What a fantastic morning in Houston! The sky is clear and brilliant with sunshine.
I started out with a cup of coffee and Diane Hodge’s session, “Season it with Fun.” Great ideas were shared. One of my favorites was to gather staff at the opening of a school year for a “Happy New Year” bash at lunch time. Complete with banners, noisemakers, and balloons, when the clock hits 12 p.m., engage your staff in a celebration to kick off the new year in a fun-filled manner. Diane has a variety of books available; the one I’m purchasing is Quote This!
I met fellow principal, Jacquie Havrilla, in the hallway after my session concluded. She had attended Betty Hollas’ presentation on differentiating instruction. Jacquie was beaming with enthusiasm as she told me about the valuable materials she collected. Betty has a book out called The Differentiated Instruction Coach’s Guide, which sounds like something I’ll be ordering soon. (A great tip to get more out of the convention is to find a friend, then divide and conquer. Go to different sessions and compare notes afterward.)
The first general session was amazing! Entering the ballroom, attendees were greeted by the beautiful talents of the Pasadena Independent School Distirct’s Festival Choir and Dance Group. Wow, what an impressive group of youths! Their voices blanketed a mood of happiness in the room and provided a perfect transition into the keynote speaker, Chris Gardner.
From the moment that Chris Gardner began to speak, I was completely captivated. He is a master storyteller with strong and vital messages. His inspirational offering to the audience had multiple layers of meaning. Here are just three points that touched my heart:
- Persevere and hold strong to what you believe in, especially yourself. Keep your eye on the prize. What you want is there—make it happen.
- Being the best father in life sometimes means you have to be the best Mama, too.
- Find the courage to break a cycle of negative elements for future generations. Whatever might do harm, make every effort not to pass this trait on to those you influence.
This afternoon I’m looking forward to sharing a good meal with fellow principals at the “Big Ten” Consortium Luncheon, catching up with colleagues at the Mentor Coaches Meeting and at the Mentor Reunion Reception, as well as chatting with vendors in the exhibit hall.
I have my eyes on this beautiful weather, too. A walk outside is definitely on my “to do” list! I’ll be sure to let you all know what I find during my travels!
—Missie
#naesp2010
