Principles of Principals

Yesterday we had a fight in the cafeteria.  7th graders.  I use the word typical in the sense that these things can happen in a school setting.  At my school, in all honesty, we've had 3 fights in three years, so this was an atypical occasion. Atypical has so many layers.  A boy was verbally harassing a girl.  She'd had enough, so she took matters into her own fists.  They're both African Refugees, familiar with the consequences of hatred, violence, fear, and malice. Our entire First Grade saw the fight.  "Why does this have to happen Dr. Sharp?"  "Why wouldn't that boy leave her alone?"  "What is going to happen to them?" were just some of the questions. Typical disciplinary action calls for immediate suspension, depending on district policy and number of previous offenses. This was not a typical situation. Today Seraphine visited each 1st Grade classroom and taught a 10 minute lesson on two of our school's CHOICES (Choosin

Welcome to our family.  The joy you bring everyone is indescribable.  Having just come from Heavenly Father, I have to ask you...how's Grandpa Glen?  What does Heaven smell like?  What's the best book in Heaven?  Best food?  I know that sounds silly, but I have those questions   because you're here.  You remind me that Heaven is a real place. I'm glad you chose to come.  I'm learning how much better I want to be.  For you.  For our family. This world is a mix of wonder, joy, and a fair measure of pain and sorrow.  I want to protect you from that.  To keep you safe.  To shelter you.  But I can't. It would be unfair.  It's not part of the plan.  So...I pledge that I will do all in my power to serve you, to teach you and show you all that I can. You have amazing parents.  Your father, my son, is a worthy priesthood holder.  The spirit resides with him - he is worthy to go to the temple with your mother, whom I also love so much.  She made great sacrifi

Recently my friend brought something to my attention that stopped me in my educational tracks - and heightened my overall awareness to new levels.  I've always fancied myself a conscientious educator, but let me ask you a question, how well are we serving the needs of children who's parents are on deployment? After over two decades of service, I felt a dear friend of mine is qualified to answer so I asked her to be a guest on my blog and share her thoughts.  I'm thankful she agreed. "The military children of today are dealing with so many uncertainties....beginning with unscheduled deployments. Generally a sailor will begin a "work-up" cycle before deploying...meaning training out to sea for short periods of ...during this time...the children learn to adjust without the parent.  The remaining parent also learns to balance household/parenting/work without the help of the other parent. It becomes a crazy balancing act....and my husband and I jok