I was chatting with a principal who’s opening a new school this fall. He was in the middle of shopping for school picture vendors, and suddenly, I had a flashback to the year I had an entire building full of little angels—at least in pictures! Picture Day! Every child gets excited for school picture day. […]
My Little Angels – A School Picture Day Miracle! Read More »
Most You Can’t Make It Up! moments involve some level of humor. But sometimes, there are those moments that are just as unexpected—just without the punchline. That was certainly the case when I recently met a colleague from another state facing the unthinkable: closing multiple schools next year. Not just one or two. TEN. SCHOOLS.
The Hardest “You Can’t Make It Up” Moments: Closing Schools Read More »
It is cold in the Midwest! This morning, as I bundled up to walk my dog, my phone informed me it was 5 degrees. FIVE. Naturally, this is the time of year when any break in the calendar has people dreaming of beaches, sunshine, and escaping frostbite. Such was the case when I was a
Cruise Ships and Guilt Trips: When Rules Take A Vacation Read More »
It’s that time of year when love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches—or Valentimes Day if you’re in first grade. We all remember that moment when we realized it’s actually an “n,” don’t we? Typically, Valentine’s Day makes everyone feel just a little sweeter and more loving, but that was not the case
Have A Heart – It’s Just a Cookie Read More »
What do you do when the needs of one child threaten the safety and learning of an entire classroom? This is the impossible question educators wrestle with every day. Should they send the child home, knowing they may face neglect or reinforcement of negative behaviors? Or should they keep them in school, providing the interventions
Sending Them Home or Staying at School – Part 2 Read More »
The holiday season is perfect for catching up with old friends, swapping stories, and even stealing a quiet moment away from the holiday chaos. Over the break, I had the chance to sit down with a friend who’s an experienced elementary school principal. As we chatted, she mentioned she’d read my recent article, When Did
You Can’t Make It Up: Extreme Behaviors – Part 1 In a Series Read More »
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 »
