The Secret That All Good Teachers Know!

I know that you have probably heard the old adage about "starting out running." This school year at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has started out racing, running, sprinting--or whatever the fastest motion word you can think of would be! Not only have I not had a moment to write a blog entry in a month, I feel as though I have hardly had time to take a breath or get any sleep. "Goodness!" you might ask, "What could be going on over on that campus?" Let me share just a little bit...
This year we restructured our school from two separate schools (one Pre-K through 8 and one 9-12) with a shared mission to one Pre-K through 12 school. Now, that may not sound like a big deal BUT just ask MSDE! Paperwork has been flying most of the summer and School Boards, parent groups, committees, and schedules have had to be changed. I believe that all this has been for the best and I sense that the enthusiasm on campus is more intense and positive than it has been in a long time. Bottom line, students at all levels are getting more attention and a stronger program than was possible before. That, of course, is a good thing!
Next, there is what I am calling "the technology issue." This year we were able to upgrade our entire infra-structure and add a great deal of state of the art equipment for our classrooms. We replaced old servers and added an additional T-1 line. We upgraded PC's in two computer labs, added several Smartboards, and purchased some VERY cool bundles which allow a combined tablet and document reader to transform a regular screen into an interactive board. Sounds grand, doesn't it? It really, really is BUT our wonderful Technology Director, Diana Fitzpatrick, had to have extensive back surgery. Guess when? It was a week before all the new equipment arrived. Close your eyes and imagine it!!!I am happy to say that mostly due to her great directions and generous spitit, we are finally almost fully functional but, oh, what a journey into cyberspace it has been!
And, then there is the new web site which will be magnificent once it is launched. The creators of the site at VIM Interactive call it a "monster" because of the huge amount of information it contains. Weeks of work for administrators and Tom Rose, our Development Director, MUST be completed by this week. Wait until you see this beautiful monster of ours! It is worth the wait and the work, but it has been work none the less.
And then, of course, there is the most important matter of getting students scheduled and into classrooms and the setting up of those classrooms and back to school meetings and parent conferences. All of ultimate importance in the educational cycle.
And then, of course, there is the beginning of althletic seasons, games galore, and this weekend (already) Homecoming. All of ultimate importance to kids, parents, and for the creation of great school spirit.
And finally, to the important secret that all great teachers know. Life in a school will always be hectic and overwhelming and too busy. The secret is that despite EVRYTHING else that is going on, the needs of the students have to come first! Those lessons have to be prepared and reflect the greatest expertise and competence of the teacher. Those papers have to be graded to give timely feedback to students who are setting new patterns for the year. Conversations must happen if a student asks for help or advice.
So then, of course, blogs have to wait. Web sites have to wait. Even expensive computer equipment has to wait. The personal interaction between teacher and student always takes precedence and that is what good teachers know and act upon. Mary Rocks in our kindergarden knows the secret. Donna Gmurek in third grade knows the secret. Cheryl Willanks in middle school knows the secret. Barb Petr, the chair of our English Department, knows the secret. Connie Flagg, our senior/senior advisor knows the secret. And, much to my delight as one of the leaders of our school, so do the other members of our faculty. I know that at Mt. Carmel, in every grade and at every level, the needs of our students come first! So, we will all have to continue to be patient regarding the other important tasks, challenges, and inititatives that appear on our "to do" lists. Our first priority must always be (and is) our children!