What's in Store for 2017

Happy New Year!  As you say goodbye to 2016 and reflect on the challenges, celebrations, and achievements; 2017 brings a new beginning. An opportunity to start fresh, revise or set new goals (resolutions if you want) and restore hope for the new year!  Success in achieving goals, health, happiness, and ability to overcome challenges, is dependent on our own actions.  A positive attitude, taking actions that get us one step closer to desired outcomes, and surrounding ourselves with those with similar aspirations will ensure success!  Check out how to make it happen!

What does leadership and the new year have in common?  The video talks about being a "reflective learner" and the attributes of successful change such as setting small goals, maintaining a growth mindset, self-monitoring and planning.  The success of our students is dependent on our ability to be effective and make decisions that in their best interest and aligned to their needs.  That means, we must be willing to change (since that is a constant in our lives), adjust, plan and reflect and take actions that achieve our desired outcomes.

Check out this video Success in the New Economy to better understand what our students need in order to be prepared for their future.

A new year also brings a new President.  New leadership in the White House will have a direct impact on public education.  Stay tuned as to who President-Elect Donald Trump designates as the education secretary, next steps in the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) regulations, and K-12 education policy proposals. We must keep our focus on our future, our students!
 Some helpful resources:
ESSA Nebraska
NCLB/ESSA Comparison Chart
U.S. Department of Education

In conclusion, I'm so blessed and thankful to be a part of Grand Island Public Schools. The possibilities for our schools are exciting and because we are "Better Together", our students will truly benefit and be prepared for the future!  Best wishes for an productive and happy 2017!