Preferred Future

 
This past week our staff at SJLS had a visit from the WASC/NLSA committee on our campus.  They were made up of two public school administrators and two Lutheran school administrators.  There is always tension when you add something "big" to your normal crazy life.   Their four day presence was a blessing in the story of our school.  Our action plan has four key initiatives:

1. Develop a philosophy and educational plan for effective implmentation of technology into the instructional process.  Included is this is an effective staff development plan to sustain successful integration by staff.
2. Implement a greater variety of assessments - both formative and summative that meet the needs of the variety of learning styles in each classroom.
3. Provide for administrative time to effectively manage school growth and the instructional program of the staff.
4. Make strategic decisions regarding enrollment policies, facilities expansion and management of resources to sustain the potential growth and development of a quality learning environment for students.
Each component of this plan has additional steps that specify the objectives that will help accomplish these bigger goals. Of course, these goals provide a blueprint for change and initiative that will push us beyond a few years well into the future.

What a great list!  I am so encouraged to walk through this process and provide leadership to our community in order to make this happen.   A big impressive point is that through the visit and the reading of our report, the visiting committee did not identify any impediments to the school improvement process.  That statement is a first in all my years of walking down the accreditation process.  I am thankful for the chance to help drive the bus during this chapter in the school's history.

What's Up? Not much really!

My life as a neophyte social networker may be about done.  :)
I recently spent the past 40 days without  daily multiple feedings of Facebook.  Yup - that means I gave it up for Lent.  I usually spend those forty days prior to Easter replacing a daily habit I enjoy with time to remember what my Savior has done for me on that Good Friday.   It is getting harder to think of daily activities or habits that can be replaced.  For me, Facebook seemed the appropriate item.  Whenever I made the journey into my social world, I would replace it with prayer or Bible reading through Luke - which we are currently studying at church.  A couple observations when I considered the change

• Most of my network was very connected to my previous school and ministry.  I would find myself engaged mentally with the lives of my "former life."   I am not sure that was all a good thing for me.  I have "moved on" in more ways than one.  
• I realized that I did not miss the editorial critique, self-serving announcements or witty comments that cry out, "look at me!".

So I'm considering hanging up my FB account and spend more time in  Google+ and igoole.   There is SO much out there that is substantive in nature and edifying.    You may have already figured that out,  but I am still trying to learn my way around the world of 2.0.  In reality, I was thankful for an opportunity to swap my own self-professed need for networking with folks I may never see again with a time set to connect with my loving Father.   Thanks for Lent. Thanks for the cross.  Thanks for Easter!