/SKOOLD/ to be educated . guided . prepared

Singing Voices of Inspiration and Creation... About a week ago, an elementary teacher sent me an original song that her students created. The song was inspired from our theme of Hope Spots, and the kids wrote and sang about what brings them hope. The lyrics capture the essence of hope through a child's eyes. When they feel supported, inspired, and they believe there are opportunities and possibilities, they are ignited with hope. I do not want to steal their thunder. S o I won't specifically quote their song before an opportunity to share their song with families and their school. However, as I listened to the audio file, their teacher sent, my heart just filled with joy and inspiration. Their words came from the opportunity their teacher created for them. With inspiration and support, they can accomplish so much. Kids are absolutely amazing! Reflective Voices of Critical Thinking... I also met a third-grader who attended one of the community input sessions regarding

On the eve of Friday, August 30th, Kennedy and Jefferson varsity football teams were warming up on the field at Kingston Stadium as the sun was still in the sky. The stands were filling with fans ready to cheer on and support our athletes, bands were assembling, and the smell of grilled burgers permeated the air. I stood on the north end zone of the stadium, taking it all in. Although it was an entirely familiar "Friday Night Football" Friday at Kingston, there was an added notion of excitement...almost like show jitters..a quiet undercurrent of bliss. The chain team, a dedicated group of volunteers, who have operated home games since the 1980s, were discussing the new field, the track, the bleachers--their smiles and excitement were almost sentiments of disbelief. They commented on how beautiful the field was with absolute joy in their eyes. I mentioned to them that I marched on the field with a flag in my hand in the '80s...many times with muddy shoes and wor

A little over a week ago, we held an All-Staff Kick Off Event at the Ice Arena for the 2019-20 school year. Our theme captured Cedar Rapids Community School District as a "HOPE SPOT" for our students, staff, and community. As I listened to our speakers--all employees of the school district--share their experiences of witnessing hope in our school district, I found so many new opportunities to consider what builds hope in all of us. I have spotted hope all over our district and community this past week: kindergarten students entering school for the first time and their parents making it through emotional mornings, days, and afternoons. middle schoolers hugging each other because they missed one another over the summer. a high school teacher explaining his #1 goal as closing the opportunity and equity gap for his math students through ACCESS to Algebra and a lot of instructional support. communication from staff members describing professional learning time