Two weeks and counting...

On July 1, 2013, I will become the next principal of Sauk Prairie High School. Transitions are tough for all of us. And there is a very good reason for them to be difficult. Every change, for most of us, triggers a grief response similar to what we feel when someone we know dies. (Cheery thought, huh?)

Usually, when we confront change, we don't know exactly why we are so forcefully holding on to whatever we don't want to let go. We often tell ourselves all kinds of stories about why we don't need to move on. But what we fear the most is what is going to change about ourselves. Every time we change, we let go of our former selves and embrace a new us. That's can be scary, especially if former changes affected us in ways we don't really like all that much. It makes it even harder the next time to embrace change.

Those of us who are best at change, have usually had good experiences with change in the past. Luckily, I am one of those people. I even approach birthdays with the following attitude: "I wasn't all that proud of who I was in my teens and early twenties. After about 22, it seems to me that I have become a better person with each passing year. That means that next year, I'll be a better person than I was last year. Can't wait." Though I'll admit, since I turn 40 in August, my resolve on that is wavering ever so slightly. :)

This will be my 5th transition as an educator and my 2nd time taking over as a building principal. Because of that, I am confident that we are going to make it through the transition and into the school year with no problem. I expect some turbulence as we get to know each other. I am sure that I have ways of doing things that will need to be modified to fit the culture of SPHS. But I am also confident that I'll have some ideas to take things we are already doing and make them even better...with your help. I look forward, as I hope you do, to the challenge!

Before I formally assume the role, though, I want to take a minute to personally thank Mr. Grinde. He has been instrumental to me in learning the history of the building and the status of all improvement initiatives. He has been generous with his time, his space, and his expertise. I am humbled by his graciousness and by his commitment to wanting to see the best for Sauk Prairie, even as he moves on to the next chapter in his life. Speaking from experience, this is not always the way principal transitions go, and I cannot stress enough how many months ahead of schedule I feel as a result. 

I have also had dozens of conversations with Ms. Colby, Mr. Been, Ms. Genthe, Mr. Wright, and Dr. Thompson. Each of them, in their own way, has gone above and and beyond in welcoming me, educating me, and guiding me in the crucial next steps to get ready to take the helm of SPHS. I look forward to years of working closely together with this team and with all of the other teammates I will begin getting to know soon. 

July 1, you'll find me in the office, working hard to make Sauk Prairie High School better tomorrow than it was today. I'll be doing the same thing on July 2nd. Can't wait!!