First Week of School

So, I've almost survived the first week of school, and I figured that exhaustion might fuel creativity - or delirium, not sure which. Needless to say, I am super excited about the new school year, and I am immediately reinvigorated when I think about the possibilities that a new school year brings. One possibility is that I might just try to keep up with my blog. Daunting, I know, I want to at least make a better effort.
What better way to start the year than to tell you about our theme for the school year. ONE! In a nutshell, that's it, ONE! While at the Chickfila Bowl, one of the coaches shared Jon Gordon's new book, One Word That Will Change Your Life with me. I fell in love with it and immediately knew I wanted to use it with my staff. After the SuperHero them we had last year, I really struggled with how I could possibly top or even equal that. Time passed and I doubted my choice of ONE!
I have an amazing former parent who walked into my office one day and handed me a children's book. She said, "This should be your theme for next year!" I told her that I already had an idea but I would look at it. I took the book - ONE, by Kathryn Otoshi. It was God saying, "I told you! Listen!"
I just laughed.
As the summer progressed, the theme evolved. Of course, every great event (and I absolutely think school is like the biggest event of the year!) has a t-shirt. I think our school t-shirt this year really explains it all.

OneLife: we only have OneLife. Live it to the fullest and take care of yourself. Make good choices that will open amazing doors.
OneTeam: together we can accomplish anything. We have an amazing group of students and teachers and together, we know that we can take on any task. United as OneTeam, our potential is limitless.
OneVoice: there are times when we have to take the difficult stand and be the One to say, "no" or "stop." Even OneVoice can make a difference.
All in all, it's about OneWord: a word that personifies everything we want this school year to be. Gordon, along with co-authors Dan Britton and Jimmy Page, say "One Word can create clarity, power, passion and life-change."

Ephesians 2:10 says that we are God's masterpiece, created for good works. Wow! That's my word, Masterpiece. I have the amazing opportunity to work with little pieces of God's handiwork, masterpieces, everyday - in teachers and students! And, my mission is to create, every day, a masterpiece for my students and staff. Afterall, a masterpiece is unique, exciting work of art, and school is definitely unique and to me, it's a work of art - personalities, strengths, and struggles all flowing together to make perfection. That's a masterpiece. Also, I hope that every one of my students will realize what a masterpiece he or she really is!

I hope to reflect more on my word this year, and I hope I will have the chance to share how ONE evolves. Regardless, I have no doubt that this will be an exciting and amazing year - a Masterpiece!
One Word Website  

Here I am in my new
What Your One? t-shirt!