News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. III No. 4 - April 3, 2008
"Instructional leadership is a thoughtful journey that builds and sustains learning cultures as well as learning structures." ~ Kent Peterson (2003)
...and what a journey it has been so far! The experience as a new principal has been far beyond what I could have ever imagined. So much to learn and do.... and most of it could not happen without the caring and supportive involvement of Kennedy's staff, families and great students. (I'm a little biased, I suppose!)
J.F. Kennedy Elementary School is a learning community ever changing and ever growing. Over the course of the school year, we have grown to more than 550 students with over 65 staff members making each day exciting and adventurous.
Our staff is comprised of many experienced educators intertwined with many educators new to the profession, bringing broad perspectives of ideas and experiences to each decision and action we've made. We've established strong collaborative team structures, focused on building positive relationships with our students and their families.
I'm so proud of the efforts to ensure Kennedy is a place whereby EVERYONE feels a sense of community and belonging. This is an area I look forward to us continuing to develop and establish.
Our students and their families have been a rich source of inspiration and reflection for myself as a principal. Many different questions, concerns, suggestions, and ideas have come my way since last summer, giving me a great deal to ponder and consider as we continue to refine our beliefs, practices, and learning structures.
Our school culture, or way of being, continues to evolve as a result of our hearty conversations and varied viewpoints. I appreciate the honest and professional exchanges and have tried to use them as opportunities to reflect upon the hopes and aspirations I have for myself as instructional leader, now and into the future.
Yes, the 1st year as a new principal has been "a thoughtful journey" and if I can be perfectly honest, exhausting. But nothing worth having comes easy, right? ... and a great school like J.F. Kennedy Elementary is certainly worth having!
Last Updated: Mon Apr 28 14:59:36 2008
Comments: comments@madison.k12.wi.us
Web Publisher: Chris Burch, cburch@madison.k12.wi.us
Technical Issues: webmaster@madison.k12.wi.us