Every Child Deserves a Champion 

When I think of a champion, sports come to mind. The winner of the Super Bowl or the World Series. The National Champion in college football. The Master’s green jacket winner. These are a few of my favorites. (Sic 'em Bears!)

What characteristics do these champions all have in common?

Hard work. Dedication. Collaboration. Drive. Goal-oriented. Never give up attitude. Passionate. Positive. Gets results.

As educators, do we possess those characteristics to be a champion for students? Do we understand the power of connection and the impact we have? This year, strive to be a champion for your students.  

Jaime Shipley   Principal, Schmalz Elementary #SESconnects phone: 281-237-4500 address: 18605 Green Land Way, Houston, TX 77084 web: http://sesconnects.blogspot.com/ email: jaimesshipley@katyisd.org

Connecting with Kids As we talk about connecting the dots this year at Schmalz, connecting with students is at the top of the list. The positive relationships are key in helping students make progress. Students need to feel they are important, cared for, and heard. Students who have good relationships with their teachers will enjoy coming to school and will work hard.  They will not be afraid to make mistakes. As teachers and staff, we need to think about our words and actions to ensure we are building students up and making positive connections.

Connecting the Dots at Schmalz

Our theme for the 2015-2016 is Connecting the Dots. We are focusing on different ways to connect. We are connecting with kids by building relationships and using positive behavior supports. We are connecting with the community via social media and with partners in education. We are connecting with colleagues by being vulnerable to improve our craft to help all students make progress. We are connecting with the curriculum to collaborate and better understand the TEKS as we focus on what students are learning. As we all set are goals for the new school year, let's remember that connections are why we're here.

A Hall of Fame Teacher

As I watch the 2015 National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction, I smile as I recall fond memories of my all-time favorite baseball player, Craig Biggio. My dad raised me to love sports and understand the game, but I had a crush on this rookie in 1988. Some of the best memories were going to the last game in the Dome, the first game at Enron Field, the 2004 All Star Game at Minute Maid, and game 3 of the 2005 World Series. I have to admit that I dug through a few old boxes to find the baseball cards and pictures I had cut out of The Houston Chronicle back in the day. (This was way before social media and actually before the internet).

When I think about Craig Biggio as a player, I think of grit, drive, focus, and selflessness. Biggio played each game of the grueling season with grit and determination. He worked hard and got dirty. Blood, sweat, dirt, and pine tar always covered his uniform. He would run hard and turn singles into doubles. He was hit by a few (or 285) pitches during his career as he stood at the plate fearlessly. He had the drive to learn different positions to do what was best for the organization. And he didn't just play catcher, second base, and outfield, he was an all-star and Gold Glove winner in two of the three positions. Though the season can be long with stretches away from family, Biggio kept the main thing the main thing. Lastly, Biggio remained an Astro his entire 20 year MLB career. You don't find that loyalty in professional sports.

I say all of this because Biggio is an example for how good teachers become great. Teach with grit and determination. Keep the main thing the main thing, which is kids first. Be flexible, and sometimes that means doing what is best for the team. Great teachers work hard. Sometimes the work is dirty, but the rewards in the end are like winning the world series when students are successful. Great teachers leave a Hall of Fame legacy when they make a difference in a child’s life.