Disappointed in the Pointer

"Disappointing!" It is word that paints the picture of heartache.  My 2012 Olympic experience has been filled with this description by commentators every night on national TV.  These words have been directed toward the US Men's gymnastic team, Michael Phelps, Jordyn Wieber, and even the debate over whether the US Basketball team is better than the "Dream Team of 1990's!"  Crazy!  I am in awe of the significant skills and talent of even the most average performance by those mentioned.  The only disappointment comes in themselves for not performing at a level of excellence they have grown to exhibit.   I thought about the milliseconds that separate a gold medal time from a fourth place finish.  The highest caliber of performers take the stage in sports that a minute fraction of our country participate in. That is precisely why we are glued to our televisions each night for two weeks.
 Why is that?  From my own perspective, the training and skill level far exceed the sacrifice I am willing to make.  Most of these athletes have been steadily competing at their sport since they were in Preschool.  Someone along the way said, "this kid could do this!"  They got a nudge and a chance to strut their stuff.  I am glued to the tv because I am amazed at the pure talent showcased in these games.  I trust Michael Phelps will get some bling and Jordyn will bounce back from the childish display of her "disappointment."  Congratulations to all the competitors.May you all continue to shine as the other 99% of the world picks their chins off the floor as they view one stellar performance after another!

Creeping into the 21st Century

Yesterday I arranged for two of our staff members to attend a product demo of Smartboards at our local tech rep in town.  They weren't expecting our scheduled appointment but quickly rose to the occasion with educational instructors downloading the latest ed support into the three of us.  It was exciting to hear my teachers almost immediately talk about how the applications could be used in their classrooms. They could have been their all day if not for other commitments on our agenda. The "WOW Factor" was huge! Technology opens up possibilities that you never imagined existed.  Suddenly, that site with created lessons creates a new sense of connections with others that actually are sharing and collaborating their ideas.   By the end of day we made our first purchases into expanding our classrooms.  I am hoping that on August 1, there will be greater excitement when the other staff first preview this "new" instructional tool.  Step 1 in a series of decisions that will make a difference in the lives of our students and teachers.  More to come!

New Beginnings

I'm here!  Beautiful Bakersfield California!  I've offically been on the job as superintendent all of three days. You forget what it is like to start over after I spent 12 years as an established figure in a large organization that I helped create.  Rhonda and I are now living out of boxes, the housing opportunities are cloudy at best, and I'm trying to fill some important staffing positions while learning on the fly about the new culture and expectations.  Change.  It is a cycle that brings with it both inspiration and trepidation for the unknown. I chose some words for our year's theme from Ephesians 3:20 that state:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." 

I selfishly picked it for me :).   I am in a position that I don't yet know all the questions to ask with so much to learn.  My core team of teachers and parents are still 3 weeks away from an introduction.  My trust factor in God being able to take care of so many unknown details is growing daily.  I must have faith that God will bless me way beyond my feeble attempts to manage my own compentcy and experience.  It is a good place for me to be.