Day 2: Jil Palmer, Principal Emory School

Today I was reminded of many wonderful things, which I believe could be summed up under the theme, “The power of teamwork”.   I witnessed first-hand what can be accomplished when we all work together to make the first few days of school welcoming and inviting for our students and their families.  One of the more precious reminders came upon me quite by accident.

Around mid-morning I spoke to our school’s support staff about helping out with our first Kindergarten lunch—an experience all of it’s own….During our discussion, someone suggested that we see if our 6^th grade students could come to Kinder lunch and buddy up with a little one.  “That’s what they do at Berry.” (Thank you Berry School!!)  What a superb idea and one we hadn’t before considered.   Here was one simple reminder of the power of teamwork.  Then, with a quick request, another example presented itself as our two sixth grade teachers quickly adjusted their schedules and offered their students’ assistance.  At 11:15 we paired up each sixth grader with a kinder student which easily became the best memory of my day, and a magical reminder of the power of teamwork.  I witnessed proud sixth graders who were eager to help these little ones, most likely remembering back themselves to their first day of Kinder.  And I saw little 5 years olds reaching out to those BIG sixth graders, with trusting eyes and hands.

In my line of work, we often think of teamwork with regards to adults in the workplace.  Today, I was wonderfully reminded that the power of teamwork is also found among our precious youth.  It was a reminder that I will never forget.

Bio: Jil Palmer (jpalmer@sbusd.org @ jil_palmer on Twitter) currently serves as principal at wonderful Emory School.  She enjoys spending time with her hubby and kids, and is a HUGE sports fan who eagerly awaits Charger football season.

Day 1: Dr. Carol Parish SBUSD Superintendent

Good Morning, South Bay!  Today is the first day of school in SBUSD.  There is such great energy along the sidewalks and school play areas as students arrive early with their new shoes and backpacks and learn where to stand before the first bell rings and who else will be in their classroom.  It is a day of hopefulness, anticipation and new beginnings.

Every parent prays that their child is walking into the classroom of a teacher who will be so glad to have this precious child in their class.  They fervently hope that this year’s teacher will create a classroom learning environment filled with both the expected academics and the delightfully unexpected opportunities they will always remember, that daily life in the classroom will tickle their fancy and dazzle them, that the learning engagement will cause them to reach new places and feel so proud of their accomplishments.

Each child wants to be smiled at, recognized as an individual and appreciated for the gifts and talents they bring in the door and accepted for any gaps that may exist.  They want us to know they are bringing us the very best version of themselves they have – and they are in our hands for polishing!  They want to feel that school is interesting, they want to contribute, they need to believe that they are important to us and that they belong in our classrooms – and if they are not here, they are missed.  They want to feel that their teacher believes in them and will always help them.  They want to feel safe.  They want to know that when they make mistakes, they will experience compassionate re-direction.

Every teacher, every principal, every staff member wants only the best for their students.  Everyone in SBUSD has been working hard to prepare for today – and for every future school day between now and June 7.  We want our students and parents to appreciate both our hard work and our expertise.  We hope that our classrooms, cafeterias, buses and playgrounds will be filled with students who want to learn, who will demonstrate self-responsibilty, work and study hard, who will be good to others and stand up for those who are at risk of being outcast or bullied.  We want them to develop their character, their minds, their hearts and practice being physically fit.  We want them to develop their voices – and to communicate in writing, in speaking, through art, in dance, in drama, through science and social studies problem-solving. We want to show off their accomplishments to the world and we want to help them prepare for a bright future that includes college.  We want them now and in the future to think of themselves as patriotic Americans and global citizens.

And we want them to remember this year as the best year ever!

I learned eloquent words last Wednesday from our inspiring speaker, Dave Burgess, that match these best hopes.  He said, “I am committed to the idea that each person has the ability to continuously transform their lives.”   May that continuous transformation occur within all of us and within every student we serve this year and beyond.

Launching the SBUSD Year of Learning Project

Beginning July 30, 2012, the South Bay Union School District will launch the SBUSD Year of Learning.  Modeled after the edu180atl project which started in August, 2011, the mission of the project is to share our collective stories and celebrate the community of learners we have throughout South Bay.  We hope this project will nurture and encourage people who love to learn, connect learners across disciplines and settings, and deepen the conversation about education in South Bay by enabling parents, students, educators and other members of the South Bay community to share stories of what they are learning every day. Each school day, beginning July 30, 2012, we hope to post one new story from one additional person in our community which highlights something special they have learned.   We encourage you to connect with our community of learners by subscribing to our email list, following us on Twitter or by writing for the project. There are thousands of voices with thousands of stories throughout the South Bay community; we invite you to share yours through the SBUSD Year of Learning Project.   Stay tuned for our first day’s post!