Awesome

September 2, 2016 (246/366)

"Everything is awesome! Everything is cool when you're part of a team..." - Tegan & Sara, The Lego Movie

Inspired by Kid President's video honoring a retiring teacher, the Pewaukee High School Medal of Awesome was created as a fun way to recognized the awesome things that happen in our school. For two years, the medal has passed from adult to kid and back each day, from educator to student to custodian, secretary, lunch lady, etc. Last year, all educators at PHS were awarded our own mini-MOA's to wear along with our badges. These medals remind us that together, we are building a culture of awareness, recognition, and gratitude.

I was honored to start this 2016-2017 school year with the Medal of Awesome and to pass it on to the first student today. Here's how I  made my choice: "Awesome is often defined as extremely impressive or inspiring great admiration, yet it's the little things that regularly happen at PHS -- those small acts of kindness that often go unnoticed -- that make this place truly awesome. Today, I would like to pass the Medal of Awesome to Zenkar. On the first day of school, he lingered for a moment after class just to ask me how to say, 'Have a great day!' in French. What an honor to work with both staff and students who go out of their way to make each other feel welcomed! Today, I wish Z a bonne journée as he wears the Medal of Awesome, and I challenge everyone here at PHS to pay attention to the little things that will make this an awesome year!"

Back to School

September 1, 2016 (245/366) "A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning. " - Brad Henry. What a noble and daunting challenge! Thank you, Pewaukee parents and students for this wonderful welcome back to school!

August in Pictures

“That beautiful season... Summer....Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

De rigueur

August 31, 2016 (244/366)

de ri·gueur də riˈɡər,rēˈɡœr/ (adjective) required by etiquette or current fashion. synonyms: fashionable, in fashion, in vogue, modish, up to date, up-to-the-minute, all the rage, du jour, trendy, with it, customary, standard, conventional, normal, orthodox, usual, comme il faut; compulsory, necessary, essential;

As educators scramble to set up classrooms while students decorate lockers and unwrap new school supplies (Don't you just love new notebooks, pencils, markers, etc.?!), I am inspired by Charles Schulz's creative space in Santa Rosa, California. "Sparky" surrounded himself not only with the necessary tools to do his work but also with photos of his travels and family, with words of inspiration and notes of gratitude, and a not-so-subtle reminder that « Ici, le sourire est de rigueur! » -- "Here a smile is fashionable." What a great reminder as a new school year begins to greet people and challenges with a welcoming gesture and a positive attitude.