Elementary Principal Blog

Education in America

2010-09-27T10:09:00.004-05:00

Waiting for Superman is a new movie that has been released. The primary goal of the movie is to ensure that every child receives a great education.

The campaign seeks to build public awareness, ignite personal involvement and inspire real social change.

The campaign's four core initiatives are:

Setting academic standards that are on par with the world's best
Recruiting and rewarding great teachers
Creating and nurturing excellent schools, and
Increasing literacy rates

All these ideas are what we at Indian Springs strive for everyday. Do we always hit the mark, no! But I would say that all my teachers have this at the forefront of their minds each and every day.

I am working on some ideas to help are school focus on all of these ideas. Email me at lsmith1@baschools.org and let me know of ideas that you have that would help our school become the best.

Here is a link to the trailer for the movie, "Waiting for Superman"

Igniting a Passion for Reading

2010-09-15T11:39:00.005-05:00

I just received in the mail a great book entitled, Igniting a Passion For Reading, by Steven L Layne. In his book is an awesome, but sad statistic, that in the year 2002 a survey was taken of Americans age 18 to 24. The question was asked, How many of your read for pleasure? 52% of those surveyed say they did not read for pleasure that entire year. How sad!

It is our goal at Indian Springs to teach your kids the skills to read, but also it is our challenge and your challenge as a parent to give your kids the desire to want to read for fun and enjoyment.

Here is a question I have for you if you are reading this blog. How many of you are currently reading a book for pleasure? I hope it is 100%. I wonder what the number would be for all the parents at IS? I may put this question to the test on our next Weekly Update!

Keep Reading!!!!

Read! Read! Read!

2010-08-29T07:01:00.004-05:00

As a society there are more and more people who struggle with reading. Some struggle with the mechanics of reading and some struggle with the will to read. I happened upon a book on facebook this morning, and the title caught my eye. The title of the book is, "Igniting a Passion for Reading" by Steven Layne.

His premise in what I can gather at the beginning of the book is that we have to do all we can as educators and parents to get our students to learn the mechanics of reading and then work on their will to read.

Here is a quote from the book in the first chapter that kinda paints a very vivid picture of what it is like if a child or a n adult does not have these two ingredients. "In today's society, adults and children whose reading abilities are deficient are treading water in a pool with NO shallow end.

WOW!! A pool with no shallow end. I am a very good swimmer and I can tread water a pretty long time, but I know lots of people who either can't swim or who aren't very good swimmers.

My challenge to you is to work together to make sure that the students I am entrusted with have the mechanics of reading, the love of reading, the will to read, and books to read.

No child should leave school not having these basic skills.

Parent Meetings Over!!

2010-08-25T20:21:00.003-05:00

The 2010-2011 Parent Meetings are history. I would say our turnout wasn't as high as I would have liked, but the parents who showed up I appreciate your interest in your child's education.

How many can remember back to the day when you went to school? Was your parent involved in your learning? I hope so! How many of you remember your report cards?

Report cards are meant to measure how well you have done on specific objectives. I have met many parents at my school and I bet your report cards were very good.

What if parents received a report card for how good they parented? I don't think I would want a report card like that. Guess what? I have been shown a parent report card. I will put it on this weeks Weekly Update. Take a look at it and tell me what you think and what kind of grade you received.

Another Year Begins!

2010-08-15T18:00:00.005-05:00

School has started and relatively speaking it has gone pretty smooth. The kindergarten kids are still having a little trouble remembering where their classes are but we haven't lost one yet.

One change this year is in the cafeteria. Students will wash their hands, get their food and then check out through the cashier. Each students K-5 needs to memorize their 6 digit student number. The first full class that memorizes their numbers wins a special treat. Many students in the upper grades are well on their way to memorizing their numbers.

PTA has very cool yellow shirts for sale. I encourage you to get one for your kiddos before they run out. Also, we need lots of volunteers this year throughout the school day. With budget shortfalls across the state class sizes have increased.

District leaders are monitoring our numbers at school. The class with the biggest numbers is 2nd grade. If we do get an additional teacher this will mean that the 3 classes will be divided into 4.

This will be tough as students and parents have bonded with their child's teacher. I wanted everyone to know that I pick the new class by reading level and by random draw. It's tough if your child is the one chose to change classes but it is fair.

I look forward to working with you and your child. Stay involved and engaged!

Mr. Smith

Time Flies!!!

2010-05-30T18:22:00.004-05:00

Fast! Fast! Fast! That is what I can say about this school year. It seems like it was just yesterday that school started.

I've talked with several people and have asked them if the older you get the faster time flies. They all say yes. I wonder why that is?

I am 50 soon to be 51 and life is going by super fast...I wonder if it is going by the same speed as when I was younger I just didn't see the importance of time. I remember judging time not by January 1, but when Santa Claus would come to town..I lived for that day each year.

Give me your thoughts on if you think time goes by faster or slower and why you think that is.

Have a great Memorial Day!

The End!

2010-05-11T14:39:00.003-05:00

I am fast approaching the end of my 27th year in education....that's right I am old! Each year about this time things at school begin to get a little bit crazy. Whether it is a luncheon, get together, party, retirement, awards assembly, field day, Super Kids Day, Mother's Day Tea, you name it and it's happening whether you like it or not!

Why is it that only in education things wind up and wind down each year. In the corporate world I'm sure it happens but not like school. I know what your saying, kids need to have time off in the summer to help harvest the crops...I forgot..

Why do kids need such a long summer vacation? Maybe if we just took say 3 weeks off 4 times a year our students academic momentum would not be disrupted so much. I know for me when I come back after 5 weeks off in the summer it is like learning all over again. Just imagine what this does to kids. It just has to have a negative effect.

How bout we start school in September after Labor Day, have 3 weeks off during Christmas, 3 weeks off at Spring Break and 3 weeks off in the summer? All in favor say I, all opposed same sign!

In closing, have a great summer and I look forward to seeing your kiddos back in August and hopefully all the stuff they have learned will not ooze out of their heads! Ear plugs are $2.00 at Wal Mart!

Running

2010-04-27T11:38:00.007-05:00

Over the past year I have been running to improve my physical fitness. I was inspired by a college girl reading a book entitle, "Marathon Running for Non-Runners". Sounded interesting. So the next day I started my journey.

I ran one mile the next day without stopping...I about died. I got up the next day and ran again. That one mile became much easier. I slowly increased my distance and began training on the weekends with the Runners World group in Tulsa.

This past weekend I ran in the OKC Memorial 1/2 Marathon (13.1 Miles). Sound impossible for a 50 year old guy? A year ago it would have been but I made it and ran it in 2 Hours and 16 minutes. I never stopped running!

There were over 20,000 people running in the half and full marathon in all shapes and sizes and all ages. I have come to the realization that for most of us long distance running is more a mind thing than a body thing!

So why am I sharing this with you? I'm sharing this because a lot of us, parents and kids get it in our minds that we can't do something. Whether it is due to something someone said to you or something you feel. People get it in there heads that they cannot do X, Y, and Z! You can do all of them.

What you say to your kids or your students matters very much...the big things you say and the little things you say! They all make a difference, postitively or negatively!

So if you are interested in starting to run or watching what comes out of your mouth let me know! On second thought don't let me know about the mouth thing, because I to struggle with this. Sometimes keeping our mouths shut is the most positive thing we can say!

Step--Kick--Glance

2010-04-13T20:57:00.004-05:00

Today was a very eye opening day for the 4th and 5th graders at my school. While in the cafeteria I saw a juice box on the floor about 3 feet from where kids pick up their food at the window. I watched for almost 10 minutes as kid after kid passed by the juice box on the floor. Some students glanced at the juice box and some even stepped over it.

After awhile I said to myself, "I wonder if anyone will pick this juice box up". Well no one did!

I then got the attention of the 4th graders and told them about the box and if someone would have picked it up I would have given that person some candy. They were shocked..I talked to them about how they needed to take pride in their school.

So I decided to do this with the 5th graders. This time I upped the ante. I taped a $1.00 bill to the underside of the juice box and waited for the 5th graders to arrive. Ten minutes passed and guess what? The 5th graders did the same thing as the 4th graders. They kicked the box, stepped over the box and glanced at the box, but none picked up the box.

I then got the attention of the 5th graders and told them about the box and told them if anyone would have picked it up...then I showed them the dollar. They were shocked..I talked to them about how they needed to take pride in their school.

What does this little part of school tell me? Kids are kids and they are just like adults. Busy, busy, busy and focused on other things so much so that they overlook the small things in life. Sometimes we step over life, kick life, glance at life but never take the time to slow down and take care of life.

If we would slow down I think life would be a little better and our cafeteria might be a little cleaner!!!

Let me know what you think!

What Were We Thinking?

2010-04-08T06:22:00.008-05:00

In my years as a educator I have seen many changes in teaching, administration, kids, and parents. Some changes are for the better and some changes for the worse.

The other day I was in a classroom for inside recess. I was watching a group of boys playing with some toys. One boy had a little play sword, one you would get probably in a happy meal at McDonald's. He was having a great time pretending he was a pirate and taking a stand against the bad guys.

This little interaction got me thinking...boys and their toys. In our world today we have lots of crazy people..who do some pretty crazy things. Some of these people are very violent and do things with guns and knives that is pretty scary.

Here is where it got me thinking....kids and playing with guns..play guns..do these toys really cause our children to be psycho and violent? I don't think so.

I remember when I was a kid and I strapped on my holster and six shooter or I got my plastic machine gun and around the neighborhood I went with my friends and played and played and played for hours. Enjoying each other and taking care of the bad guy.

Today we freak in our world when kids make a gun shape with their fingers and think we need to send them for therapy. To coin a phrase from my daughter..WHATEVER!

Kids are kids...play is play, guns are guns and pow is pow. This type of play by children does not necessarily cause them to grow up and be violent adults. It just doesn't. I think we need to lighten up and enjoy life and let kids be kids.

Okay, I got that off my chest....I think I'll round up some of my friends and go play paintball or lasertag..Oh that may cause me to be violent..WHATEVER!

Multi-Tasking Not!!

2010-03-24T21:21:00.004-05:00

Being kind of a guy who likes technology, I have heard the words multi-tasking a lot. After hearing it I have some doubts about it being something that is positive.

Have you seen the commercial where athletes are bouncing a tennis ball with one hand and doing some scientific experiment with the other? I watch it and think how do they do that. It kinda reminds me of when I was a little kid and you tried to rub your stomach and pat your head....possible, but you really had to focus.

I think that is the way with multi-tasking. I'm doing it as I type this blog. I'm watching the NIT and typing this blog. I'm doing to things but one of them suffers. While I'm focused on typing I am not really focused on the game. I have to look up and stop typing and really focus on the game to experience what is going on.

Have you ever had your kids after you have asked them a question and they say those words that most parents do not want to hear......huh? I've heard them. Your child is focused on something...and guess what...it isn't you.

Multi-tasking is possible, what ever the two tasks are...one of them is not getting your best. This happens all throughout the day at all schools in BA...Kids are constantly bombarded by demands by teachers and administrators to multi-task. I'm not sure this environment we put kids into is the best for them. We need to slow down and really allow our kids to focus.

Hard Work Does Pay Off

2010-03-13T20:13:00.002-06:00

How many have heard this statement? I have heard it many times and I will be honest with you I believe it but sometimes it just doesn't seem to come into reality.

This Saturday...I experienced hard work paying off. I ran in the St. Patrick's Day 5K and my goal was to beat my time of 29:14. Now for a 50 year old guy I am a realist and I know that the possibility of ever winning a 5K is probably out of the question but possibly beating this time was a possibility. Guess what? I beat the time. I ran a 27:53. I never thought I would shave that much time off of my personal best.

This past week I also experienced where hard work pays off. The students at my school took the most recent benchmark tests and they did soooooo well. The teachers, students, and parents worked so hard in preparing their students for these tests.

School is a difficult place where most students have at least one subject that is a struggle for them. This is why in order for them to succeed we must as teachers and parents take a proactive approach to their learning. Read to them constantly. Have books all throughout your house. You as a parent read or start reading to model to your child. Check your child's backpack.

All these things will help your child do better in school and it will encourage them to work hard and remember, "Hard Work, Pays Off"

Turn off the TV and Read!!!

2010-02-08T11:30:00.005-06:00

This past weekend I attended a reading workshop in Oklahoma City. It was awesome. I attended a workshop put on by Gary Johnston a retired teacher from Colorado. He shared with us some important research on kids and the amount of reading they do at home. Here is an excerpt of his presentation:

Elementary school teachers are always telling parents it’s important for children to read outside of school. If telling parents about the importance of reading at home is
considered the intervention, what’s the response to that intervention?

About a third of the children in elementary school do almost all of the reading done outside of school, and the other two thirds never open a book. Eight to ten-year-olds average less than four minutes a day of reading at home, and when they read, they’re reading TV Guide (not the magazine…the channel) more than any other piece of literature.

That makes sense because those same kids average over four hours per day of screen time, and as they channel surf they pause on the TV Guide channel occasionally to “read” what’s on for their viewing pleasure.

For out of school activities screen time comes in second only to time spent sleeping for the average American kid between the ages of eight to eighteen. The bottom line is telling a parent that kids should read at home doesn’t work.

So here is something for you to try if your kids fight you to read...when it comes to bed time..ask your child if they want to go to bed or they can stay up and eat popcorn and read with you the parent. I bet they will choose staying up to read. If they decide to go to bed let them. The next night up the ante. Tell them they can go to bed or ask them if they want to eat a snack while you read with them. Let me know how this works.

Also, another tip: As you read...stop when the book you are reading is starting to get good...this way the next night they will want to find out the conclusion of the story.

2010-01-20T11:48:00.003-06:00

Nurtureshock: New Thinking About Children, which takes a hard look at the conventional wisdom about children, sets it against the latest science, and concludes that many norms about childrearing are likely to cause more harm than good.

•Praising kids undermines their confidence. Tell a child that she brilliant without qualification and she’ll likely tuck away the point that you don’t think much of her and are subtly telling her that she’s not even, on pace, or above average. How does this bit of mental gymnastics operate? No one is quite sure, but the point is this: “Giving kids the label of ‘smart’ does not prevent them from underperforming. It might actually be causing it.”

•If you don’t force kids to exercise, many of them will turn into little Augustus Gloops. It’s not strictly television’s fault, for if you turn off the tube but don’t march the little darlings outside for a healthy dose of physicality, they’ll trade TV for some other form of sedentary behavior—video games, Internet surfing, even reading. Kids don’t need to sit around more, it appears, but they need to sleep more, and the lack of sleep—one consequence of the overscheduling and overplanning of Buddy and Sis’s little lives—is causing bodies to fail and insulin levels to skyrocket.

•“Children learn to lie much earlier than we presumed.” Four-year-olds are already quite good at confabulating, “while a six-year-old will lie about once every hour.” Throw sibling rivalry into the mix, and the lies become even worse. So, too, does the fighting, which can make Lord of the Flies look like a fairy tale.

•Educational TV and Conflict A strong relationship exists between the amount of educational TV a preschooler watches and how mean they are to their playmates. Turns out those “safe” kids’ shows spend a lot of time showing the build-up of conflict or disagreement between characters, and comparatively little on the resolution.

And — and this is priceless — many are aimed at kids who are too little to relate the start of the show, when characters are mean to each other, to the end, when they kiss and make up. So mostly they just come away better schooled in relational cruelty. Or, as Bronson and Merryman found that Arthur is more dangerous for children than Power Rangers.”.

Bags Under the Eyes

2010-01-12T12:22:00.003-06:00

I am in the middle of a book entitled, Nurture Shock by Po Bryson and Ashley Merryman . In this book there is a chapter on the implications of losing as little as one hour of sleep a night. Let me know what you think about this topic. Very Interesting!

The Problem

Children today are averaging an hour less sleep a night than children 30 years ago.

The Effect

Sleep studies performed on children are revealing that a single lost hour of sleep a night can:

 reduce academic performance
 effect students weight
 lead to permanent changes in brain structure that cannot be reversed even with “catch-up” sleep.

1. The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Academic Performance

A sleep deprivation study on a group of elementary students revealed that sixth graders, missing one hour of sleep a night, performed in class at the level of a fourth grader. Effectively, losing one hour of sleep a night can reduce a child’s cognitive maturation and development by as much as two years. Additionally, delaying a child’s bedtime by one hour over the weekend can lead to a seven point reduction in IQ scores. Even 15 minutes of sleep can mean the difference between an average grade A student and an average grade B student.

The brain cells are unable to form the connections required to record memory due to sleep deprivation. Therefore, children suffering from sleep deprivation are not able to retain information learned in class. Sleep is vital for the synthesis and storage of memories. During sleep, the brain moves information learned during the day into more efficient storage areas within the brain. The more a child learns during the day, the more sleep is required to consolidate the memories associated with the information learned.

2. The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Weight

Sleep studies have revealed that children who sleep less are, on average, fatter than children who receive adequate sleep. Children who received “less than eight hours of sleep have about a 300 percent higher rate of obesity than those who get a full ten hours of sleep.” The two-hour window revealed a “dose-response” relationship between sleep and obesity.

How does sleep deprivation affect weight gain?

Lack of sleep has been shown to increase the hormone that signals hunger and reduce the hormone that suppresses appetite.
Lack of sleep increases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol which stimulates the body to make fat.
Sleep deprivation disrupts the normal release of human growth hormone which is essential for breaking down fat.
So there you have it – even losing as little as an hour of sleep a night has an enormous impact on anyone under the age of 21.

While we’re on the topic of sleep, it should also be noted that studies performed on adults who were averaging about 6 hours of sleep a night functioned similarly to individuals who had not slept in 24 hours. It’s not just the children that suffer from a lack of sleep; however, it is the children that have the most to lose from that missing hour.

Selfish...Selfish....Selfish

2010-01-07T14:17:00.002-06:00

This past week at school I was talking with some students about a problem probably every elementary school principal and teacher deals with every day. What is it you ask?...Cutting in Line.

If I hear a kid say..."he cut me" once I hear it at least 5 times a day. The problem isn't kids cutting in line...the problem is kids are selfish. They want to be first...Me, Me, Me!

I don't think this is just a kid problem, I think it is a society problem. We want to be first..at everything and when we are not first we pout, we cheat, we push, and we shove to be first. Just ask football coaches in the Tulsa area the desire to be first and the best.

What can be done about it? First we need to confront the problem not as a cutting in line problem but we need to focus on the selfishness problem. In schools I think we need to discipline the kids who are cutting in line or who are always doing selfish things, but we also need to role play with those who are constantly having problems with selfishness.

Selfishness in the beginning is not that big of problem, but if it continues it can become a big problem. People both young and old do not like selfish people. Those reading this blog can think of people who are selfish. You can even shout out their names. I bet you don't like to be around these type of people. I know I don't. Selfishness is something that isn't attractive. It is ugly!

So what to do...if your a parent role play with your kids to show them how being selfish effects those around them. Be careful how you do this...don't crush your kids...be gentle.

At school here is something I do when it is time to line up at recess. I blow the whistle and the kids line up...the selfish kids sometimes miss recess and just sit at the front of the line in order to be first...or they drop their ball or rope and make a mad dash to the front of the line in order to be first, causing other kids or adults to pick up the playground equipment.

So the kids are lined up and I go to the back of the line and they become the front of the line. It really ticks off the selfish kids. They get so mad that they are not first.. Kinda fits with something I heard from Church I think:

Matthew 20:16"So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

Role play with your kids today if they have this problem. If they have brothers and sisters I am sure you have dealt with this.

Work! Work! Work

2010-01-05T08:17:00.000-06:00

I read a quote recently from a book I am reading entitled, Shut Up, Quit Whining and Get a Life", by Larry Winget. Here is the quote: "When you work, work! When you play, play! Don't mix the two."

I found this quote interesting, because I know some of you are thinking, man I know that guy is at work but he sure does have fun. And you know what? I do like to have fun at work, but at work, work is work..I just like to make it fun!

Kids in our classrooms are basically at work throughout the day and the teachers at times like to make learning fun through games and activities. This is what makes some things click with kids. The problem comes when kids don't work even when things are fun or relatively easy. They cannot stay focused on the lessons at hand. I think this is what Larry Winget is talking about when he says separate the two.

Often times we see this in education in the early grades like Pre-K and Kindergarten. Kids who have had no social interaction with other children before coming to school tend to have a tough time switching gears between the work mode and the play mode. Usually within a few weeks we can redirect kids for the most part into the work mode, but the problem comes when this doesn't occur. Not much learning occurs when kids continue to stay in the play mode. Kids in 1st-5th grade continue to struggle with this switch in the school setting.

So what is the answer? Consistency from home and consistency at school. If teachers and parents get on the same team this will pay big dividends in this area. Within this partnership comes a lot of give and take on both parents and teachers part.

So have fun at school and work hard and there will be plenty of time for play!

Have a great week!

Power of Small

2009-12-15T06:29:00.000-06:00

It has been quite awhile since I have last blogged, and it is because I have had a lot going on in my life. I have started climbing up the hill again from the valley.

During this time I have been reading alot and have come upon some great books that have gotten me through. One of these books is entitled, "The Power Of Small", by Linda Kaplan Thayer and Robin Koval. This is a great book. In this book it talks about how in our lives the small things that we do can make a big difference.

Each and every year that I have been in education the schools I have been connected with as a Principal have had a senior night at the end of the year. This is a time when graduating seniors come back to their elementary school and share about old times and discuss what they plan to do in their future.

During the night we ask the seniors to share a little bit about what they remember about elementary school and to share this with their teachers and classmates. Believe it or not,in the entire time I have been a part of these events, not one student has said the thing that they remember the most is tests and an assignment. They remember the small stuff like, recess, notes passed in class, kids that made fun of them, teacher quirks, announcements, computer games that were played, fifth grade day, and the fifth grade musicals.

These are the things that stick in the lives of kids throughout school. They are the relationships and the time spent in school not really doing school or is it. Maybe that is what school should be about, doing the things we have to do, but focusing on the things that really matter in the long run..the small stuff.

If you are a parent or a teacher or just someone reading this blog remember the next time you are all rapped up in something with your class or family...it isn't the big event that you are focused on right now that really matters, it is the SMALL STUFF!!

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Thank a Veteran!!!

2009-11-14T09:54:00.000-06:00

This past week at school we focused our attention on the Veterans who have served our country. At the beginning of the week we had 5 veterans who serve as an Honor Guard come and speak to our 3,4,and 5th grade students about what it means to be a veteran and some stories of their time serving our country.

On Wednesday all of our 3,4, and 5th grade students went to the Veterans Day parade in Tulsa. Over 200 students were able to see many men and women in our community march through the streets of Tulsa. Amazing Day!! Check out these pics of the Veterans Day Parade on our school website. www.baschools.org

On Friday we had our Veterans Day Assembly. All grade levels participated in this event. From singing to readings and to essay winners, the entire event was awesome.

We had the pleasure to have Mr. Jack Ramsey Korean War Veteran. He spoke about what it means to be a veteran. He shared about his relationships with the men and women he served with and how special they were. During our assembly our 5th grade presented the story of the Code Talkers. During the presentation Mr. Ramsey wept through the whole presentation...Very Moving!!

Also during the assembly we recognized all of the veterans that were in our audience. Many of our students have famiy members who have served our great country..Thank you for your service!!

Don't take your FREEDOM lightly. Our FREEDOM is a result of a giving spirit from many men and women in our country. Thank a veteran today, they are living among us.

Lastly, if you are a resident of Broken Arrow a big day in our school history is coming up on December 8th. It is our schools multi-year bond issue. Get out and Vote on December 8th!!

Truth Hurts

2009-10-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

I was watching a news show this morning and I saw something that was very interesting. The panel was made up of both political parties. There were 2 of one party and there was 1 of the other party.

The discussion on this news panel centered around the current national news of the day. Each side made their point and then the fur started to fly. The member of the panel that was flying solo was feeling ganged up on...hmmmm....maybe so. This member immediately became a fast talker. This is a tactic used by those who aren't operating with the truth. This person then made the statement that she was feeling ganged up on by the other two panel members.

The reason I find this interesting is because I see this on a regular basis in my office. The panel in my office is not mature adults, my panels are usually Kindergarten students or First Graders. I make it a practice to talk with kids when there are behavior problems one on one first. I talk with all parties involved and then I bring them together. Usually the stories do not match...Really??

At this point in the panel discussion I kinda have an idea who is telling the truth and who is not...Guess what happens to the one who is lying...did I say lying...I meant fibbing, white lie, they didn't have all the information, they didn't remember, it was an accident...Are you laughing yet? It happens all the time.

What happens is the child begins to fast talk..so much so that I have to step in and stop them. They want to rule the conversation so that the TRUTH cannot be heard. When you stand on the TRUTH whatever it might be keep standing. When you tell the truth the excuses are fewer and you don't have to fast talk or make up other stories.

Funny how this is the same for adults and children who are liars. Did I say liars..yes...adults and children lie...Really?

Teach Me Please

2009-10-06T21:14:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I am on facebook and I have the pleasure of having a bunch of friends. One of those friends is a student in BA schools. Here is what she wrote, " some teachers need to learn to teach. including my MATH teacher. it doesn't help that I already suck at math".

It made my heart sink. How many kids do we have that enter our classrooms every day that really suck, excuse my French at what we are trying to teach them? LOTS!!!!!

If school was easy we wouldn't need it!! But school is hard for many students. I hope I challenge my teachers every day to look at their class and see which kids really struggle. And take those kiddos and bust there tails working at getting them to suck less....I don't want them to view kids who struggle as failures..I want them to view them as challenges that can be overcome.

We need the help of everyone..Parents, Teachers, Students, School Board, Volunteers, and Family members.

So my message to kids out there who struggle and don't get whatever it is that the teacher is teaching, to reach out and ask for help til they get it. We owe it to the kids in our district!!

Prayer in Schools!!!

2009-09-13T20:22:00.000-05:00

Recently on Facebook I took a survey asking if I wanted prayer in schools. I answered No! Surprisingly all the comments I received were positive.

I can remember back when I attended Kerr Elementary, a Tulsa Public School we prayed every day in Speech class. It was the Lord's Prayer. I don't remember always closing my eyes though..I know, I know...

I don't think reciting the Lord's prayer was a big deal back in the 60's, however, I think it would be now. Not to the majority of people, but to the minority. Believe it or not there are students at our school who do not attend Church or attend a Church that uses the traditional Lord's Prayer. At my school I know for a fact that we have students and parents who are Muslim, Agnostics, and Atheist's. Shocked...I'm not, it is a public school. We serve the needs of the public.

I would even venture to say at many religious schools, they to have the same make up of students who may not believe like the majority of kids believe in the school.

On my facebook survey I made the comment that: Whose prayer would we use if we had prayer in schools? Would we have a Muslim prayer, Christian Prayer, a chant, a Buddhist Prayer? Or would we demand a Judeo Christian Prayer?

In my school I think we have what I feel is the best for all involved. Each and every day we take a few moments at the beginning of every day to have a moment of silence. You can pray, meditate, reflect or just be quiet. It is up to you.

Has our schools gone to Hell in a handbasket because the government took prayer out of schools? I hope not! Why would parents, students and teachers stop praying because the government told you it couldn't be mandated to pray? If you want prayer to be a part of your life and the life of your kids....PRAY...Do not let the government dictate to you what you can and cannot do.

Prayer in Schools...I'm all for it!!!! Pray!!!

A Fork In The Road

2009-09-02T05:48:00.000-05:00

I have been enjoying audiobooks recently. I don't know why but I really like listening and absorbing information this way. The most recent book I am LISTENING to is, "The Principle of The Path", by Andy Stanley.

The premise of this book is that the direction or path you take, not intention determines your destination.

In the book he shares many stories of people and their lives and the direction and decisions that they make along the way is the reason they are in the predicament or place that they find themselves. He shares examples of both good and bad destinations people have chosen.

Sometimes the PATH or direction has to do with finances, relationships,marrieage, kids, parents,academics or your profession. Whatever the case, the people ask, "How in the world did I end up here?"

All of us I believe have good intentions when faced with the direction or PATH of our lives, but in the book he says that it isn't about intentions, it is about the direction or PATH that we choose. Oh how true!!

How many of us have been asked the question, What do you want to be when you grow up? I know I have, and believe it or not when I was asked that question it wasn't to be an a teacher or an elementary principal. Sorry to disappoint you! I wanted to be a veterinarian. That is what I intended to do, but that is not the direction I took.

In fact, the PATH that lead me to the position I am in today as principal of a school is very bizarre. If you want to find out what PATH I took to get here...just ask me when you are up at school or email me, that way I know you are reading this blog.

I want to encourage you as a principal to examine the PATH you are taking with your children. What do they need in order for them to be successful in school and in life? What PATH do you need to guide them toward? What do you need to do along the PATH to insure that the end destination is what is best for your child?

What I mean by that is, the things you intend to do to help your kids academically do you actually do them? Or is the PATH you have chosen one in which does not assist your child in reaching that chosen destination? For instance, if you have younger children, the PATH is you want them to be good readers, are you reading to them every night? For older students, you may want them to grasp Math, or Science or Social Studies, are you making sure they are doing there homework and studying on a regular basis?

Is the direction or PATH you are taking with your kids correct and focused or is the PATH you are choosing not in-line with this PATH? Think about this and be honest with yourself! As a school we are here to help you and your child down that PATH. If you need more help or encouragement, do not hesitate to ask...you will not be viewed as a failure..I will view you as a parent who wants to help your kids get on the PATH.

Click on the title of the post to get more information about this book.

Have a great day!

We Are Not Here To Give Your Child A's!

2009-08-25T06:50:00.000-05:00

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

Are You A Dipper Or A Filler?

2009-08-16T07:03:00.000-05:00

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.

I Will Survive!!!

2009-08-12T21:14:00.000-05:00

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.

Moooooo Mooooooooo!!!!!!

2009-07-29T20:23:00.001-05:00

Today as I was coming to work I passed a field of cows. I was particularly interested in the calves. They were running around chasing each other, while the adult cattle was just grazing on the grass and hanging out.

In my lifetime I have heard numerous people say, "I would be a millionaire if I could learn how to bottle that energy". That is what immediately came to mind as I was watching these calves bounce around all over the pasture.

In a couple of weeks we will have lots of children with lots of energy descending on Indian Springs. They will be excited about seeing their friends, and believe it or not some will be excited about learning.

Now, about the adult cows...that would be the parents, teachers and staff. Walking around grazing. Not really. We are charged with being around the little ones and taking care of them and showing them the ropes. This year as is every year I have a great group of teachers who will be watching over your children very closely and very intently.

I want to encourage you as parents to give your full attention to your children and get involved in making them the best person they can become.

See you August 10th from 4 to 6 for Meet Your Teacher!!!

Meet Your Teacher

2009-07-25T14:04:00.000-05:00

Meet Your Teacher is in the evening this year from 4 to 6 on August 10th. This is a time for students to meet their teachers and get a tour of the school. It is also a time for parents to put money into their lunch accounts, update information in our computers, and purchase PTA Memberships and School T-Shirts.

Since I have been an educator we have always had Meet Your Teacher in the afternoon the day before school starts. In an effort to connect to all parents and students and those who work during the day, our district has decided to do an evening event.

What Meet Your Teacher Is Not:

1. Not a time for you to share all the concerns you have about your child. This is
a come and go and a time to BRIEFLY meet your child's teacher.
2. Not Conference Time
3. Not a time for you to tell us how gifted a child you have. All parents think
their child is gifted.

This is going to be a great school year. I want to encourage you to get plugged in to our school through PTA or just being active in your child's life. It is sooooo important.

Teachers in the coming weeks will be busy getting their rooms ready for your child to have a great school year. Be very aware and available to help in any way.

See you August 10th from 4-6

It's Almost Over!

2009-07-18T07:44:00.000-05:00

Well vacation time is almost over and school is about to get going. The coming year will be a lot of fun and a lot of learning. At Indian Springs we have a very dedicated staff who loves kids and who has a passion for getting kids to stretch academically.

School starts August 12th for everyone. Meet Your Teacher is on August 10th from 4-6 in the evening..something different this year.

I want to challenge all parents this year to continue supporting our school in time and dedication. One of the ways that really pays big dividends is 10 to 15 minutes a day spent with your child focusing on reading, math, studying for a test or just talking about school.

Most students..at least the ones I'm familiar with when asked what they did at school today, they will say, "Nothing". Trust me...the didn't do, "Nothing" at school. Take time to question them deeper about their day..they did do something.

I am attaching an interesting article about testing. The state in 2010 is going to up the ante on state testing. School Test Scores will probably go down based on this information...hope not..but very possible.

Let me know what you think!!!

Click the Title to Read the Article!!

Four Day Week

2009-07-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

I have been in education quite awhile and I have thought of this, but someone is actually going to do it. Have a four day school week. I know this would have a lot of impact on those students whose parents work a 5 day week. Also, I think they need to take a close look at how this impacts learning. Surely this isn't the first time this has been tried.

Let me know what you think of this idea....School start date is right around the corner!!!!

Click on title to access the Tulsa World Article.

The Last Lecture

2009-06-27T08:30:00.000-05:00

Just finished a great book,"The Last Lecture", by Randy Pausch. If you haven't read this book and you have kids, you don't have a choice..you must get it. This book will make you seriously look at your life and it will make you reflect on what you are doing with your life and what you need to be doing with your life. There is so much in this book.

Probably the best part was Chapter 49 entitled, "Getting in Touch with Your Crayon Box". Here is a very brief synopsis: Mr. Pausch tells of how his personality is black or white, with no gray in between. He also explains that when he wants to escape his busy adult life, he smells a box of crayons to bring him back to his childhood. Mr. Pausch says the smell of wax and paper are a heavenly combination. Every year he gives his students a crayon so if they feel overwhelmed they can take a deep breath and escape for a while.

So are you a black and white crayon person? Or do you have a gray crayon in your box? If you are like me in some parts of my life I am black and white, but in other parts I can be gray.

Are you more black and white with your kids and family and more gray at work? I am! I sometimes am more flexible with people at school than I am with my own family...pretty sad! I guess I need to stop blogging and go get a box of crayons and spend some quality time with my family...now where is that gray crayon!!

Click the title of this Blog to view the actual lecture!!!

HOME

2009-06-25T07:56:00.000-05:00

I am back from my trip after a 6 hour unexpected layover in Dallas...Ugh!!!

The beaches were excellent but a little crowded. The food in Destin is very good. We ate at Pompano Joe's a very good seafood..a must if you are going to Destin.

It was fun watching people in Destin. What they wore, who they were with, how they interacted with their family..interesting.

When family is together on vacation I think it is only natural that you get on each others nerves..We did. I think being away from home and interacting 24/7 with family is not something that is 100% good.

Did we get on each others nerves..ohhh boy!! Did we survive? Yes. I think when 5 people including a baby spend 6 straight days together it can get stressful. Thanks God for naps and bathroom breaks.

I think what I have learned from this trip is that family is important and that if you are truly a family you can get through about anything. I think that is how our family is...because I know at times the rest of my family was probably wanting to throw something at me or worse.

Family....they are important....work on those relationships while you are home...spend quality time with family..shut the TV off...the time spent will feel like a vacation..REALLY!

Rest and Relaxation

2009-06-18T19:06:00.001-05:00

I hope this blog finds you well. As I write this I am getting ready to go on a vacation to Destin, Florida. I have never been, but it sounds like a fun place to hang out for a week.

I think many of us in this world don't take time to rest and relax both mentally and physically. This applies to adults as well as kids these days.

Kids I think need down time during the summer to just take a breath and get their mind focus on fun. Throughout the school year most kids are coming to school working on at least one area of their schooling that they struggle with. I am so glad I am not a kid.

I come to work everyday and spend the day doing things I really enjoy doing...OK quit laughing..I mean it, I really enjoy what I do...

Kids need time to rest their minds and bodies and refocus. Remember school starts back on August the 12th so it is just around the corner.

I wanted to let you know that while I am in Destin I am not going to be thinking about Indian Springs, Broken Arrow, or being a principal...I am going to work on my tan...read a good book, have fun with my granddaughter on the beach in the sand and relaxing..

See you when I get back,

Larry Smith

Sad Day

2009-06-09T21:26:00.000-05:00

Today was a sad day for Indian Springs. I had my first student funeral.

I have been an educator for going on 28 years and have never had to bury a student. So Sad!!!

I was really proud of my teachers who supported the family and attended the funeral. I also had a 3rd grade boy attend the funeral because he said the boy was his friend. He had tears of sadness rolling down his cheeks.

After attending this funeral today I am reminded of how fast life goes by. How we as adults need to help slow down our families activities and stop and smell the roses of life. After you read this take about 5 minutes and think how fast your life is. How many activities you have going on with your family? Are they all worth it? Are you giving up quality family time to be involved in community activities? Just a question.

Let me know your thoughts.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Smith

2009-06-03T06:40:00.000-05:00

Yes school is over!!! Woo Hoo!!!

OK, got that out of my system. This past week I have been spending my days closing out last year and getting ready for the year to come. School never stops!!!

For the past 9 years the schools I have been a principal of have had a theme for the year. Last years theme was a little out there, Indian Springs Filling Station, but it was alot of fun. This coming year our theme will be a lot of fun for the kids.

People ask me why I do themes. Well, the reason is to make school a fun place to come to and to make the school experience unexpected. I don't know how many times last year people would come into the office and ask what the tires were for, or why did we have gas cans hanging from the ceiling.

Kids need a fun place to go during the day. School can be a place for a lot of kids where the things you do throughout the whole day are difficult. I hate that, but that is reality.

I can remember when I was in school, I wasn't very good in math. I hated the time during the day when math time arrived. I think during that time I would begin to misbehave or even become ill!! Really!!!

So are you wanting to know what next years theme is? Did I tell you it is going to be a lot of fun?

Next years theme is a Circus Theme! Indian Springs Elementary..the Greatest School on Earth!!!

It's Over!!!

2009-05-31T19:56:00.000-05:00

As I am posting this blog school has been out for 3 days. Believe it or not it felt really weird not having kids at school Friday.

I love what I do and I love the teachers, staff and parents who make it happen. Big thank you to all who made it happen for 500 students. Without your help and devotion to the students at Indian Springs this school year that just passed would not have been as effective.

Students and teachers are now enjoying their summer and are taking some valuable time off. Take this time to recharge and renew. If you are a parent, take this time to recharge and renew your kids, not be doing homework and worksheets, but by letting your hair down and having fun.

All of us need time to get renewed and refreshed. It helps us get back in the game in August and to start again.

Enjoy your Summer!!!

It Could Be Worse!!!

2009-05-24T14:48:00.000-05:00

I have been hobbling around for about two weeks ever since the Full Moon 5K. I thought I bruised the outside of my foot, but nooooooooo it is plantar fasciitis. It will take me another 3 weeks to get back to running..Yuk.

It has really got me down, but a friend of mine is in the hospital with chest pain and looks like heart problems. I have come to the conclusion that when things are going bad for you, just take your eyes off of yourself for a second and you will find other friends around you who have it alot worse.

At the time of this blog I have 3 more days of school with students. It has been a quick year. I guess the older you get the faster time flies...this is sooo true..Don't know why that is but it is true.

This is my 3rd year at Indian Springs and it has been a true blessing to serve the patrons of this school. God knew I needed a change and it has caused me to grow as a person, educator, and administrator.

Enjoy your Memorial Day and remember that when life looks bad for you...just pause and look around, it could be worse!!

Principal's Challenge!!

2009-05-19T06:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday at school was a busy but fun day. The students gathered on the playground to enjoy the reward for reading over 47,000 books.

I invited a former student of mine who races at the Sapulpa Speedway to bring his race car to school so that teachers and myself could take a few laps around the track.

It was a blast. The first racer in the car was Mr. Hodge. He looked like a kid in a candy store. His eyes were big and you could tell the adrenaline was a pumping!!!

As he creeped from the starting line he was going all but about 5 miles an hour...blistering speed. However, the engine sounded like it was going a hundred miles an hour. The kids went crazy.

After Mr. Hodge several teachers took a spin around the track, Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Thomas. Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Looper attempted to race around but Mrs. Cook's legs were to short and Mrs. Looper, well that say she doesn't get out much.

After that the car battery died as Mrs. Kell attempted to go around the track and the day ended short.

I was supposed to get into the car and race but not today. I could tell the kids wanted me to go for a spin but no such luck.

The best part of the event for me was watching the kids excitement and the few teachers who got to drive the race cars excitement. That was worth it all.

When students set goals and attain them, pride swells up. Pride is fun to watch.

Now for the serious part of this blog! Do you see pride in your kids, your family in yourself? I hope so. Maybe some obstacles to pride being exhibited is that we set our goals a little too high to accomplish them.

Set some mini-goals that can be obtained and then built upon. For example, if it is math for a 3rd grader who struggles with learning his multiplication facts, start small. Work on the easy ones..1's, 2's and 5's, then build upon that one set at a time and go back and review constantly.

If it is a personal goal for you...don't set your goal on money or finances...set it on something small that is reachable. I am going to make sure I return all my phone calls today, or I am going to leave the office early so I can spend time with my family.

Those are just a few ideas and hopefully you have thought of mini-goals that are attainable for you this week.

If you think I am right, let me know!!!

See you next time,

LSmith

Is Honesty the Best Policy?

2009-05-15T05:54:00.000-05:00

In my 27 years as an educator I have had the opportunity to meet thousands of young people who have passed through my office doors. I have also been privileged to meet most of their parents. Most of the time with the parents the encounter is quite positive, but some of the time it has not been. I would like to share with you about both of these types of encounters in relation to Honesty!!!

Just the other day I had a parent come visit me and was concerned about a rule that would effect his/her child. I shared with them what the rule was and how it did effect their child. I could tell by the look on the face of the parent that the interpretation I gave was probably not the one they wanted to hear. But you know what, within a millisecond they responded that the interpretation that I had given was correct. No matter how much that ruling would hurt their child, they knew that what I said was the truth and the right thing to do. Amazing Parents!!!!

On the other hand way back in my career as a teacher I was asked to be dishonest by an administrator. I was just a newbie as a teacher and it goes without saying that newbies for the most part both respect and fear in a good way most of the time their principals. I did! After I was told to be dishonest concerning a situation with a student, I went back to my office and my stomach began to churn. What was I going to do? Was I going to follow the direction of my principal or was I going to do the Honest thing and the Right thing?

Well, it took me a millisecond to know what I needed to do, but quite honestly it took me about a day to muster the courage to do what was the Honest and Right thing! The next day I went back to the administrator and told him that I could not do what he had asked me to do. I understood his predicament but I told him that I couldn't do it. Boy was I sweating.

The following day I found out that the request that the principal had asked me to lie about was going to take place. Guess What? The principal was the one who delivered the message instead of me and he did the Honest and Right thing. He did not lie either. He stood up and told the truth.

I know honesty is hard for adults, but I realize on a daily basis how hard honesty is for kids. We are their parents, teachers and principals, and they do not want to disappoint us or make us mad. So often they lie or they don't quite give me all the information about a situation in order to protect themselves. I know this is going to happen...but through some time and questioning I found out the truth. What is funny about that millisecond when kids go from telling a lie to telling the truth the most amazing thing happens. The tears start to flow. The apologies start to flow, but more importantly their recovery begins and they can start over with a fresh slate.

Ten times out of ten I give the students the chance to be right again if they come to that point of honesty. Zero times out of ten when they do not come to that point I don't trust for a long time.

During the time that your kiddos are growing up they will disappoint you and will be dishonest at times. Take the time to allow them to recover and start again. Kids at this age are learning to be what you want them to be. Be the example for them. When at times it is tough for you to tell the truth and be honest and they catch you in your lie...be vulnerable enough to admit your mistakes, they will grow greatly from you being honest.

Honesty is the Best Policy!!!

Finish What You Start

2009-05-10T13:46:00.000-05:00

Saturday Night I ran my first 5K race..The Full Moon. It was a lot of fun..Runners of all kinds showed up to run along Riverside.

This is the first race that I have participated in and I was a bit nervous. Once the race started all the nerves stopped. It was fun running alongside 1,500 runners.

Along Riverside I was pretty far back in the pack and I actually was passing people and people were passing me. As I got about to the 1/2 way point in the race, I noticed the leaders of the race starting back towards the finish. They were traveling very fast.

The winning time for the 3.2 mile course believe it or not was just over 15 minutes...Lightning fast. The odd thing was that their were a few runners that were among the top runners. About a half mile left in the race they slowed down and started walking...I couldn't figure out why you would run that hard and that fast and then stop and walk.

I was bound determined to keep running the whole time. Mission accomplished. I wanted to finish. It didn't matter how long it was going to take..I was going to run the whole way.

I think what helped me finish and the same principle will help you finish and will help your kids finish.

Whatever you do or whatever you want to accomplish surround yourself with encouragers. I had many encouragers while training and while running the race. This really helped me believe in myself and believe that I could accomplish what I had come to accomplish.

I see this principle put into practice by many at school. Parents being encouragers and standing beside their children. However, I am seeing more and more parents standing on the sidelines and just standing.no encouragement. If anything it is criticism and frustration.

Kids need your encouragement each and every day. Remember to help them finish what they start, and the way to do that is to be an encourager.

Having Fun!!

2009-05-03T21:04:00.000-05:00

As you well know I am someone who likes to have fun. This morning believe it or not I sang a song in Church from Queen, Crazy Little Thing Called Love. It was a blast!!! I think I may have scared some people but most of the people really got into it.

Are you the type of person who likes to have fun, or are you the type of person I like to call a Fuddy Duddy! Everything is soooo serious.

Believe it or not I believe in being serious, but there is a time for that and while your being serious..give it your all. But when the time comes you need to have fun and let it go.

Life is to short for you to be serious all the time. Look around you at the kids that you have in your life. If you are a teacher you have lots of kids in your life. If you are not a teacher, you may have children of your own, or you may have nieces and nephews. I challenge you to watch them during those times when they are having fun.

How do you know they are having fun? Usually they are smiling, or bent over laughing or running around til they drop from exhaustion. How do you know when people are being serious? Not running around, not smiling or laughing and usually they are sitting and not moving very much.

I love the kids at my school who misbehave. What do I mean by that? I like the awnry ones, the ones that push the envelope, the ones you have to tell them many times to walk, or be quiet. They usually are too busy having fun! What about the other kids...quiet, never getting in trouble..those are the kids that I worry about, the ones who are quiet..

What is inside those little quiet bodies? Doubt, fear, low self-esteem, shy, and unrisking. Maybe--Maybe Not! But what I do know is the kids who are boisterous and loud and engaged and have tons of friends and I am constantly engaging them whether positively or negatively...I usually know what makes them tick..

Fun...Go out and have some today...Are you smiling now???

Excellence!!!

2009-04-28T21:39:00.000-05:00

At times throughout my career as an educator I have seen excellence exhibited. If you have lived in Broken Arrow you obviously have heard of The Pride of Broken Arrow. That is what excellence looks like.

What does it take to attain excellence?

1. Be Creative

2. Be Ambitious

3. Write Down What You Want To Achieve

4. Don't Worry About What Other People Say

5. Possess A Positive Mind

So I want you to think about yourself and your family. Are you setting the tone in your household for your kids to achieve excellence.

Are you setting the atmosphere at home that encourages the 5 traits above? I know many of you are...but maybe some of you are saying...well my wife isn't, or my husband isn't or maybe one of your children isn't.

Are we as educators setting the atmosphere that encourages the 5 traits? I hope so! I know at times we as educators fall into accepting mediocrity and averageness...if that is a word. We sometimes complain about class size, resources, parents who don't care, parents who care to much...I call them helicopters...kids who don't care, classes are too small, and it's not my job!!!

These are things that I have said as an educator. I want you and the teachers who serve you to step up and focus on the 5 traits. Don't let the barriers listed above get in the way of your excellence, your kids excellence, and your families excellence.

Strive for Excellence!!!

Laughing

2009-04-25T14:53:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I love to have a good time. Usually that good time is filled with laughter. I love to have fun!!!

This past Friday our school had a Staff Lock-In. I never laughed so hard in my life. I laughed so hard my head hurt. What was it that made me laugh? Watching other teachers letting their hair down and just being themselves.

Two of my teachers planned an evening full of activities that involved food, magic tricks, embarrassing potato games, music, scavenger hunts, and American Idol Like competition.

I was reading recently in the Tulsa World about Laughter Therapy. A cancer patient was getting together with other cancer patients and they were telling jokes and just laughing. Doesn't sound like something people with cancer would be doing. However, it has been documented that laughter can stimulate cells in fighting cancer.

It says in the Bible: A merry heart does good like a medicine — Proverbs 17:22.

All of us need to spend time laughing. Laughing with friends, laughing at the TV, laughing at a funny story, and something I do a lot is laughing at myself.

My school is one that looks very laid back and relaxed. Students have a lot of freedom to move around. They do not march around like soldiers. I want school to be a place where kids can learn as much as possible...but also a place that is safe and fun.

Some part of the school day for most kids is very hard. It may be reading, math, social studies, science or one of the arts. Kids daily are involved in doing something that they aren't good at doing. Our school, and in my opinion all schools should be fun! When you drop your kids off at the door each morning...they should be excited about walking in the doors.

In a nutshell all of us need to laugh more. Have fun with those around you, and learn to laugh at yourself!

Stretch Yourself

2009-04-21T23:52:00.000-05:00

If you would have told me a month ago that I would start running and believe it or not thinking about running a marathon...I would have told you that you were crazy!

But guess what? I am on my way to accomplishing that goal. I know what you are saying...Are You Crazy??? Yes I am crazy!!

I hate to run! Sweaty, legs ache, heart jumps out of your throat, and just all around pain...Sound like fun? Well, I am here to tell you I am having fun! Sic!

I have been running for about 3 weeks and I am up to a 2 mile run 3 days a week and then a longer run on the weekend. In the beginning it was unbearable..

I can remember that first one mile run..I thought I was going to die! Heart pounding, pain, pain, and more pain! So what did I do...next day I ran again..guess what? Less pain..I continued to run and the pain is getting less and less and the distance is getting further and further.

Why do I share this story? Because I know you or your kids have seen tasks in your life that seem unreachable. I see it every day at school. School believe it or not is not easy for kids. Your child has something educationally that they are not the best at and they need stretching.

That is what teachers are in the business of stretching students to accomplish things that they never thought they could accomplish...Maybe it is the ability to read. Maybe it is the ability to write their name. Maybe it is to read a chapter book. Maybe it is to feel good about themselves.

Whatever it is kids have things that they need to accomplish. It will take hard work. But the thing we have to remember as teachers and parents that it is a process. One that happens everyday and one that we are there to help them attain their goal. Help them work through the pain.

I want to encourage you if you are a teacher or a parent to continue to push your kids. Help them reach those goals that seem unattainable. Help them stretch and maybe it will encourage you to stretch!!

Be Aware and Care!!!

2009-04-19T07:33:00.000-05:00

Almost every morning I sit out in the front hallway of the school watching students and parents come into the building. I guess the reason I do this is because of my mother.

She used to drive us to Eastgate shopping center at Admiral and Sheridan to shop and to people watch. Some amazingly scary people and interactions.

What is interesting to see sitting in the front hall is how students start their day. Some come in the door half asleep and their hair looks like it was combed by their pillow. Others come into school nice and neat and ready for the day.

I have a few kids that come into school every morning and they are so active....that is a nice way of saying they are WILD.

I wonder how each of these students mentioned above days have started.

Did they get themselves up and ready for school or did momma?
What time did they go to bed last night?
Did they eat breakfast?
Did they get a hug and a kiss before they walked out the door?
Did there parents speak to them with kind words?

I wonder as an educator about this everyday. Because how a students day starts before they get to school, will be a great indicator on how they will approach the day.

If you are a parent and you are reading this blog, answer the questions above. And if you think that the questions are valid...have your friends ponder the questions.

And if you are a teacher reading this blog..today...make sure you look at how you treat your students throughout the day. Maybe you are the only one who will give a hug and a smile and to care!!

Looking Deeper!!!!

2009-04-16T21:19:00.001-05:00

I recently was cruising the internet and was asked to check out a link of a talent contest in Great Britain. Boy was I surprised. I am sure you have seen this video, but if you haven't I have linked it to this blog. Click on the Looking Deeper Title to check it out!!

It is of a woman Susan Boyle who is not the prettiest lady or the youngest lady in the world..my opinion only. She walks onto the stage and all three of the judges you can see in there eyes the opinion that this must be a joke. However, when she opens her mouth and begins to sing..they are overwhelmed.

Why do we so often, judge a book by its cover? We do it all the time! Whether it is a stranger whom you have never met or someone you know who is in your opinion kinda different we all judge a book by its cover.

We need to start Looking Deeper! Beyond the outer shell of a person, whether it be an adult or child. If we take the time to pause and wait before we judge, often times we will see something amazingly beautiful..that is right...I said beautiful.

As a principal I can tell you that I have met some pretty interesting students, parents and teachers. And to tell you the truth..at times I have judged them by their cover...boy have I been wrong about a lot of people. I have come to realize that I need to pause and wait and look for the beauty in everyone.

Begin today to begin...LOOKING DEEPER!

Become Better!!!!

2009-04-14T20:17:00.000-05:00

As a principal I have the great pleasure of watching some young teachers become outstanding teachers. At Indian Springs in the 3 short years that I have been privileged to be the principal I have been able to see some outstanding young teachers rise up!

What makes a great teacher great?

1. Confidence...confident in the subject matter and also confident in themselves as an individual.

2. Caring...great teachers care. Not only throughout the school day, after the school day and before the school day.

3. Seeking...seeking those things that are outside of themselves.
Great teachers usually don't think they are great..and they look to other teachers to elevate themselves above the rest. Not for
themselves but for others.

4. Learner...Great teachers are constantly learning. Whether it is reading current literature or listening...just listening!

5. Love of children...believe it or not...some kids are hard to love. But great teachers really love. You may not sense it by the way they discipline or redirect..but they love by taking the time to watch and to act.

So these new teachers who are very, very green...how do they become great...they possess these characteristics and they have a lot of great mentors at Indian Springs.

Just Relax

2009-04-11T20:58:00.000-05:00

I am sitting here at home with my granddaughter trying to get her to bed.

I turned the TV to some relaxing music to help her sleep. Sometime this helps. I know it helps with me! Life is very busy...Wake Up..Go To Work...Drive Home..Eat...Go to Practice or practices...Come Home...Bathe and Go To Bed.

Over and Over and Over..that doesn't account for all the other interruptions and activities that crop up through the week.

Have you ever thought about how your pace effects your kids? I don't think I did when my kids were younger...We were on this GO GO GO Pace. Kids need down time. So do parents..

Guess What?? It doesn't stop when they get to school. From the moment they hit the door, til the moment they come home they are on the go..

Take time in the coming weeks to slow down..enjoy your family...stay at home....enjoy each other..RELAX.

The life you have with your young children will go by faster than you think....Enjoy!!!!

Breathe in...Breathe out.....aaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!

How To Get Out Of A Slump!

2009-04-08T23:27:00.000-05:00

Most of us from time to time get in a slump. A slump is a time in your life where your potential and your past accomplishments are kinda in neutral. It's not that you don't have the gift or the potential anymore, you are just in a funk!

Kids get in funks! Over the many years in education, I have seen many children in slumps. They are capable of so much more, but they just can't seem to get it together.

What do we do as teachers and administrators?

We give positive strokes.
We tell them they can do it!
You are so capable of doing the work or whatever!
We reduce the work to see if maybe they are overloaded.
We buddy them up with a positive partner.
We put them in timeout to do their work away from their classmates.
We call the parents.
We blame the student!
We blame the parents!
We blame ourselves or our methods.
We pray!

Good teachers which we have at Indian Springs jump through lots of hoops when your child is in a slump.

What do you do as parents?

You give positive strokes.
You tell them they can do it!
You are so capable of doing the work or whatever!
You put them in timeout to do their work away from their fun stuff.
You call the teacher.
You blame your child!
You blame the teacher!
You blame yourselves or your methods.
You pray!

In his book, "Breaking the Slump", by Jimmy Roberts. Mr. Roberts interviews several great athletes. One particular athlete, you might of heard of him, Arnold Palmer shares his story of how to get out of a slump:

Between January 1960 and May 1963, Palmer won 25 of the 80 events he entered, including 56 top 10s. He missed a total of two cuts.

In May 1963, something went wrong.

"I got tired, fatigued," he said.

Palmer went home to Latrobe, Pa., drove a bulldozer for a couple of weeks working on the golf course at Latrobe Country Club.

"I needed to do something different, so I just dug dirt," he said.

After five weeks away from the PGA Tour, his longest since turning pro, Palmer won three of his next six events and lost in a playoff in the U.S. Open.

"I think the most important thing is that people get anxious," he said. "They think the faster they hit balls and the more they go out and hit balls, the sooner they're going to get it back. And that's just the opposite. Slow down your personality. Walk slower. Slow down everything you do."

What I get from this short story is that when we get in slumps we get anxious, we lack confidence, we try to do things harder and faster.

What we need to do is to slow down everything in our life.

What does that mean for a student?

1. Step Back

2. Get away from whatever it is....Take a Timeout

3. Have them talk to their friends. Often times teachers can say things til they are blue in the face, trying to get a child to understand or get motivated. Hey parents, do that to. Often when they hear the same message from their peers, somehow, it is heard. Don't ask me why, but it is the truth.

4. Be Postitive and try to empathize with them. If you are like me you have had a time or times in your life when you have lacked confidence and have been in a slump.

5. Do something different. Don't continue to do something if it's not working. Step back and take a different approach.

6. Love your child. School is important, but your child is more important.

7. Work on developing your relationship with your child and put school work away. Sometimes that says a lot to a child.

And lastly be there for them when they are going through the slump and assure them that you will be with them on the other side.

A Hard Habit To Break!

2009-04-05T13:50:00.000-05:00

Habits? I was with a group of older people this weekend and we were talking about habits, both good and bad! Are you aware of your bad habits. I know I'm not..just kidding. I kinda know what my bad habits are and those I am unsure of I have plenty of people around me to point them out to me.

What bad habits do your kids have? Are you aware of them? How do you help your kids break their bad habits?

Well one way that I tried to break bad habits of my children was nag them to death when they were showing these bad habits. It didn't work. They just got annoyed with me and continued their habit.

Or maybe you did this...made excuses for the bad habit saying something like, "He is just like his father", or "that is just the way she is".

Maybe you just ignore the bad habit all together. It's not that big a deal in our family you might say.

Each of the above methods to ridding people of their bad habits is not very effective. So what is the way to break your bad habits or your child's bad habits?

Here is how I broke one of my bad habits. I got a friend to help me in a positive way be very aware of when I was doing this bad habit.

My bad habit was saying the word, "uh" every time I ended a sentence. I was bad! I bet in a 5 minute conversation I would say it probably 30+ times. I was not aware of the magnitude of the problem. However, those who listened to me on a daily basis were very aware.

A good friend of mine made me aware of the magnitude and said they would be willing to work with me on stopping this habit. She would count how many times I would say the word, "uh" in our next conversation.

Just knowing that somebody was watching and listening made me very conscious of my habit. I went from say 30+ times saying the word to less than 10 the first time. Wow what a reduction.

To this day I will never forget the friend who stepped up and was willing to help me improve myself. I speak alot every day and I am always aware of what comes out of my mouth...believe it or not...In regards to, "uh". In regards to other things I have no idea what is going to come out of my mouth.

I have lots of bad habits I am sure. Please help me or those you love by helping them through their bad habits in a positive way. Habits are Hard to Break!!

Mr. Smith

We Are Family!!!

2009-04-02T22:32:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that I am an OU graduate...Boomer Sooner!! I loved my time spent in Norman. I was on the 5 year plan!! I also graduated from Broken Arrow High School....Go Tigers!!!

The reason I bring these two things up is what I have noticed lately about people, both adults and children..We desire to be a part of a group and to let others know we are part of a group.

Next time you are out just be aware of how people group themselves:

Group of Girls
Group of Boys
Group wearing Orange
Group wearing Red
Group of outgoing people
Group of introverted people (this group is usually small)
People who want to be alone..

I could go on and on as to how people group themselves or how they want to be identified. People for the most part want to be wanted! All the groups your child will desire to be identified is important and those groups will evolve and change as the grow older.

Probably the group that all kids want to be a part of is FAMILY. They want to be accepted by mom, dad, sister, brother, grandma, and grandpa! So how can they feel apart.

1. Make time for them.
2. Listen to them.
3. Allow them to be themselves.
4. Kids want to be treated as individuals.
5. Kids want to hear three words...I Love You!

Make your family and your kids the group you focus all of your time on!

Let's Connect!!

2009-04-01T22:28:00.000-05:00

A group of people that I come in contact with usually on a daily basis is school volunteers. These are usually moms who volunteer their time to serve the children and teachers of our school. They love to serve others, not for attention, but for the love of people.

I attended this morning the PTA Luncheon this morning and was challenged by a project that Country Lane Elementary has started called Watchdog. Great Job Mrs. Katterhenry!!!!

What Watchdog is, is a program that connects dads to school on a daily basis. Dad's help out on the playground, in the classroom, in the cafeteria and wherever else they are needed. That is cool. Dad's at school every day that would be awesome.

Soooo what I am going to be doing in the few months we have left of school is to brainstorm with teachers and parents to see about encouraging and involving dads in our school on a daily basis!

Our kids need to see dads connected to the school. I would like to know what you think. Email me at lsmith1@baschools.org or comment in the comment section of this blog...

Mr. Smith

Because I Said So!!!!

2009-03-31T23:02:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard these words before? Probably from a parent or grandparent. These are words kids hate to hear but parents love to repeat over, and over and over!

I vowed when I was a kid never to say those words to my kids. Not only did I say those words I said them over and over. Ha!!

Yesterday at school I had the pleasure of getting back into the gym and teaching a second grade class. Lots of fun! I had two boys who didn't particularly care to play by the rules. Guess what I did? I used those words.

I repeated those words over and over...they hated them. I loved them..I got a kick out of saying them. They sure didn't. Ha!

What do those words mean to children..they mean it's not the answer I want and I want to hear something different. What do these words mean to the adult. They mean you need to follow the rules and I don't need to explain it.

I don't need to explain it because I said so! Ha!

Because I said so is what adults say when they want kids to be obedient to things that should be obvious..To the two little boys in PE...the message I was trying to tell them wasn't obvious and that was not the message they want to hear.

I think parents and I include myself in that mix..need to use these words more often and mean them. Too many parents these days and I include myself in that mix, need to stand up, get our back firm and our eyes direct and say those 4 words...Because I Said So!

Now doesn't that feel good...it does because YOU are doing the right thing!!

Have a great day!!!

Cats and Dogs

2009-03-30T22:58:00.000-05:00

I don't know about your place but in Broken Arrow it is raining cats and dogs. That means it is raining a lot.

Several years ago I had the pleasure of going to Panama. It was life changing. I worked deep in the rain forest talk about primitive..No running water, no electricity and when night came it was dark.

Our interpreter was a young man by the name of Carlos..boy I miss that guy. He was sooo kind and always cared for all our needs while we were there.

What I remember most about Carlos was when he was interpreting for us and myself or a member of our group would use a slang..like raining cats and dogs or some Okieism. And Carlos would look at me like I was from some other planet. What he was looking for was some clarification of what in the world we were saying.

I think about this at school when I am talking to primary age children. As adults we say things that in our world make perfect sense, but in their world it is like we are aliens. Sometimes we do it just to see their reactions.

Each day at school teachers are working very hard in getting the message across to their students in math, reading, english, science, social studies, and in the fine arts. Most of the time we do a great job at communicating the message...but when we don't get it right...that is where you step in...the parent. We cannot do the job of educating alone and in a vacuum. We need your help desperately.. You know your child better than anyone...

Thanks for listening.

Mr. Smith

Made to Stick

2009-03-29T21:22:00.000-05:00

One of the latest books I have read is a book entitled, "Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath. If you are a leader in your company or know someone who is this is a must read.

The basic premise of the book is an in depth look at why things stick. Here are the basic principals.

Your message needs to be:

1. Simple
2. Unexpected
3. Concrete
4. Credible
5. Emotional
6. Contain Stories

In the book it talks about stories that have stuck in your mind...In the book it tells of a story that I am sure you have heard. Have you heard that the Great Wall of China is the only man made structure that you can see from outer space?? I heard this and I said yes that is true. Not...Most major highways are wider and longer than the Great Wall of China...However, the story has stuck with many of us...

What this book made me look at is how we as teachers approach our lessons. What makes them memorable? What makes the message we are trying to convey stick? Is it the numerous worksheets? I don't think so...I hope not!

I have shared this book with all of my teachers. I can tell you that they all do a great job of making the learning at school stick. Below is a link to a site where you can look at excerpts and if you want...buy the book! Let me know what you think.

Here is the link:
http://www.madetostick.com/

Mr. Smith
Indian Springs Elementary, Principal

Snowing In BA

2009-03-28T12:33:00.000-05:00

I am sitting at home after a very busy week at school enjoying the snow as it falls outside. I am thinking about this past week and how it was busy and fast paced.

Teachers and students at my school put forth unbelievable effort. They are excited to be at school and most are excited to face new learning challenges everyday.

This coming week we have Grandperson's Week. It is a time for our students to invite a special person in their life to come and eat lunch with them and visit the classrooms.

The idea of Grandperson's week started some 16 years ago at Arrow Springs. I saw many students coming to school everyday who had mom and dad to be a part of their life but that was it. Grandma and Grandpa were not close by to enjoy their grandkids on a regular basis. So I thought, why don't we have a special week to have kids invite a special person in their life to come to school and to share.

Over the last 16 years on average we have had both at Arrow Springs and Indian Springs over 200 visitors during the week. Kids and grandparents alike are excited to see each other and enjoy the time at the school.

I think I am pondering Grandperson's Week more so this year than years past, because I am now a grandparent. I can't imagine not being close to my granddaughter and having that time with her as she grows.

I hope you have a chance to come up during the week and enjoy the time with your child and drag along a grandparent if you can, it will mean the world to your child.

Children need you in their lives both socially and educationally. Ask your kids questions, spend time with them, do stupid stuff with them, but most of all enjoy them.

I hope to share my thoughts here on a weekly basis. Feel free to share your thoughts with me.

Have a great week!

Mr. Smith
Indian Springs Elementary, Principal