It's very easy to get so busy that you don't take time to stop and smell the roses.  This is certainly the case in my position as I'm running from one thing to the next.  But, taking a step back and appreciating the good things around you is crucial, I believe, in our work as educators and as human beings.

I'd like to share with you some of the positive things I see in our staff that give further indication that we are continuing to do the very best for our students, your children.  In some cases, it's trying out a new instructional strategy that gets kids excited.  In others, it's reflecting on a practice to either tweak it or completely revamp it.

I'm proud to say that 5 Springer teachers applied for, and received acceptance to the Summer iLearn Academy- funded by LAEF.  This week-long, intensive training for LASD teachers focuses on facilitating teachers to re-examine what they do in the classroom.  It includes looking at the latest innovative strategies, including the use of technology in the classroom.  It also helps those attending teachers to become teacher leaders - so that they can help their colleagues back at their school site grow and develop as well.  This will be the 3rd year that LASD is offering this to district teachers and I can tell you that the impact from the first two years has been a huge asset to Springer.

A couple of weeks ago Mrs. Van Dyken and Ms. Shilling were invited to attend an open house at a school in San Jose that has designed their entire curriculum around project based learning.  Mrs. Van Dyken and Ms. Shilling spent the day observing a school where the students take full ownership of their learning.  The students were the tour guides, taking educators around their campus, explaining their work and the rationale behind it.   Our two Springer teachers came back excited about the possibilities!

This week, Ms. McLean's class Skyped with another 4th grade class in Indiana.  Each class gave each other geographical clues until they were able to discover where in the country the other class was located.  Prior to this, Ms. McLean's class practiced with Ms. Hultberg's class.  Room 13 Skyped with Room 18 to figure out where to stand in the classroom when asking a question and other logistical issues so that everything went smoothly.

There a lot of "roses" on our campus right now.  I continue to see our students more engaged and excited about their learning than I ever have since I arrived at Springer.

Be sure to stop and smell the roses in your world as well.

Best wishes,
Wade Spenader- Principal