Many of you have been faithful readers of my weekly blog on YouCantMakeItUpEducation.com, and I’m beyond grateful for your interest. This blog began as a place to share those moments in education when we all shake our heads and say, “You can’t make it up!” Sometimes, it’s laugh-out-loud ridiculous. Sometimes, it’s dangerously absurd. And sometimes, […]
You Can’t Make It Up – Year-End Thank You and A Call To Action Read More »
Art projects pop up everywhere during the holidays as children enjoy creating masterpieces to celebrate the season. But on one particular day, a tiny craft item led to a major discovery—and a much safer winter break for four children. It all started with a seemingly routine event: registering a new family in our school. The
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… Right to a Meth Lab Read More »
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend! In the spirit of gratitude and turkey-stuffed memories, today’s You Can’t Make It Up moment takes us back to my early days as an elementary principal. It’s one of those sweet memories that warms your heart—while simultaneously making you shake your head and say, “You Can’t Make It Up!” The Thanksgiving Forecast
Operation Turken Trot (Yes, Turken!) Read More »
Starting a new job is always a rollercoaster of excitement and nerves, but nothing could have prepared one of my newest colleagues and me for our first and very memorable interaction! Getting to Know You My initial mission seemed simple—on paper, at least: visit schools, get to know the district, and prepare to hire someone
The Briefcase Bombshell Read More »
We’ve just weathered a major election season, which for many school districts also means the election of school board members. This week, a reader shares a You Can’t Make It Up moment as she welcomes a new board member! The election results were in, and in customary fashion, the superintendent reached out to the newly
You Can’t Make It Up: Welcome to the School Board! Read More »
One of my favorite songs from back in the day is Lionel Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Honestly, that was the only explanation for finding a prom dress on the school roof. Yep, you read that right. You Can’t Make It Up! It was late fall, and our custodian was making his usual trip up
Lost and Found…On the Roof? School Mysteries You Can’t Make Up! Read More »
There’s nothing quite like taking school board members on a field trip to witness the magic happening in our classrooms. It’s one thing to hear about all the groundbreaking programs we’re running, but it’s a whole other experience to see them in action. Especially when those “actions” include very lifelike healthcare simulations—think white coats, beeping
When School Board Tours Get a Little Too Real Read More »
I love football season—when the smell of fresh-cut grass and crisp fall air mingles with the roar of the crowd. It’s a magical time, isn’t it? Friday Night Lights, cheering fans, the band playing fight songs, and… surprise mascots? This particular Friday night was shaping up to be flawless. The bleachers were buzzing with excitement,
Football Season – Penalty! Too Many Mascots on the Field Read More »
It was the end of a pretty typical day in elementary school when I got a call from Ms. Dawson’s second-grade classroom. You know the one—half whisper, half plea for backup: “Uh, we’ve got a… situation.” As a school principal, I was no stranger to second-grade drama, so I expected the usual—a minor injury or
Financing Friendship: Real World Math In Second Grade Read More »
As educators, we’re no strangers to moments that make us shake our heads in disbelief—those stories that no one outside the school building would ever believe. These are the “You Can’t Make It Up” moments, the ones that leave you asking, “Is this really happening right now?” Whether it’s the nonstop chaos or the small
Processing “You Can’t Make It Up”:10 Questions to Save Your Sanity Read More »
