Last night at my school we had our annual parent meeting. Don't really know what the turn out was, but for those parents who attended the meeting, thank you for taking part in your child's learning.

Parents, you do not realize how much impact you make in the future of your children. We have them most of the day, but your partnership and reinforcement of the skills being taught at school are vital.

Last night at the close of our PTA meeting I shared with you a short message. That message basically was that we are not here as teachers and schools to give your children straight "A's". I know this probably was a shock to some, but it is the truth. We are here to take your child where they are academically and get them as far as possible in their learning.

As teachers I know there is some pressure to wanting to give kids good grades and for kids to do well in school. However, we as teachers need to be very real with you the parent and be honest and partner with you in helping your child where they are in their learning. If they have difficulties we need to be upfront and honest and not couch their grade in a "A" or a "B". If they are having difficulty we need to tell you and partner with you to work with them to improve.

Maybe that is as simple as studying more before a test. Maybe it is spending more time with your child by reading at night. Maybe it is checking the backpack to see what their daily work looks like. Maybe it is conferencing with your child's teacher to show your kids that we are working as a team to help them improve. Maybe it is that we as teachers need to tweek our instruction. Maybe it is that your child needs to step up. Maybe it is that your child is doing the best that they can at this time.

Whatever it is, we need to work as partners with you to make your child's learning experience the best it can be. So, we will get busy as a school and do the best we can and I encourage you to get busy at home.

Let me know what you think about what I said: lsmith1@baschools.org

This weekend I flew to Houston. On the airplane on the way down to Houston, I decided to buy and audio book. The name of the book I purchased was "How Full Is Your Bucket", by Tom Rath.

Using a simple metaphor of a bucket and dipper, the theory is, we all have an invisible bucket when we come into this world. We all have constant opportunities to fill each others buckets with positive praise creating happiness or negative thinking which will take away from someones bucket. Every interaction either fills or takes away from the "bucket" of those we love or work with.

Here are some practical strategies for filling buckets of those around you.

1. Prevent bucket dipping - ask yourself whether you are adding to or taking from
another bucket.

2. Shine a light on what is right - don't focus on the negative, spend time, energy
and attention of what is right.

3. Make best friends - great relationships lead to increased satisfaction.

4. Give unexpectedly - the gifts can be material, trust or respect, but given
unexpectedly increases their bucket filling power.

5. Reverse the Golden rule - "Do unto others as they would have you do unto them".

This coming week at school I am going to begin "Filling Buckets" more consciously. I am going to begin putting big drops into children, staff, parents and families.

I encourage you to maybe get this book and begin to change the lives of those you touch on a daily basis. Ask yourself...are you filling peoples buckets by positive interactions and affirmations or are you draining peoples buckets by negative vibes and comments. Think about it!


I highly recommend this book. It is a great read and useful for every day interactions with all the people in our lives.

Today was a great day at Indian Springs. Kids and parents alike showed up bright and early to get their kids off to a great start. New shoes, new haircuts, new clothes and for a lot of kiddos a new attitude.

Kids start each year with apprehension and excitement about the year. How will they fit in to their class? Will they have friends in their class? Will the teacher like them? All these questions go through their minds.

The only hitch in the get along today was lunch. We tried a new set up in the cafeteria...failure. Kindergarten like usual was crazy, but we survived.

The highlight of my day was at recess. As I walked around the playground I saw some new students to our school and they were having a hard time fitting in. This happens at all schools and is really sad, but there is a good end to the story. I asked two of my fifth grade students to go over and invite them to play in the soccer game and to just be apart of their group. The two boys ran over and invited the two boys to be apart. I was very proud!!

That is what Indian Springs and all schools she be about. Looking out for each other and helping each other through the day. It was a great day.

Check out our school photos. Also check out our website to get more information about our school. If at anytime you have questions do not hesitate to call. Remember to volunteer.