My wife, Rose, and I are elated to be settling into the Madison area. We've already investigated some wonderful art work and a couple of other festivals when we're not busy finding "treasures" buried in boxes around our new home.

During July, much of my time has been spent meeting people: staff members have volunteered time to stop by and talk, our neighborhood association president has made a visit, and I've tried to spend some time with the custodial and secretarial staff people who do so much to make our school the special place it is for the young people we serve.

I've also been learning the MMSD systems. La Follette was the first high school to implement the "server migration," mid-month; consequently we found some of the bugs and worked with the technology staff to get those bugs eradicated before they caused significant problems for lots of people. Trying to master the phone system—or at least to come to some kind of a mutual co-existence with it—has also taken some time. Also, La Follette is my introduction to GroupWise after many years of another program group, and it, too, has taken much time to understand.

On the practical side, I've tried to get out and explore areas of the building. Since I am directionally dysfunctional, these excursions have proven both exciting and frustrating. Eventually, though, I've always found my way back to the office, though one time I did wind up walking around the outside of the building.

Last month, I participated in the Corwin Kroneburg seminar held at La Follette HS dealing with student behavior issues, and the High School Challenge seminar sponsored by the North Central Association and the Illinois State Board of Education. In late-July, I am participating in the third Thomas Howard Symposium sponsored by the Illinois Principals Association. Even though school is not in session, learning and continuing to grow are important activities for all of us.

As I look forward to August, I remain excited about the prospect of meeting with more MMSD staff and learning more about how the district works. Infinite Campus training awaits! I also look forward to working with the La Follette HS administrative team to prepare for a positive, successful start to a great school year.