Thursday, June 21, 2012

My First Post On My New Blog - Let The Learning Continue

It seems like yesterday that I was introduced as the new Principal at BHS, but the reality of it is that five years have passed.  I have been doing a lot of reflecting on what has transpired over the last five years (both personally and professionally).

While five years seems like a very small amount of time, it is quite significant when I look at it with  the lens of a parent. (I have photos to prove it.)
My kids who were 1, 6, and 9 are now 6, 11, and 14. Even scarier is the fact that my oldest will be entering high school next year.

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My Three Kids In 2007 
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My Three Kids Now
Finishing my thoughts on my own kids is where my personal and professional thinking starts to collide. While five years is a short time for me at this point, it is a huge amount of time for my children (or anyone else's). The growth I have seen physically, emotionally, and intellectually has been amazing to witness. With this thought in mind, I am clearer than ever that we cannot afford to have this valuable time be wasted on meaningless activities. What my kids (and everyone else's) needs is different than what was needed in the past and it is more important than ever that we change the way we define learning in our schools.

Having said this, I am very excited to continue the discussions on learning in my new role as the Assistant Superintendent for Learning.  It is such a great time to be an educator and I couldn't be happier about the fact that I am continuing my career in Burlington.  I feel blessed to have found such a wonderfully supportive community to work in.   This is such a positive place to work as an educator thanks to the support that the town gives its schools and the wonderful students and staff that occupy our classrooms each day.  It is refreshing to be involved in daily discussions surrounding how we can improve learning environments for students and not sin our wheels with distracting discussions that take our focus away from students and learning.

So I am excited to continue my blogging at this new space, which I will use as a space to chronicle my own learning journey and also share the wonderful learning that is taking place throughout our school district. 

Here we go...



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16 comments:

  1. Congratulations to you once again!! Thank you for being such a vital influence to my teaching and to my extended studies. I'll always remember how you encouraged me to take my very first online course. I was anxious and lacked confidence in my technological abilities, yet you gave me that gentle push telling me that you knew that I would do well.You believed in me! I needed that gentle push and support. You instilled confidence in me as I was venturing out into new horizons. What a stellar leader you have been as you have led by example always accompanied by words of encouragement and support.Everything that I have learned at BHS Ed Tech Camp and through our PD sessions have been pluses for me in my studies. BHS is the envy of my online colleagues. My professor would like me to share my love of technology with his FL Dept. at his school.
    I will miss your kind and caring nature, your expertise in technology and great sense of humor. Without your leadership and direction, I would not be venturing out into challenging paths. To you, I am most grateful for this opportunity in this day and age. Your children are blessed and lucky to have you in their lives. Please continue to keep in touch with us.

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    1. Thanks for the kind words Susan. The bottom line is that I am inspired and motivated by people who are passionate about learning and providing the best possible learning environments for our students. Your passion for your job is contagious and I feel fortunate to have you as a colleague and your students are lucky to have you as their teacher!

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  2. Congratulations on your new appointment (I found you via Twitter). Your reflection on the passing of time gives me pause. I watched my first group of elementary-aged students graduate this spring; and I daily marvel at the changes in my eight month old son. Then I realize it's a matter of time before my worlds collide personally and professionally. I'm reminded that we only have one chance at a kid's "age 5" -at a student's "junior year" - at a teacher's "first class." Cheers to you, and here's to making the most of every moment.

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    1. Laura - Thanks for your comments. I like to think that I was sensitive to the needs of students prior to having my own children, but I know for sure that becoming a parent has heightened my awareness that we need to change the way we do things in schools to ensure that our kids have a relevant educational experience.

      The bar is raised when we start asking ourselves - is this the type of classroom or school that I would want my own children to be in?

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  3. Congratulations, Patrick on your new journey. You will bring such a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the role. I look forward to watching you lead and learn in your new position!

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  4. Patrick, congrats again on your new role. You will continue to be a phenomenal presence in Burlington. I'm so excited to learn more about your new endeavors!

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    1. Lyn - Thanks for your ongoing leadership, support, and friendship!

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  5. Congratulations on your new position as Assistant Superintendent for Learning. I look forward to continuing to share information and experiences as Holliston and Burlington (and many other communities) forge new ground. It's a GREAT time to be an educational leader.

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    1. Thanks Brad! I am so excited about some of the partnerships that we are beginning to forge in our state and beyond.

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  6. From Connected Principals to Connected Superintendent - Wow-Cant wait to learn from you and share your leadership with the rest of the world. Congrats Patrick and best of luck! The BSD learning community (and all of us) are very lucky to have your skill set.

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    1. Thanks Joe! One of my priorities is getting more parents connected to talk about where our schools should be headed. I am hoping that #PTChat will be a valuable resource for them.

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  7. Congrats, I look forward to learning with you as you move into this new career.

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  8. How exciting for you! And for me too as I continue to learn from such a dedicated, skilled, and connected leader. Best wishes in your new role, and I know you will continue to serve your community and beyond well.

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  9. I figured you would have this up and running soon! A very appropriate first post, and one that I certainly resonate with on lots of levels. I look forward to more conversations, both in person and digitally, to come! Now please go on vacation for a bit! :)

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  10. Patrick -
    Congratulations on your new position as Assistant Superintendent for Learning! I attended the Massachusetts Digital Publication Collaborative at Burlington this week. Your school not only understands the importance of 21st Century skills, they model it! I am looking forward to watching you in your new role. Thanks for all you do and for sharing your school with the rest of us! - Mary

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