Quality 1 - Adaptable

My favorite quote, “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.” Michael McGriff

As referenced in the book, Quincy Jones personifies adaptability. As a youth, he discovered his passion for music, trying several different instruments, finally settling on the trumpet. He was accomplished as a musician, so he soon got into arranging and composing. Later he became an executive in the music business, achieving fame and fortune as a producer. Quincy Jones has composed for television, movies and Broadway plays. Challenges and new ideas are no problem for Quincy Jones.

Characteristics of adaptable people
1. Teachable – Always open to new learning
2. Emotionally secure – Stable when challenged
3. Creative – Able to see new opportunities
4. Service-minded – Focused on others

Becoming more adaptable
1. Make a habit of learning – never to assume that you know all you need to know about anything.
2. Re-evaluate your role – make sure that you are bringing to the table what the team needs from you.
3. Think outside the lines – “How can this work?” not “This can’t work.” Seek “unconventional solutions” for problems you encounter.

Later this week, Quality 2 - Collaborative

The 17 Essential Qualities of Team Players by John C. Maxwell

The word teamwork is becoming more and more important to business and schools all over the world. At the same time, the word is overused to the point of being trite by well-meaning people in all fields. Dr. Maxwell’s book gives meaning and structure to the term, and helps all who seek a better understanding of the true meaning of teamwork and its application to the world. This book will help any serious seeker to become a better team player, thereby improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the whole team. Better players make better teams. In subsequent weeks, we will explore The 17 Essential Qualities of Team Players together. In the end, we will be better prepared for the transitions to come.

Today is Inauguration Day - the day we swear in our new President, Barack Obama. Regardless of our political persuasion, today's events are historic by any standard. As the first African-American President, Barack Obama's election is inspirational to many. We have no problem believing that a wealthy white man can become President. History has shown us that white men from humble beginnings can become President. Those two facts have allowed many to dream of becoming President of the United States, arguably the most difficult and important job on the planet. Now, our African-American children have proof positive that they, too can aspire to that, or any high calling. Perhaps one day, our little girls will see that day when a woman is sworn in as President, inspiring them to believe that, in America, all things are possible. Today is a day that can literally change lives in profound and positive ways. So, today, let us all celebrate this latest reminder of the vibrancy of our democracy and the goodness and promise of this great country and its great people.

Now is the Time

As we enter January and are about to begin our last semester here at Kellett, now is the time to re-focus on our goals for this year. In short, we wanted this year to be the best year ever at Kellett. We wanted better behavior and better teaching and learning for our students. We wanted better leadership. We wanted to work together to make English/language arts, math, science, and social studies better and more engaging than ever. We wanted better parent support and particpation. All of the elements are in place and functioning well: the after school program, Reading Recovery, math and ELA remediation, classroom instruction and assessment, the Parent Center, and programs too numerous to name. It's time to put it all together to accomplish Kellet's goals for the year. This is crunch time - time to really hone in on individual students and what each needs to succeed; time to prepare each student to do their best when test time comes; time to cooperate better than we ever have in the best interests of children; time to plan better, teach better, lead better, and assess better than we ever have; time to remember and honor Kellett Elementary; and time to look ahead to Blue Ridge or Northside Elementary. When June comes there will be no regrets. We will be secure in the knowledge that we kept nothing back. We did all we could do to honor Kellett and its family with our very best efforts and prepare everyone for the transition to new beginnings.