RM Bacon Weekly: April 11-15 (new principal, new things, new blogger!)

Bacon Bears,

Thank you for an amazing and unforgettable first week. Monday was my official first day as your new principal, and it was just the beginning of a great five days - a full week in which I saw great things happening in a great school. You all went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, and for that, I am humbled and grateful.

What a great welcome. Thank you!

I am a new person (to you) in a new environment. I have new systems to figure out, new names and faces to sort out, and new things to learn about. All of it is...new. But some of what is happening at Bacon feels familiar. I know what sincerity looks and feels like. I know what a positive environment can do to the people in it. I can tell when people really like kids...and each other. And though I am new to the school, I'm certainly not new to these concepts - and these are exactly what I see, feel, and hear at Bacon. This is a family who loves where they are and what they do. It is my honor and privilege to now be principal of this school. PLUS, I even get to take over the blog! And so, join me as I briefly reflect on my week...the first week of a new principal.

Monday

Dr. Cook showing me the ropes

Dr. Cook was gracious enough to spend most of the day with me. We talked shop for awhile - some nuts and bolts of school operations, and some heart and soul of vision and direction. I am grateful to him for giving me access to his knowledge and wisdom.

This pic was not staged. Promise!

Tuesday
In addition to spending time in classrooms and watching our awesome staff members and students do what they do, I got to enjoy my first smoothie. We here at Bacon strive for greatness AND healthiness.

Wednesday

Dr. Cook told me about this thing called "Workout Wednesday," and he advised me to dress accordingly. With some skepticism, I did, not sure what to expect. It's real. It's so real that I worked up a good sweat before the day even began. Kudos to the staff and students who show up early each Wednesday to get their cardio on! There are no pictures of me doing this, but trust me - it happened. Besides, you really don't want to see me working out.

And since I was dressed for it, I decided later to head out to the playground and teach the 5th graders a thing or two about kickball.

When I wasn't sweating in the gym or kicking home runs on the blacktop, I was spending time in the classrooms. In one room, I saw this quote, and it seemed appropriate. There is a lot to be said in preparing to do something. Preparation is important - very. But there is also something to be said for just jumping in and doing it. This is where I am in my growth - I'm learning, asking, observing, reflecting...but part of learning and growing is simply doing.

Thursday

What a day! We had a staff meeting in the morning, and I was able to briefly relay my experience so far at Bacon and share my guiding philosophies on education, what we do as a school, etc. The meeting also served as a reception (by the way, thank you!) in which I was welcomed as their new principal. I was able to speak with some staff members in a relaxed and informal setting.

In the afternoon, we played our annual floor hockey game in which the staff defended their winning streak against the students. For reasons I don't understand, I was placed in goal for the 3rd period...and I almost blew it. After giving up two quick goals, I finally settled into a rhythm. With a little luck and a lot of help from the offense, we were able to hold on (barely) and secure the win. The students played tough, but wisdom and experience won the day (even though my lack of hockey experience almost got me benched!).

Friday

The week culminated in more classroom visits where I got to spend time with the teachers and students. In the afternoon, some reps from NutriBullet were here to take vitals on the students who participated in the smoothie program. I loved seeing our school take healthy living seriously, both among students and staff alike.

And so concluded my week, the first of many. Again, thanks to everyone who helped me ease into my new home. I'm looking forward to the great things we'll do together. Next week's blog will take on the more familiar feel of highlighting school events and staff/student achievements. Thanks for allowing me to have a more personal tone this week.

It is truly great to be here.

Coach’s Corner by Mr. Hudson

This was our first week back after a long Spring Break. The students and staff jumped right into learning. On Tuesday one of our favorite spring projects kicked off. (Eggs) Bacon School was given 28 chick eggs that will hopefully all hatch on April 26^th. The students will be learning about the life cycle of a chick and watching their classroom incubators rotate the eggs for the next 21 days.

Another great accomplishment was that our school chronic absenteeism has continued to stay under 10% which is one of our school goals. As of March 24^th, Bacon school chronic absenteeism is at 8.3%. This is a testament to the parents and guardians in making sure that students are coming to Bacon School each day to continue to learn. Keep up the great work!!

The final thing that I saw this week that I wanted to share was a student who is admirable. The student below name is Ronnie Clifford. He approached me outside one morning and said, “I am scared to take my hat off.” I immediately began to talk with him about why he felt that way. His follow up was what amazed me. Ronnie informed me that one of his family members didn’t receive a haircut to his liking so they had to shave all of his hair off. From what Ronnie told me, the family member was upset and crying. What Ronnie did was truly inspirational to say the least. Ronnie asked to get all of his hair shaved off to make his family member feel at ease about his own haircut. The power of Ronnie’s decision is what amazed a lot of teachers and students this week at Bacon School. GREAT JOB RONNIE!!!!!