Happy New Year, Everyone! As we start this wonderful new year together, I want to share a message with you about family. In the day-to-day pressures of teaching, learning, being everything to your students, it’s important not to ever lose sight of your OWN family. My family is precious to me. These are my sons Jason and Aaron. Jason is a college Sophomore and Aaron is a senior in high school. They are growing up so fast! I enjoy our times together, but it wasn’t always easy. For 13 years I was a single Mom. During this period of my life I was a classroom teacher, project coordinator and elementary school principal.

Believe me, I know how hard it is to raise children on your own,while working full-time, or trying to run a household. But I urge you to stay strong in your commitment to family everyday. Keep your self healthy and strong. Build a support team of friends. Be present for your family. You won’t regret the time you put in to teaching and loving them, even though it can be a struggle sometimes. You will discover that Parenting is the most important job of your life!

As you continue to focus on ways to make sure that the needs of your family are at the forefront of your life, it will make you a stronger, more passionate and caring teacher in the classroom. You will be more sensitive to the needs of the families of the students that you serve. When issues arise in the lives of your students, you will have a bank of practiced “family resources” from which to draw on. Resources that are tried and true. Resources that have been implemented, like a great lesson plan. Resources that can be shared with your classroom family who one day will need them, more than you know.