As I sit here and try to type this monday memo - I feel a bit like a hypocrite with my message being about "finishing strong". Strong is something I do not feel right now.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory the pain I am currently experiencing is pain I have never endured. In my entire career in education, I am not sure I have ever missed two consecutive days.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory but, I knew our kids were in great hands as I rest to recover. I am still keeping fingers crossed I feel better tomorrow.

Enough about me...And back to the message of our monday memo.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory the more I reflected on our theme "going for gold"; the more I realized our staff understands the true meaning behind this phrase.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory in my opinion, "going for gold" - means determination to help our students achieve personal bests. We are so determined that nothing becomes a permanent barrier in our quest to help all students find their "gold".Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory instead of making excuses - this staff works together to create paths of success for our students. We may get frustrated, feel disappointment, and some may even experience sadness as a result of students not following our lead, but I have never observed our staff completely give up.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory yes, we all have our days, but there is something about this staff that inspire all of you to get back up and do whatever it takes for kids.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory I must admit "it" is contagious!

Without a doubt this staff has been through incredibly tough times, from losing a parent, to infertility, to marital issues, to injuries, to health problems, and even losing a student.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory yet, despite these life altering events, you still find a way to open your heart to your students. Although our "gold" might not be the highest student achievement marks, I am not sure many schools could compete with our staff when it comes to building student relationships.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory

Our staff has made getting to know each student a priority. We have come together as a school to build a school community where all students feel accepted and loved.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory in doing this, we have become more vulnerable to each other and our students. We have become more emotionally invested in our quest to make all students know they have a champion who will be there rooting them on until the end!Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory

As a leader I have failed to recognize how emotionally and physically draining this can be on all of us. This journey we are on is so similar to a marathon - and I will be honest - I have always been more of a sprinter - than a long distance runner.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory however, as we approach the end of school year, I know I wouldn't want to be finishing this race with any other staff. All of you have what it takes to "go for gold".Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory we have been training hard all year for our grand finish. Our mountainous hill, this final stretch in may, is in front of us. What will we do?Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory will we walk and convince ourselves that average performance/effort is acceptable? Will we find blame in our students and ourselves and give a lackluster finish?Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory will we underestimate ourselves and students and not expect greatness? Or will we lean in, turn the music up, push harder than we ever thought we could, and focus our thinking so we can end with our personal best, and most importantly help our kids achieve "GOLD".Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory

Instead of counting every moment till you’re done, choose to enjoy these last days you have with this group of students. Soon school will be over and you’ll be relaxing.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory but this opportunity – your time with these students – will be done. So choose to enjoy these days while you have them and to view them as a gift.Albert bandura social cognitive learning theory this one mental decision will impact everything else you do.