Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Servant Leadership

I am enjoying the break this week as we reflect on all of the things we have been blessed with and give thanks to the One who has blessed us. 

I have so much for which to be grateful. Near the top of the list is the opportunity to follow my calling and be a counselor at Christie.

Just before coming to Christie I was in an administrative role at a preschool and learned a lot there. It was my first job as the person in charge, and I was nervous about whether or not I had the ability to lead. My dad told me that if I'm a servant leader, people will follow.

Servant leadership.  Always be part of the team.  Be willing to sweat. To work.  To roll up your sleeves and help.

At the preschool, I picked up trash, cleaned up vomit, and changed diapers.  Never "too good" to do what needed to be done.

My dad has his Master's in Business Administration.  He has been the CEO of several hospitals, most recently Medical Center of Plano until his retirement several years ago.  I've seen the weight of responsibility that comes with running a large business.  I watched him cheer on the employees in the trenches while he shouldered complaints and pressure to improve stats and meet unrealistic budget expectations.  There's a lot of pressure on you when you're at the top.

But every holiday season-- either on Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve-- my dad would serve all of the night shift staff Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

One year I tagged along.  It was 11:00 PM, and he would serve them, calling them by name.  I remember the look of appreciation on their faces that the man in charge- the one they rarely saw because they worked the night shift- would take time away from his family and his sleep on a holiday to feed them, hug them, and thank them.

That's leadership. 

It's relational.

It's sacrificial.

And this Thanksgiving, I'm reminded how grateful I am to have grown up around a great leader, to have learned firsthand how hard it is to be one, and to now work for one.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Focus on RESILIENCE

This month we are talking about being resilient.

Never giving up.

(And I've had the chorus to Aaliyah's song "Try Again" stuck in my head. Does anyone else remember that song?)

.............

Several years ago I became a runner.  It started out as something I did because my then-boyfriend was a runner, and I used to be that girl that pretended to have the same interests as the guys I dated. Ridiculous.  But, somehow, running stuck.

Because I'm usually surrounded by people, I like being alone on a run.  I don't want to talk.  I turn my music on and escape.

And I like racing, knowing that my finishing time is mine.  Mine to take full credit or full blame.  I put the training time in and I can see the fruits of my labor.

In 2008, I decided to run a marathon.  A lot of my friends were less than supportive.

"You have no time to train with 2 kids."  "Why would you want to do that?" "That doesn't even sound like fun." And every time I woke up so sore I could hardly move pushed me harder to prove that I could finish a marathon.

"You can't do that" is one of the most motivating lines I've ever heard. 

I committed to the race and signed up for the Rock -N- Roll Marathon in San Antonio. 

About 6 weeks before the race, we were SHOCKED to find out that we were expecting surprise baby #3.

Now, I don't know whether you've trained for a marathon before, but the number of hours and 100+ miles of training you put in to be able to run 26 miles on race day is CRAZY.  I was invested in this race... and I am stubborn have an unwavering commitment to my plans!

So I checked with my doctor and decided to run the race, pregnant.

Here's the other part to running, non-runners:  Running (like most sports) is even more of a mental game than it is a physical game.  Mind over matter.  Your body says "Stop!", and you tell it to keep going.  You ignore every pain, every cramp, and put one foot in front of the other because eventually you WILL make it to the finish line.

Never give up.

Throwing a pregnancy into the mix destroyed my mental game.  It makes it impossible to ignore every pain and every cramp.

Not to mention that I had done my training in Plano, not in the Hill Country.  Wow! I learned quickly that "scenic, flat, and fast" is the way race promoters sell all race venues, whether it's accurate or not.

There's a point in a marathon where the half-marathoners turn and the full-marathoners run straight ahead.  I can not tell you how desperately I wanted to turn.  But I didn't want to give up.

There were times I walked, times I sat, times I wanted to cry... what have I done?...

I finished the marathon that day.  It took me 6 hrs and 24 minutes.  I finished with runners who were injured. Ha! Far from my best day.

But there's something great about coming to the end of your strength and pushing a little bit further!  I learned that day that I'm tenacious.  That I can cheer myself on, pick myself up, and keep moving.

Being resilient is incredibly important because things are not always going to go your way. Life will throw curveballs.  And you're not always going to have a team of people surrounding you to motivate you to take the next step. 

When you see your kids persevering, celebrate that!! And until they have that drive within them, foster it by cheering them on! Encourage them and remind them that nothing is out of reach.



Friday, October 9, 2015

PTA October Newsletter

The PTA Newsletter has gone digital! Click on the links below to read about all of the upcoming events and volunteering opportunities at Christie.

 Don't forget to subscribe!


  October Newsletter- English


  October Newsletter- Spanish

Monday, October 5, 2015

SHOUT OUT




Ms. Lagos' Second Grade Class has been talking about "paying it forward" with kindness!  One kind act may trigger another... and another... and another.  It's a domino effect!

I decided to build off that momentum and do a guidance lesson on the importance of kindness.  Then some of the kids in her class wrote some acts of kindness they've experienced and some they've shown.

This is the first SHOUT OUT on the board.  But my goal is to feature every class in K-2 this year.... because our youngest Christie Cubs are some of our strongest leaders!! :) 

And I'm not biased at all.... ;)


Way to go, Ms. Lagos' class!!

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Because it's tradition

I called my grandpa "PawPaw".

He was a doctor. A World War 2 vet. An open heart surgery survivor. And one of the greatest men I've ever known.

In my family, we're constantly quoting PawPaw.

"Now is when it starts to count."

"The common things are common, and the rare things are rare."

"Everybody works at our house."

"Julie, babe, I don't think you'll get a job with a degree from Texas A&M. Is that even a real school?" (He was an avid Longhorn supporter!)


One of the things I remember most is how my grandma and he would call me before school on my birthday every year and sing to me. When I turned 5. And when I turned 25. I knew I could count on the call.

My parents are carrying on the tradition.... :)

Love this! And love my sweet family!


Friday, October 2, 2015

Solving small problems

In guidance, we are talking about conflict resolution.  It is so important that kids learn that they can solve problems on their own.

Enter: A frog named Kelso.



Kelso teaches kids that they are smart enough to solve small problems by themselves.


What's the difference between a big problem and a small problem??

If you're scared, hurt, or in a dangerous situation, then you have a BIG problem.  When we have big problems, we always tell an adult.

The ball that rolled into the street is a BIG problem because it would be dangerous to get it.

But most of the problems we have everyday are small problems.

When someone takes your things without asking, that is a small problem.


How do we solve small problems??

We use Kelso's choices.



Kelso teaches us that, when we have a small problem, we can:

~ Go to another game
~ Talk it out
~Share and take turns
~Ignore it
~Walk away
~Tell them to stop
~Apologize
~Make a deal
~Wait and cool off

We talk about what each of these choices would look like, and then we watch a video of students solving conflict using Kelso's choices.


"But what if it doesn't work?"

That has been the question from most kids!

Here's the rule:  Try at least 2 of Kelso's choices.  If the problem still isn't solved, then your small problem has become a big problem.

An example--

If someone takes your pencil without asking, you can choose to say, "Please stop taking my pencil without asking."  If that person takes it again, you may choose to talk it out. "I don't like when you take my things.  It makes me feel upset."  And if it happens again, then you have a big problem, and you should tell a teacher.


How to reinforce this at home:

Parents, trust me when I tell you that Kelso's choices can be a magical thing in your home.  It doesn't really even matter if you fully understand what all of the choices mean.  

The next time one of your kids runs into the kitchen to tattle on a brother or sister, just ask, "Well, what have you done to try to solve the problem? Which Kelso's choices have you used?"  They won't be expecting that from you, I promise.  And, if they're anything like my kids, it will stop them in their tracks.

Let your kids know that you expect them to try to solve small problems on their own.  It will free you from having to constantly play the part of a referee, and it will empower them to handle conflict themselves.



Saturday, September 12, 2015

Watch DOGS

Thursday night Christie kicked off this year's Watch DOGS program.  It's an initiative to get more men involved in schools and working with children.

Strong, positive male role models are essential for children!!

In the book "Wild at Heart" by John Eldridge, he discusses the role of masculinity in a child's life.  Disclaimer: It is a Christian perspective and may not be for everyone.  But when I read the book, one of the concepts that stuck out to me is that, as a woman, I can evoke masculinity in my son.  But I can't bestow masculinity because I'm not a man. 

Before we get too derailed by the argument that women can do anything a man can do, let me say that-- as a woman who is Chief Operating Officer of my house and holds a higher degree than my husband-- I am NOT putting down women. But I firmly believe that men and women were designed to work in sync with each other to influence children.

I am not passing any kind of judgment on households without men in them!  Not. At. All. I'm simply speaking to the viewpoint that more men need to step up and see the importance of their roles in kids' lives.

I have seen firsthand the gravity of a male presence.  When I tell my 10 year old daughter that she looks pretty, she feels that she's gotten approval on her outfit from me.  When my husband says it, she feels doted on and loved.  I've worked for men and women, and whether it's right or wrong, I've witnessed the words of a man hit a child's ear differently than when women say the same thing. I can't explain it, but the difference definitely exists.

Again, I'm NOT intending to set up an "Us vs Them" argument.  I'm advocating for a "WE" mentality.  More men need to step up, and women need to encourage that! Kids need everyone pouring into their lives and encouraging them!

Dads, Uncles, Grandfathers-- You can still sign up to participate in Watch DOGS! Contact our parent liaison, Matty Rodriguez: matty.rodriguez@pisd.edu

Get involved!  Make a difference!  You'll be hooked on the rewarding feeling that you get when you give back!

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

"Get to Know Your Counselor"

What a great few weeks at Christie!! 

I've loved being in the classrooms and meeting kids the past couple of weeks!

In guidance, I've been bringing my backpack full of clues.  The kids have had to be detectives and make predictions about what my clues mean.

My first set of clues were "All About Me":



A dog, a spatula, an Amazing Jake's Fun Card, and my running shoes.

The kids figured out that I have a dog, have kids, love to bake, and (because I love to bake) run a lot.  
It turns out we have a lot in common. 
A lot of the kids have pets, play sports, love to bake or eat cookies :), and love to play games.  Imagine that! I'm making friends already! :)

Then I had clues about my job.  "What Does a Counselor Do?":


Ears, glasses, a clown nose, and a giant hand.

(Mrs. Massey took a pic of me dressed in all of my "What Does a Counselor Do?" glory.  I'm so glad. ;)  Rumor has it, she might put it on her blog.  But even if she doesn't, you should still check it out... especially if your child is one of Massey's Marvelous Minds.)

So what do these clues mean?

Ears:  I'm here to listen.  I talked with the kids about the difference between hearing and listening.  There IS a difference, ya know?!

Glasses:  I help kids see things more clearly.  Sometimes something that's bothering us can seem so big that we can't see an answer to a problem.  I'm here to help kids find a solution.

Nose:  I talked to the kids about what it means to be nosy.  Then I told them that part of my job is to ask questions, but I assured them that, if I had to be a little bit nosy, it would only be to keep them safe or help solve a problem.

Hand:  We discussed the idiom "give me a hand". I told the kids I'm here to help.  I help teachers.  I help kids. I help Mr. Steele and Ms. Kelly.  I'm here to do whatever I can to make Christie the best it can be.


Your kids were such great listeners!! They participated.  They were respectful and kind. They laughed and had fun!

I'm convinced Christie Cubs are some of the greatest kids around! 


Sunday, September 6, 2015

Focus On: INTEGRITY

The character trait Christie is focusing on this month is INTEGRITY-- Doing the right thing even when no one is watching!

You can help reinforce the importance of being a person with integrity by celebrating the moments when your child does the right thing because it's the right thing to do.

Ex:
Your son promises that he'll brush his teeth as soon as he finishes the next level of the video game he's playing.  Without reminding or prompting, he finishes the level, turns off the game, and brushes his teeth. 

Celebrate the integrity he showed!

............................

Your daughter cleans her room without your asking because she knows it's what you expect.

Woo hoo!! She is showing integrity!


...........................

The older brother defends his little sister to his friends when they tease her.

That's the right thing to do!

...........................

Homework is finished. The dog is fed. The dishes are taken to the sink. You name it... If you are not having to constantly remind, bribe, or threaten consequences to get your child to meet an expectation, then CELEBRATE! 

It's so important that our kids grow and develop into people of integrity!

Be looking for moments to affirm the good choices your child makes all on his/her own.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Public Service Announcement-- Parent Portal*


At Meet the Teacher this year, I helped (or tried to help) parents log on to Parent Portal to get their kids registered for school.  I helped them navigate the emergency release and enrollment forms.  I even answered a few questions about signing up for PASAR.

But please don't forget, parents, Parent Portal is for more than just the "beginning of school" logistics! 

You have access to your student's academic performance.  There are MAP, CogAT, and STAAR test scores. Once your child is in the third grade and above, you have access to the grade book and can monitor even more closely how well he/she is doing.  The school is not the sole keeper of all the data!

Plano does an awesome job of making it incredibly easy for you to be a part of your child's education.  There are even links with every score report, explaining what your student's scores mean. Of course, if you still have questions, we're more than willing to walk you through the data.

Log on.  Click around.  Figure it out.
Then do it again in a couple of months.
And again in the Spring.
And at the end of the year.

At Christie, we always want you to feel empowered to be a major part of the conversation when discussing your child's success.  Embracing Parent Portal for all it has to offer is a great way to start!

*This post was inspired by my forgetfulness to check on my own kids. I have to remind myself to log in every now and then too! But if you can remember, it's worth it!

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Building Relationships

What a great first week of school! Hopefully it's getting easier to get up and going in the morning.  It's still a struggle at my house, but I know we'll get in our groove soon.

This upcoming week and the next, I will begin guidance lessons in your child's classroom.  The first lesson is a "Get to Know Your Counselor" time, and I can't wait to get started!

The MOST important job I have at Christie is to build relationships... which works out perfectly because that's one of my favorite things to do. I tend to believe that meaningful relationships aren't built en masse. Maybe it's the way I'm wired.... or maybe it's because I was the stereotypical (and sometimes overlooked) middle child growing up... but I like to give and receive personal attention.  Remember my name.  Remember something about me.  Prove that you listen to me when I talk. That's the way I like to be treated, and it's how I try to treat others.

Even though I haven't been in the classrooms regularly yet, I'm already working on relationship building.  I've been walking through classes looking at faces and name tags, studying class lists, and even flipping through last year's yearbook.  I want to walk into your child's classroom next week and see at least a few familiar faces.

When I was a classroom teacher, it was very common for me to mail cards to my students, make phone calls home after the first day of school, and send emails to parents letting them know about something funny or kind that their children said or did.

But that was when I had 22 kids in my class.

Now I have over 300.

This is the biggest "class" I've ever had.  It certainly makes doing the personal things I like to do a lot more challenging.  But I don't typically back down from a challenge. ;)

Be on the lookout for a card to your child from me in your mailbox in the next couple of weeks.  Check folders periodically for a note from me.  Don't be surprised if you get an email or phone call from me, sharing something great that your child said during one of our guidance lessons.

I've been given an incredible opportunity to focus on 3 grade levels at Christie instead of all 6. I want to take advantage of that and be very intentional about building relationships.

I know I won't be perfect. I can guarantee that in June, as I reflect on my first year at Christie, I'll wish I had done more in some situations and done things differently in others. It comes with the territory. But I can also assure you that I will have given it my all this year.

There's nowhere I'd rather be, and there's nothing I'd rather be doing! :)

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Welcome (or Welcome Back), Families

Hi, Christie Families~

I am thrilled to be serving as a counselor to the lower grade levels this year at Christie!  My experience is varied-- ranging from teaching in Richardson and Frisco ISDs, a several year stint as a stay-at-home mom, and a preschool administrator. 

I. Love. School.  Always have. 

I loved being a student.  I loved teaching.  I loved serving on the PTA.  I loved leading a sweet group of preschool teachers.

I love kids, parents, and staff!  I love the excitement at the beginning of the year. 

I love the brainstorming that happens when creative, talented teachers get together. 

And let me tell you-- Christie is the most EXCITING place I've ever worked!! I am blessed to be here!!

My hope is that your children can feel that excitement from the staff and me. Christie is a GREAT place to be! :)  I want your kids to learn to believe in the seemingly impossible... because NOTHING is out of reach for them!  I want them to KNOW that they are safe and loved here and that we couldn't be the school that we are without them!

My hope is that you as parents will be filled with confidence in the staff and me.  I want you to KNOW that a smart, caring group of educators is committed to your children's success and to believe that you are a VITAL part of the team.  With your help and support, your children will know that their potential is limitless!

I am SUPER EXCITED to get this year started! :) I can't wait to meet your kids!!

PLEASE call or email anytime with questions or concerns that you may have.

I'm here to help!! Together we'll make this an awesome year!