I took Thanksgiving week off for a well deserved rest. Survived the School Support Team (SST) review well. The team presented preliminary results that centered around two themes: prioritizing and structuring for success. I can agree with both since I have been hammering the prioritizing goals and working on a few whenever I have the opportunity. They cited many positives, especially around the dedication and professionalism of the staff. That worked for me as well.

The formal roll out of their recommendations will be December 10. Students will not have school and we will all face the music in the morning and work on the tune in the afternoon. Should be an interesting experience. However, I remember a reputed Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times."

Prior to that, we will receive the feedback from the highly paid consultant who has already sent her recommendations to the administration. I have been asked to help design a survey tomorrow to collect responses to some of the recommendations she has made. And I thought I'd have a week to rest up.

That Chinese curse had two other parts: "May you come to the attention to those in authority" and "May you find what you are looking for." Apparently R5 is in this process because we came to the attention of the authorities. All that remains is that we find what we are looking for.

A retired principal has returned to volunteer. I admire Lee Searcy a great deal and view him as a mentor. He made some observations about the school that reflect the initial themes from the SST. I look forward to talking with him at some point once I get a break. I suspect that this will be during the week of the 17th of December when my sole duty will be to act as Santa Claus during the Holiday event.

The Colorado Department of Education Staff Support Team (SST) completed its review today and gave a brief overview of its findings. We received commendations for our level of commitment to teaching and our students. We have a high level of professionalism and we are a welcoming bunch, open to suggestions.

Their recommendations will have two themes: narrowing our focus and planning for student success. I think I would have arrived at these conclusions as it is. I have been using simplify as a mantra for a few days, so it's great to see an outside source see the same thing.

Our anxiety level has taken a step down, so that's good news. The big rollout will be on December 10th when we will receive a detailed view of their changes. More to come I'm sure.

The fundraiser is tomorrow, so on top of this work load, we have all the arrangements for the sale to handle too. I'm whipped. Time for bed.

Consultants are back this week, and the clarity they have coaxed out of administration has had a positive impact. Setting up clear lines of responsibility after studying transformational leadership has been a boost to productivity and focus.

My angst after the negative feedback from the in-service has passed. After meeting with the CTE consultant, we have established a plan that will enable us to use the group work productively and improve the curriculum as a team. Input from everyone will develop buy-in from the staff.

Heading into a 500 hour yoga teacher training this weekend. The physical, spiritual, and emotional challenge of this course will take my mind off the issues around the school. A clear head on Monday will be a great relief.