. 3) Theater and Choir are preparing for the school musical--I have no idea what it is--I really need to ask. :o) Okay, I am being boring, so I am going to publish now and pray that my muse returns soon! Have a great week!

Bad Weather Moods

2011-12-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

This morning, I took my 5 year old niece to school. It was pouring down rain, 50 degress, traffic was awful, and I was extremely stressed because I had an 8:00 parent meeting for which I knew I was going to be late. As I was waiting in the mile long line to pull into the school, I saw a crossing guard stopping traffic to allow kids to cross the street. She was in a rain poncho, had an umbrella, but her feet and slacks were soaking wet. I felt sorry for her having to be out in the bad weather, but as I watched her, I noticed that she was smiling and laughing with kids and parents. As she gave some kids "a high five" and waved at passersby, shouting "hello--how are you today," I couldn't help but think to myself that this woman loves her job. It didn't matter that it was 50 degrees outside, pouring down rain, and traffic was awful---she was happy, smiling, laughing, and treating kids as if it were a glorious sun-shining day! I thought to myself--this is the attitude that I need to convey everyday to my parents, teachers, and staff. I could be having the worst day--a child sick at home, and angry parent waiting on my doorstep, a child who was hurt on the playground, poor benchmark scores, and too many kids in the AP office, but the fact is---I love my job, and I need to show that to everyone. I need to treat every day--even the rainy, cold ones--as if it is the best day of my life. I truly believe in positive energy, and if we as a community can bring positive energy into our lives, then our school would be great places to be everyday! I wish you all the spirit of happiness, positive joy, peace and love this holiday season. Merry Christmas to everyone. :o)

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-17T12:32:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving, my family is traveling to Orlando for a family reunion. It is a non-traditional celebration of Thanksgiving for my family, but the time spent with them will be very memorable. I hope you and your family have a very blessed holiday.

Happy Veteran's Day!!!

2011-11-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

This was my blog from last year---I decided to post it again in honor of all veterans!

My dad was born in 1928, he was second to the youngest of 13 children. He was 12 years old when his older brother joined the navy and was stationed at Pearl Harbor. My dad, who grew up extremely poor and never went anywhere, once told me that he was so jealous that his brother got to "see the world and have fun hanging out in Hawaii." On December 7, my uncle was on the USS Oklahoma when Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan. (My uncle survived, but he really never talked about that day.) My dad wanted desperately to join the war, so at 16, he quit school, lied about his age, and joined the navy. Although he never saw a battle like Pearl Harbor, he proudly served our country for 6 years. He came home to a country that was proud of him, but without an education, he never found a solid career. My father-in-law, a college graduate and a father of 2 small children, was drafted at the age of 25 to serve in Vietnam. He was a canine handler, and he and his dog were trained to seek out "boobie traps" before sending troops in to an unknown territory. He saved hundreds of lives. He came home to a country that was divided by war, and he was not celebrated as the hero that he was. He missed 4 years of his young children's lives. My son joined the army because he didn't like college. He was chosen for military intelligence, and he currently seeks out terrorists' cells. I haven't seen him in a year, and I haven't heard his voice since Mother's Day. He still has another year before he finishes his commitment. My sister's husband was recently deployed to a clinic in Egypt where they send wounded soldiers from Afghanistan. He is a medic in the Army National Guard, and this is his 3rd deployment in 4 years. My 4 year old niece and my 2 year old nephew tell me every day how much they miss their daddy, and my sister has had to raise her children pretty much alone. I am proud of all these men, but their service to our country as come at personal costs to their families. Every day I can say that I don't agree with our government, or I can protest some new law. I can choose where I live, own a gun, raise my children in my religious preference, read uncensored literature, attend school, earn a living in a profession of my choice, travel, and do countless other things that I take for granted. We say that we are proud to be Americans, and we enjoy our freedom, but do we really understand what that means? Do we really appreciate all that we have in this country? Do we really acknowledge the men and women that serve in our armed forces every day to secure our way of life? So as we celebrate Veteran's Day, I challenge all of us to thank our country's heroes--the men and women who leave their families to serve our country. I challenge us to not just thank them on November 11th but to thank them every day. It is their sacrifice that keeps us from having to sacrifice our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Child's Play

2011-10-27T06:44:00.001-07:00

I was a child of the 70s and an 80s teenager. When I was a kid, Atari was new, but I wasn't allowed to have one. There were only 3 television stations---we couldn't get cable TV where I lived. Cartoons only came on Saturday morning, and music videos only played after the 10pm news on Saturday night. So, there wasn't much to do indoors growing up; consequently, I played outside most of the day. I was lucky to live in the country with friends nearby--we raced go carts, hunted for "snipe," played in an old tire swing, climbed trees, and played hide and seek in the woods. We actually played games like Capture the Flag, dodge ball, and 4 square. My friends and I were creative when it came to finding new things to do. We made up relay races where we had to wear old clothes, throw eggs into a basket, or jump through hoops. It doesn't really matter what games we played, the point is, we played. We were kids in a time that it was okay just to be a kid. We didn't care if it was silly, and we didn't know what "cool" was. I know I am being nostalgic, but I get so sad sometimes when I see our middle school students trying to be more and more grown up. I went Halloween costume shopping with my 14 year old daughter yesterday, and I was shocked at how many costumes for "tween girls" were seductive and used the words "sexy" and "vixen." I understand that change happens, but I think taking away childhood from kids is one the most egregious changes of our time. Our kids don't know how to play unless it is an organized sport, or they have an electronic device. Yesterday, we hosted our first intramural games among our Zone classes. The morning was filled with child's play: dodge ball, Capture the Flag, and Anything Goes (silly relay races.) For most of our students, they had a great time---they had the opportunity to just be kids and play. Of course, there were some that sat in the stands, with their headphones,and their Iphones and acted "too cool" to run a race, throw an egg, chase after a flag, or dodge a ball. I felt sad for those students for the world has tainted them into thinking that just being a kid is "uncool." I hope that as a society, we can return to where kids are just kids---where they can simply play. For if kids are just kids, then maybe we won't have 12-14 year olds experimenting with sex and drugs because in their mind, they are too young for that nonsense--they are simply too busy having fun with child's play.

Tackling Math

2011-09-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

I have decided to pursue my PhD. It is a goal that I set for myself when I was still working on my Bachelor's degree many years ago. I have found plenty of excuses to put off obtaining my doctorate, but I am done making excuses---it is time. I have applied to Texas A&M university. The application process was fairly easy to navigate--fill out the application, send your transcripts, write an essay, get a few references, take the GRE---wait, take the GRE????? That was the one requirement that caused a sudden rush of panic and my stomach to turn.
I remember taking the GRE for my Master's degree, but I don't remember the test. So, when I registered for the test, I downloaded the practice test and sample questions to refresh my memory. The GRE has been revised since I last took it, and the ELA section was manageable. I was an English major, and I still continue to read and write, so I thought, I can do this.
I then looked at the math. I had flashbacks to college Algebra where I sat in a classroom of 200 students and had no idea of what the professor was teaching. I panicked! I immediately found one of my 8th grade teachers (thank you Mr. Teal) to tutor me. I think he was surprised at how little I knew! The great thing about working with Mr. Teal is that he models the problem for me, then I practice it, and then he corrects me. He also gives me practice problems to work at home. After about a week, I took my first practice test. I only got 4 out of 20 problems correct! It was pretty dismal, and I finally understood how some of my students feel when they take a test! This past weekend, I bought a practice book---more explanations and more problems to solve. I promised myself that I would practice the book every day for at least one hour (most nights, it has been 2 hours.) It helps to have the practice book because once Mr. Teal explained the madness behind the math problem, I was able to refresh my memory with the explanations in the book as I practiced. So, after 3 days of studying and practicing, I took another practice test. This time I got 13/20 correct! I am seeing progress. It dawned on me that math is hard for me. I have to work at it to remember it---it isn't simple, clear, and logical the way my Algebra teacher in high school told me. Because I am challenged by math, I have to practice it everyday! I can't skip a day because then I forget some thing. This is the lesson I want our students to understand: math is challenging, but to get good at it, you have to pay attention to the teacher, take notes, practice it at home, and keep trying. I take the GRE in 2 weeks, and I know that no matter what my score is, I will be as ready as I possibly can be for the math portion. Afterall, education is a lesson in perseverance, and I will persevere through this crazy hard math test! :o)

It's autumn---SIKE!!!!

2011-09-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am an 80s teenager, so the word "Sike" was used quite a bit when I was in school. It basically means that the previous statement was incorrect! So, last week when the weather was absolutely "perfectly" gorgeous with cool autumn temps in the morning, and pleasant late summer temps in the afternoon, I thought, "wow, we are in for an early fall." Sike! It was so not true--we are right back to triple digit temps this week, and it feels like the middle of July! You are probably wondering why I am talking about the weather when this is a reflective blog about working in a middle school. Well, this weather pattern is very similar to dealing with adolescent teenagers. They are often moody and inconsistent with their behavior. One day, they are "perfect" angels, and then the next, they are wild and crazy. It is like one day, they are the most pleasant people in the world, filled with wonder and happiness, and then the next day, they "sike you out" because they are like 2 year olds on a sugar rush! It absolutely blows my mind how teens can change so drastically from one day to the next! Well, at least I can say this--it keeps things interesting around school--there is never a dull moment. I am hoping that this autumn holds more perfect weather days rather than wild crazy summer temps---it is those perfect days which make school so much fun for everyone!

Loving middle school students

2011-08-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

Since today is the first day of school, I just can't help but write about how much I love middle school students. Everyday, I am in shock and awe by them. After a very lonely summer, my students returned today to start a new school year. Most of them had brand new clothes on and big smiles. I received a lot of hugs and high fives, and I had the opportunity to "bother" some of my 8th graders today at lunch. (I couldn't bother 6th grade today--they were too nervous, but I think I will bother 7th tomorrow!) Some of them were complaining about having to sit by Zones, but once I sat and talked with them, we were laughing and having a great time. They are just so much fun and so entertaining! (By the way, they get to sit where they want next week--just in case some of them read my blog!)
Middle school students are stuck between wanting to act cool for their peers but still be silly like a child. They want to make important decisions to make them feel like an adult, but they also want structure that makes them feel safe like a kid. I truly enjoy watching them grow and develop between the ages of 11 and 14---they turn from scared and shy 6th graders into outgoing and (somewhat) cocky 8th graders. I have learned that the best way to get along with this age group is to go with the flow and enjoy them. They really are funny, and I can't wait to see what will happen next---everyday is a new adventure! So, Happy New (school) Year everyone---may all your learning this year be meaningful and bright! :o)

The kids are coming!!!!

2011-08-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for Tuesday--the first day of school. Shakespeare once wrote, "Love goes toward love as schoolboys from their books, but love from love, toward school with heavy looks." Well, I hate to argue with Master Shakespeare, but I have found that most kids really enjoy the start of a new school year. School opens new doors for them whether it be an opportunity to star in the school play, play a sport, read a new book, make a new friend or see old ones again--it is the promise of something different, something new. My niece is starting Kindergarten this year, and she is so excited, and she just beams with joy when she speaks of making new friends and learning new things. I hope that my middle school students are experiencing the same excitement and joy at the start of this new school year. I wish them all a healthy and happy school year. I hope they will all take advantage of all the opportunities that middle school offers, and they will make positive and productive choices. As for my teachers, I know you will understand my excitement when I yell, "The kids are coming!!!!!!!"

DMS is "Tech Savvy"

2011-08-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

Today, my teachers participated in the Amazing Race in to learn about all the technology applications available to students and teachers. Since today's students are considered the digital generation, my staff is working hard to find ways to engage them in their native language! We learned so many new cool and interesting things, and I can't wait to see how my staff will implement these applications into their lessons. DMS is going to be one tech savvy school! :o)

Is it autumn yet?

2011-07-24T17:15:00.001-07:00

I know the students and the teachers all enjoy summer. It is a chance for renewal, relaxation, and rest. As the end of July nears, and the temperatures continue to stay at triple digits, I can't help but wish that autumn would hurry up and arrive. I am tired of the heat, but more importantly I am tired of the quietness of the school. I can spend my summer planning for the return of my teachers, and all of their professional development needs....I can work on renewing the school with fresh paint and new wax on the floors....I can work on district committees preparing curriculum and instruction to prepare our students for the new STAAR test, and I can do countless other things that I am suppose to do in the summer, but....the reason I went into education was to inspire and motivate young adults into becoming more than what they currently think they are capable of being. I wanted to work with students to help them reach their full potential at the same time teaching them that they are all a part of something greater than themselves. So, I miss my students. I miss their laughter, their happy faces, and the hugs, high-fives, and "knuckles." I miss watching their faces light up when they get the right answer, hearing their thought processes, and watching them conduct a science experience. I miss watching them play football, playing in the band, or singing in the choir. I miss them, and I am eager for their return. So, I pose the question---is it autumn yet? I am ready for a school filled with children and some cooler weather! :o)

TAKS Testing----Again

2011-04-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 3rd round of TAKS testing for DMS. Our 6th and 7th graders are taking the TAKS math test as I write this. I know they are prepared---my teachers have done a great job of teaching them the skills they need to be successful. High stakes testing is stressful on all involved, and I know the students want to do well. So, I am sending them positive thoughts and keeping my fingers crossed that they all get commended! :o)

Parent Support

2011-04-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

A parent recently asked me what they could do to support their student in middle school. It is a question that I am asked on a daily basis. The middle years are difficult sometimes because as children turn into teenagers, their focus shifts from "wanting to please mom and dad" to "wanting to fit in and please their friends." Teens become more social and more aware of their peers and how they "fit in" the social network of school. As I ponder how parents can best support their child, then the best answer I can give is to use every opportunity as a teachable moment. It is so easy for us as parents to want our children to excel at everything, be the best, have a lot of friends, and always make the right decision. However, the reality is that there is always going to be someone better, smarter, or more popular. Kids are kids--they make mistakes. We have to teach them how to learn from those mistakes, and the first lesson is a lesson in personal responsibility. Students have to learn how to make good choices, and if we don't hold them accountable for the wrong choices, then how do we get them to see what the right choice is? It is so much easier to move past the teachable moments by blaming some other kid, blowing it off as "not that big of a deal," or simply ignoring it. Being a parent isn't easy, but we have to be parents. We can not simply sit by and allow society or the school to raise our children for us. So, my advice to parents on how best to support their child---hold your student accountable for all of their choices--good or bad. Celebrate when they make the right choice, and hold them accountable when they make the wrong choice and remember that a little bit of patience goes a long way! :o)

Blue Skies

2011-04-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

I went outside a few minutes ago to go buy lunch. I stepped out of the building, and I was engulfed in the warmth of this beautiful spring day. There is nothing more beautiful than the blue skies of Texas in spring. I just wanted to stay outside the rest of the day and enjoy the sunshine, but school beckoned me back inside. It dawned on me that the kids probably have "cabin fever" as well. They are wanting to go outside as much as I am---they are wanting to bask in the sun as much as I do. As Summer quickly approaches, the kids become more and more anxious for school to be done (I think some of the adults do as well.) It is always a challenge to navigate these last 5-6 weeks because we want the kids to be focused on the learning that will prepare them for next year, but we are all looking outside at the blue skies. I will be talking with teachers over the next few weeks about having some lessons under the trees. The more we embrace this gorgeous Texas weather and the desire to be outside, the easier it will be on everyone---if only I can figure out a way to move my office outside! :o) So, as the song goes..."blue skies are shining on me--nothing but blue skies do I see!" Enjoy your weekend and if you live in Austin, Texas--enjoy the blue skies! :o)

Happy TAKS testing

2011-04-04T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today, my 8th graders are taking the Math TAKS test. I was a little worried about them taking a test on a Monday, but this morning when I saw them, they were eager and ready. Many of them told me, "Don't worry---I've got this." I know our students are ready, and I will be excited to get back our scores in a few weeks. Tomorrow, the 8th graders take TAKS reading---and I know they will just do just as well. We have to keep the momentum going and the confidence soaring for our students as we reach for Exemplary! :o)

Spring renewal

2011-03-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have updated my blog. I have been under so much stress that my muse has abandoned me until I get the cortisol in my system under control. As a middle school principal, I am constantly amazed by how much stress one person can endure before he/she finally falls apart. Texas schools are being put to the test by our state when it comes to funding. I have been saying for years that public education is in trouble when it comes to public perception, and now it has come to fruition. For the past 6 months, I have been to countless meetings to discuss the school budget and the impact the budget deficit is going to have on our district. It has been a roller coaster---positive news one minute, and then not so positive news the next. If the budget reductions simply affected me, then I think I could handle the stress. But as an empathic person, I have carried the stress of my staff as they worry whether or not they will even have a job next year. I have heard their personal stories, seen their tears, and watch them as they struggle to comprehend how state leaders can put so little faith into the one institution that guarantees our students' future. Public education is not perfect, and it should constantly strive to continuously improve to meet the needs of its students; however, to cut funding to the one thing that guarantees hope for our youth is not only heartbreaking, it is unethical and immoral. I am saddened everytime I watch the news, and I hear our state leaders blame others for the budgetary problems of our state. True leadership is taking responsibility for all that goes wrong, and giving the glory to others when things go right. So, as my stomach aches, my weight increases, my joints hurt, and my head spins from the unbelieavble amount of stress from dealing with impending budget cuts, upcoming state accountability tests, and trying to schedule classes with less teachers and resources, I look for my muse to return to guide me in writing my blog as a way of stress reduction. With the weather turning beautiful as we move into Texas spring time, I will find the time for renewal. There is nothing more beautiful than springtime in Texas with skies of blue that mirror fields of blue with the bluebonets. I am hoping that the beauty of Texas reminds our state leaders that to preserve this beautiful state, we need to continue to invest in its future---we need to fully fund education with the schools that our children deserve.

What are they thinking?

2011-01-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

I have tried to stay away from all the discussion about budget cuts in my blog, but today, I have to write about the state of Texas and their infinite wisdom to cut public education $10 billion dollars. What are they thinking?

The Countdown is on!

2011-01-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

There are 29 school days until our first TAKS test! Yikes--the school year goes by so quickly. We spend the fall semester working on creating learners and working on culture. The spring semester, we fine tune and really prepare our students for the testing season. Our goal is to be an Exemplary campus. This is the last year for TAKS in Texas, and next year our students will take the new STARR test. So, this is it--this is our grand push to be an Exemplary campus, and we are excited, anxious, and nervous. I have all the right people in the right places, and our students are poised to do us all proud. I know we can do this, so let the countdown begin!

3 weeks

2010-11-29T14:29:00.000-08:00

There are 3 weeks and counting until Winter Break, and we are all excited to wrap up our 1st semester of this school year. The next few weeks will be busy with many holiday events: concerts, dances, and parties. Our students are working hard to prepare for their final exams, and teachers are busy finalizing grades. It is the most wonderful time of the year, and I look forward to all of the upcoming events! Stay Ranger Strong.

My Many Blessings

2010-11-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

It is Thanksgiving week, and as I prepare for the arrival of my family, my Thanksgiving meal, and Black Friday, I want to take a breath and remind myself to be grateful for the many blessings in my life. As I count the many blessings I have been given, I always include my students at DMS. They give me hope for the future, and they remind me everyday about the power of education. I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with your many blessings! :o)

Fear

2010-11-17T13:39:00.001-08:00

I have been asked many times what my greatest fear is. I usually grimace and say, "Snakes!" However, if I am to truly reflect on this question, my answer would have to be, "My greatest fear is that something would happen to my children that either compromises their quality of life or causes them to be taken from me." Yesterday, I learned that "my children" extend to my students and faculty, and it would devastate me if something terrible were to happen to any of them. As I ponder this further, I have to ask the question: is fear necessarily a bad thing? I suppose in the context of using fear to exert power over another person, it is bad, but there are circumstances where fear is a good thing. It is my fear of snakes that reminds me to wear long pants and boots when I go hiking in the woods. It is my fear that something will happen to my children that causes me to know who their friends are, to know where they are going, to know phone numbers and addresses of their acquaintances, and to make sure they wear a seat belt and check the safety of their car. It is also my fear of something happening to my students and teachers that causes me to pause and reflect on procedures that keep them safe. We often have the mentality that something terrible can't happen to me, and then we are shocked when it happens to someone we know. What happened yesterday at school reminded me that there is evil in the world, and we can not be complacent when it comes to school safety. So, I will keep that fear with me to remind me of everyone that is trusted into my care and to never take their safety for granted.

8th grade field trips

2010-11-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

8th grade field trips were amazing today--our students really made me proud by their exemplary behavior visiting St. Edward's University, University of Texas, and Southwestern University. We have remarkable young men and women at DMS, and I they give me great hope for our future!

Veteran's Day

2010-11-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

My dad was born in 1928, he was second to the youngest of 13 children. He was 12 years old when his older brother joined the navy and was stationed at Pearl Harbor. My dad, who grew up extremely poor and never went anywhere, once told me that he was so jealous that his brother got to "see the world and have fun hanging out in Hawaii." On December 7, my uncle was on the USS Oklahoma when Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan. (My uncle survived, but he really never talked about that day.) My dad wanted desperately to join the war, so at 16, he quit school, lied about his age, and joined the navy. Although he never saw a battle like Pearl Harbor, he proudly served our country for 6 years. He came home to a country that was proud of him, but without an education, he never found a solid career. My father-in-law, a college graduate and a father of 2 small children, was drafted at the age of 25 to serve in Vietnam. He was a canine handler, and he and his dog were trained to seek out "boobie traps" before sending troops in to an unknown territory. He saved hundreds of lives. He came home to a country that was divided by war, and he was not celebrated as the hero that he was. He missed 4 years of his young children's lives. My son joined the army because he didn't like college. He was chosen for military intelligence, and he currently seeks out terrorists' cells. I haven't seen him in a year, and I haven't heard his voice since Mother's Day. He still has another year before he finishes his commitment. My sister's husband was recently deployed to a clinic in Egypt where they send wounded soldiers from Afghanistan. He is a medic in the Army National Guard, and this is his 3rd deployment in 4 years. My 4 year old niece and my 2 year old nephew tell me every day how much they miss their daddy, and my sister has had to raise her children pretty much alone. I am proud of all these men, but their service to our country as come at personal costs to their families. Every day I can say that I don't agree with our government, or I can protest some new law. I can choose where I live, own a gun, raise my children in my religious preference, read uncensored literature, attend school, earn a living in a profession of my choice, travel, and do countless other things that I take for granted. We say that we are proud to be Americans, and we enjoy our freedom, but do we really understand what that means? Do we really appreciate all that we have in this country? Do we really acknowledge the men and women that serve in our armed forces every day to secure our way of life? So as we celebrate Veteran's Day, I challenge all of us to thank our country's heroes--the men and women who leave their families to serve our country. I challenge us to not just thank them on November 11th but to thank them every day. It is their sacrifice that keeps us from having to sacrifice our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Ahhh November

2010-11-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up, and it was 51 degrees outside. I am so excited to see the cold front move into our area because it reminds me that it is November. The month of October is done and is now a memory, and November brings a new energy to the school as we prepare for the upcoming holidays. This Friday is the end of the 2nd six weeks, and now we begin the shortest six weeks of the school year--it is only 5 weeks and 2 days! This six weeks will go by so quickly, and before we know it, it will be time for winter break. Our last volleyball game is this week, and Ranger football will be a memory after next week. Fall is almost complete, and soon we will be in the middle of basketball season. This time of the year goes by so quickly, so I for one will take time to enjoy this month. In fact, I can't wait to hit Starbuck's tomorrow and have my first hot chocolate of the season! Before I close, I need to give a special "shout out" to my 6th grade students for winning the spirit contest at the pep rally last Friday! The 6th graders rocked the house, and I am so proud of them for being Ranger Strong! :o)

Let's start a revolution

2010-10-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

"You say you want a revolution, well you know we all want to change the world..." (The Beatles)

There is an epidemic plaguing the public education system, and it is called standardized testing. I am all for having national standards and insuring that all students are held accountable to those high standards. I don't believe that the current accountability system is the answer to insuring that national standards are being learned by today's youth. I find it ironic that business and industry complain that today's work force is not prepared for the work environment, and schools need to be held more accountable through standardized testing when in fact, it is standardized testing that is keeping students from learning the necessary skills to be successful in today's ever-changing job market. The careers today demand competent workers that can think critically, work collaboratively in a team, solve problems through creative thinking, use deductive reasoning, and navigate and engineer technology that changes on a daily basis. How can a multiple choice test truly test any of this? The answer is--it can't. So, let's start a revolution---let's take back our schools--let's end the bureaucracy that is plaguing public education and find a new vision to help our children. Our children deserve better, but more importantly, our future success as a country in a constantly changing world demands better. Stay tuned....change is coming, and I want us be prepared to embrace it!

Trying to appreciate musical noise

2010-10-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

I have a 15 year old son, who is a very talented musician. He plays the guitar, and he is quite good. I love listening to him play, especially when he plays Stairway to Heaven. My son is a "music snob." He has very refined taste when it comes to what he believes is artistic talent. While I like music that doesn't hurt my ears, he likes music that in my opinion sounds like noise! As a teen, I was a Madonna, Journey, Michael Jackson, Cyndie Lauper and Huey Lewis and News fan. I did not like Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne, David Lee Roth, Pink Floyd, or Poison--their music hurt my ears--it was noise! (I know, I know--don't criticize.) Anyway, today as I was driving to school, I thought about my 15 year old when I was looking for a song on the radio. I decided to try his favorite radio station to see if I could listen to the noise without cringing. I really wanted to hear the music through his ears and appreciate it the way he does. Once I got past the initial heaviness of the music, I started to listen to the lyrics. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the words, and I could even relate to the difficulty of writing a song that was so complex. I also listened to the "noise." Once I got past the bass, I focused on the guitar, and I understood why my guitar-playing son thought these musicians were geniuses. When the song was finished, I tried to remember some of the words so that I could "Google" the name and the artist to impress my son with my new found knowledge. Of course, by the time I walked into the building, I forgot it all because although the music was dark, heavy, and poetic, to me, it was forgetful. It just wasn't as memorable as a song like Thriller or Beat It or Like a Virgin, or even Girls' Just Wanna Have Fun! I will tell my son about my effort to appreciate his taste in music, and I will try to be more patient with him when he climbs into the car and changes my radio station. I just wonder if he will return the favor by not rolling his eyes at me when I clean the house while dancing to Hip to be Square! (I know, I know, don't criticize! ) :o)

Spirit Week

2010-10-24T16:15:00.001-07:00

It is Spirit Week at DMS! Tomorrow is Mix-match Monday--can't wait to see what the kids and teacher look like!

Proud to be an American

2010-10-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

Tonight, DMS hosts its 2nd annual World Culture fair. We will have booths and exhibits that represent over 40 countries from which our students have ancestors. I have visited many countries in my life, and I am always surprised that other countries do not have the diverse mix of cultural backgrounds that America has. Since our country is a melting pot of many different backgrounds and ethnicities, many people will often ask what one's cultural identity is. I, for one have been asked on numerous occasions if I am Latino or Hispanic. It is unusual for someone in this country to ask if I am an American, but in countries like Japan, England, France, and Germany, the natives don't ask if I am Hispanic or Latino, they ask if I am an American. So, I often wonder why some Americans do not identify with being an American as being their culture? Is it because we are a melting pot, and we don't want to lose the rich heritage that is our ancestry? In my case, my maternal Great-Grandmother immigrated here from Tripoli, Lebanon, and my maternal Great-Grandfather immigrated here from Dublin, Ireland. I have no idea where how my father's ancestors got here because according to him "they have always lived in Texas." I (like both of my parents) am a native Texan--born and bred. I can write an entire blog on how Texans are the proudest citizens in these United States and comment on how Texans have their own unique culture, but I'll save that for another day. My point is that although we have families that hail from all over the world, we are all Americans, and we share a unique tapestry of culture that melts and blends together that makes us who we are. I am an Irish, Lebanese Texan, but more importantly, I am proud to live in this great country as an American.

Happy Monday

2010-10-18T12:04:00.001-07:00

The band and choir concert Friday night was fabulous. The highlight of the night was hearing the Honors Band play a level III UIL song (level 5 is for a high school honors band)---they did so well that I got goose bumps on my arm! I am so proud of all our students--they are so talented. The book fair is underway in the library this week. I am having to "force myself" from going in there because there are so many wonderful new books. My love for reading is so huge that my husband thinks we should take stock in Barnes and Noble! I am sure that I will purchase quite a few books from the book fair. All is fairly quiet at DMS, but I am sure that will change next week when we have Spirit Week. It is a great way to end October and to help support our feeder high school as we celebrate their Homecoming week. I hope parents will not be shocked when students dress for "Way Back Wednesday," and they want to dress in 80s fashion! When did the 80s become "way back?" I feel so old! I'll make sure we take pictures and post them on the website for all to see!

TGIF

2010-10-15T14:19:00.001-07:00

I saw wonderful things happening today in Science classrooms. Our teachers are implementing more and more technology, and students are being challenged. I am excited to see the choir and band concert tonight. We have such talented students, and I am sure this is going to be a great evening. I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Trying to fix education

2010-10-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine sent me an article today written by some reporter who believes he has the answer the "fix public education." His entire article was about how America should recruit high school and college students in the top of their class to be teachers the way Finland, Singapore, and South Korea do. He believes that we should stop trying to fix "mediocre teachers" that are in the classrooms now and actively recruit teachers that are academically smarter. (Sigh) It is always perplexing to me why people who are not in education feel the need to fix education. Teaching is the hardest job there is, and every year with every new law, every new initiative, every budget cut, every public criticism, every teacher who does something stupid, and every child that brings a weapon to school, the job only gets harder. I firmly believe that unless you walk in the shoes of a public school educator, then you do not have the right to voice an opinion on how to "fix public education." As a 17 year veteran educator I can offer numerous ideas on what needs to happen to fix public education, but to date, no one has asked me. I find it ironic that reporters, congressmen, business executives, and lawyers all feel that they know what is best when they have never been a teacher. I do not even begin to try to fix the American economy or find a solution to the growing health care problem, or even try to mandate how to stop frivolous lawsuits because I don't know the answer to any of these things. I leave these problems to the experts who spend their days eating, breathing, and living these issues. As far as filling the schools with "teachers that are academically smarter than the present mediocre ones," I find this entire premise to be inaccurate and unfair to the countless professionals that spend their life making a difference to a child and giving that child hope for the future.

Welcome to Shocktober!

2010-10-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

I first heard the word "Shocktober" when I was a new teacher. I remember that in September, I loved teaching, my students, and my school. I couldn't believe that I got paid to come to school every day and have the most amazing experience working with high school freshmen. That was September, and then the calendar changed to October. It appeared to me that overnight, my students became apathetic and talkative. My paperwork demands quadrupled. Student learning declined, and I had more meetings to attend that I could have ever thought possible. It was October, and I thought to myself: What in the heck did I get myself into? I remember talking to my mentor at the time, and I told her that I was overwhelmed, and I just didn't understand how everything that was once perfect, all of the sudden turned so bad. She smiled and told me that I had the Shocktober blues! October is the month when the "honeymoon" phase of school is over. Usually, the first six weeks is over, and students and teachers begin the real work of learning. Concepts become more difficult, days become longer from extracurricular activities, and the excitement of starting a new year has waned. So, we are in Shocktober at DMS, and it is very typical of every October that I have experienced since the beginning of my career. Our days are very busy, and the curriculum is getting harder. Students are consumed with extra curricular activities and hanging out with friends. So, as I lead this school, it is important to me that my parents and teachers understand that although there may be many tears this month (and you may want to pull your hair out,) October doesn't last forever. It truly is only 31 days long! Once Shocktober is over, the best part of the school year happens--the holiday season with Thanksgiving and Christmas/Winter breaks, and I can assure you that the holidays bring joy, peace, and camaraderie once again.

Happy Friday

2010-10-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Please forgive me in my recent absence from "blogging"---it has been very hectic the past couple of weeks. Monday is a student holiday, and I hope all of our students enjoy their 3 day weekend. The staff will be learning about technology and how to incorporate two technology applications into their classroom. We will be learning PREZI and ANIMOTO, and I am excited to see how teachers will be using both applications with their students. Have a great weekend!

EGGI week

2010-09-24T13:24:00.001-07:00

Next week we celebrate Education, Go Get It! week at Deerpark Middle School. It is the week that we "formally" promote high school and college. I will update you on all the activities next week and all the fun things happening concerning college awareness. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. RRHS plays McNeil tonight at Dragon Stadium. It should be a fabulous game, and it would be great if we could all go and support our feeder high school!

Schools to Watch

2010-09-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

I received an application today from someone in the district to apply for the Schools to Watch program. It is a program sponsored by the Middle School Association that chooses outstanding middle schools to be model schools for others to emulate. Of course, this is the vision that I have for DMS---I want Deerpark to be the best model for middle school education in the nation. I want it to be so good that schools from all across the nation come to visit, so they can model their schools after us! As I reviewed the application, I realized that although we have many outstanding systems in place, there is still so much more we need to do to be a "School to Watch." So, I made the commitment to share the guidelines with my staff and a make a plan to start introducing some of the systems that I know will make our campus the best. I am excited to start this journey with my faculty and students. I feel they are ready---no, we are ready to make our mark on public education. We will do it not only because it is good for Deerpark, but we will do it because it is what is good for kids.

DMS Rocked the House

2010-09-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

We had our first pep rally today, and the kids were fabulous! I loved seeing the varsity theater boys dressed as cheerleaders to teach the crowd "Clap Your Hands!" The entire school rocked to "We will Rock You," and the cheerleaders did a great job of teaching the students how to cheer to "Go Big Red," played by the band. Speaking of the band---wow--what an awesome performance of the Black-Eyed Peas' song "I've Got a Feeling."
We had the best class competition--I think the 8th graders could be heard at McNeil High School. It was a lot of fun, and I am so proud that our students have so much school spirit. Go Rangers!

The 21st century learner

2010-09-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

I walked through a 7th grade science classroom yesterday, and the students were learning about plant cells and micro-organisms. I sat and spoke with a group of students and inquired about their learning. What are you learning? Why are you learning it? Why is that important? I was inspired by these students as they discussed micro-organisms and their impact on the world. They discussed with me what happens when small species are killed forever and how it effects the Eco-system. They discussed the "green movement" and why it is so important to bring awareness to all people the results that destroying plant life will have on our planet. As I sat there and listened to these 12 and 13 year olds, I thought to myself, "These kids are so so much smarter than I was when I was their age." I had the same sentiment when I observed an 8th grade math class. Students were discussing the relevance of Scientific Notation and how it applies to our world. Once again--so much smarter than I was when I was their age. As an educator, I hear concerns about public education, and I often hear that students aren't as smart as their parents. I always hear how we are worried about this generation of learners. I can tell you that my experience with my middle school students has shown me that our students are smart, thoughtful, and inquisitive. They possess a different intelligence than their parents--not worse, just different. I especially see this when students are working with technology. Our students can manipulate technology better than most adults. They often show me how to make presentations better, use WIKIS, and incorporate Photoshop! As educators, we need to tap into this resource and have students learn using technology. So, this year, our teachers are researching 21 things the 21st century teacher needs to know to teach today's learners. Our action research as a school is all about technology. I will keep you posted on all the incredible things that our students and teachers are learning.

College Bound

2010-09-09T18:03:00.001-07:00

I have been helping my daughter with the daunting task of completing her college applications. Helping her with her applications has truly given me an appreciation for the difficult decision students face about growing up, deciding what college to attend, and then making the move to leave home and go to a university. It is an overwhelming task, and I can see the apprehension and the unsettling feeling my daughter experiences every time she speaks of leaving home to go to college. Of course, there are those moments when she tells me that she can't wait to move out, go far away, make her own decisions, and never come back! I just smile and say, "I know." If it is this difficult for a senior in high school, then I can only imagine how hard it is for our middle school students to focus on college. They have more important things in their heads: who should I go to the dance with...am I wearing the right clothes...will mom let me go to the mall with my friends? I speak about college every day with many students, but they get this glazed look in their eyes, and I feel like everything I say goes in one ear and out the other. Many people may ask why talk to middle school students about college at all? My response is that I want to give my students the idea that college is an expectation, not an option. I want so many doors to open for them, and I know that these doors will open more easily with a college degree. So, I won't give up talking about college with my middle school students. It is my hope that even though it may go in one ear and out the other, that some of it sticks on the way out!

3 Day weekend

2010-09-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of our community for being so supportive of DMS. I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend!

Teaching and Learning

2010-08-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Today, my staff and I started our learning walks so we can observe effective teaching practice in the classroom and learn from each other. I find these collaborative walks to be very beneficial both to the observer and the the teacher being observed. It is a great way to debrief with my staff what effective teaching and student engagement looks like in the classroom. What we observed today was amazing. There are some incredible things happening at DMS. We saw most teachers using graphic organizer so students can organize their notes. We saw higher level questioning and critical thinking skills being used in all classrooms. We saw creativity, students on task and enjoying their learning, and a plethora of hands-on activities. I was impressed with Social Studies as they incorporate writing across the curriculum! The most amazing thing that I observed today were teachers who are positive, enthusiastic, and filled with passion for learning. All the faculty members have truly worked to create a positive learning community, and it is such a joy to visit classrooms where learning is is the main thing! My teachers really are super heroes!

1 week down...

2010-08-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

We had a great start to the 2010-11 school year. I had the opportunity to visit all classrooms this week, and I saw students that are exicited to be back at school. I always love visiting a class where students are laughing and enjoying their learning because learning is suppose to be enjoyable. We have some amazing teachers at DMS, and they are all working hard to help our students find the joy in learning. I look forward to another great week at DMS.

Happy First Day of School

2010-08-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year! I remember being little and thinking it odd that we celebrated a new year after Christmas when I always thought the new year started in August! So, here we are in August, and we are celebrating a new year at Deerpark Middle School. Every new year begins with hope and excitement that all students and teachers will have a positive year. Students come to school excited to see their friends and hope that they will be accepted by their peers and that their teachers will like them. Teachers come to school with hope that they will make a difference to their students. It is my hope that we continue the excitement and positive energy that surrounds the first day. I hope that all students find that education is their vehicle to success, and teachers find ways to unlock the hearts and minds of our students. So, happy new year, everyone, and may you have a fantastic school year!

A great start

2010-08-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

It has been a great start to opening school with all the energy surrounding my staff and community. We have had a wonderful week of professional development, and my staff is eager to implement new ideas for teaching our students. Our community has really rallied behind our school by attending both Back to School Night for 7th and 8th graders and Ranger Round Up for 6th graders. We had record breaking numbers at both events. I am eager to welcome our students on Tuesday for I know we are going to have a great year! Stay Ranger Strong!

Thinking about success

2010-07-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

I am always inspired when I hear Dr. Chavez speak because although he speaks of "the state of the district," his passion for this district and for our students is evident. RRISD is such a positive and engergetic place to work, learn, and grow! I am so energized for the school year and eager to utilize everything I have learned from the retreat! I am especially anxious to see how the 21st century skills for student learners is going to play out as we launch it as our campus ABC project. Thank you Mary from GMS for the wonderful idea!

Thinking about my blog...

2009-09-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

All great leaders have good intentions. I have this grandiose idea about using my blog to talk to parents about best practice in education and raising middle school children. I often have really BIG ideas---my problem is implementing them. It isn't that I don't like the blog--I love it. The problem is finding time to think about topics, research them, and then write about them. I want my blog to be special, but I am finding that it is just another thing for me to do. I have decided to keep the blog for now--but to use it more as a conversational piece about what is going on at Deerpark. It won't be research based or contain new trends in education. It will simply be a way for me to tell you how things are going at your child's school. So, let the "blogging" begin (is that even a word?) :o)

Rangers Rock

2009-09-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

I was doing classroom observations today, and I couldn't help but notice the 7th grade boy athletes. All of the male athletes looked so handsome in their new red Deerpark "Polo's" tucked into their pants. It was so refreshing to be able to identify the boys that would be playing football tonight and wish them well on their game. Coach League and his staff have done a superb job of reinforcing to our athletes that they are students first and athletes second. We expect our athletes to be student leaders in both their behavior and their academic performance. These athletes are responsible for having their grades checked by all of their teachers every week, and I applaud these young men for maintaining their grades and committing themselves to excellence. Go Rangers!

Welcome Back to a new school year!

2009-08-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

I love the first day of school. I love seeing students that I haven't seen since May and hearing about their summer. I love meeting all of our new students, especially our new 6th graders. I love welcoming back my teachers and staff. The school is filled with excitement and energy as students come back ready to greet old friends and make new ones. As educators, it is our favorite day of the year. It is the day that we have all the hope and faith that we will make a positive difference in our students' lives. Our mission for Deerpark is to be an exemplary school. My faculty is very focused on that mission. It will take the support of our parents to insure that all of our students have a successful academic school year. As a principal, I often have parents ask what they can do to help their children succeed in school. There are so many things that parents can do from insuring proper nutrition to helping students make the right academic choices. Here are five specific things that parents can do to help support their child's education:

1) Encourage your child to read. Reading is the single most important thing that a child can do to further their academic career. Students who read on a regular basis out perform their peers on standardized testing, and they are are more prepared for college courses. Encourage your child to read every day. Students can read books, magazines, newspapers, computer news or entertainment sites. Encourage them to read for pleasure as well as for learning. Ask your child to stop frequently and engage in the text--make predictions, define words they may not understand, and look at the style of the genre. Nothing is more important to your child's education than reading.

2) Talk with your child about their learning. Engaging in a conversation with your child about what they are learning is very important. Ask your child questions about what they are learning in school. Be specific about your questions: "What are your reading in class?" "What are you learning in history?" "What experiments are you doing in science?" "What did you learn in math today?" With middle school students, you may have to pry more because they will often say, "Nothing." I can assure you that our students learn something new every day in school. If they can tell you what they are learning, then the learning becomes part of their memory, and it also shows them that you value their education. Learning also occurs outside of the school setting. Have your child assist you in preparing meals or repairing something that is broken. Ask them to help you measure ingredients or hand you the correct tool. When you watch television programs or movies, ask your child questions about what they are watching--why they think something occurred or if they liked the movie--why or why not? The more we engage our children in conversation about learning, the more we place an emphasis on the value of learning.

3) Monitor Homework. Homework is also important to your child's academic success. At DMS, our philosophy is that homework is practice--it reinforces the learning that occurred in class. When I talk with students about homework and its importance, I always use the analogy of an athlete or a musician. I ask students if they wanted to play a sport or an instrument, and if the only time they practiced that sport or their instrument was in class, then how good do they think they would be? We can not expect our students to grasp new material and difficult concepts if they don't "practice." Our students need to complete their homework so they can reflect on their learning, apply their learning, and commit their learning to their memory. Just as an athlete practices so they can perform well on game day, or a musician practices so they can perform well at a concert, our students also must practice so they can perform well in class. To help your student do better on their homework assignments, remove distractions, such as the TV or cell phones. Also, check teacher websites for updates on what homework a student may have.

4) Encourage your child to be responsible. Parents need to set the expectation for their child that education is vital for their future success. Education is the key to opening doors for our children--it gives our children hope for a bright future. Support your child's teachers and the school. Hold your child responsible for any behavior that interferes with the learning process. Hold them accountable for setting goals, doing their classwork, and performing their best. Help them understand that they need to take responsibility for their actions both at home and at school. Monitor what your child does after school and on weekends, and be aware of your child's friends and peer group.

5) Stay active in your child's learning and have high expectations. It is imperative that parents stay involved in their child's education. Parents can volunteer at the school, chaperone field trips, or join PTA. However, the most important thing to do is to understand what your child is learning, what courses they are taking, and how this will help their future. It is never too early to begin having conversations with your child about college. It is important for you to understand where your child is going so you can support them along the way. I have seen many students that have the dream of going to UT or A&M, but they didn't take the right coursework in school to be admitted. If your child's dream is MIT, Harvard, Princeton, or any ivy league school, then start researching these schools to understand admission requirements--especially high school course requirements. Help your child set a goal and then formulate a plan on how to get there. Your child is the single most important person in your life---hold them to high expectations, believe in them, and help them achieve their dream.

I hope these suggestions help. You can also learn more by visiting http://www.ed.gov/

I look forward to a great school year where our mission is: "FOCUS ON EXEMPLARY."