Sunday, June 1, 2014

Closing One Chapter and Beginning the Next

Each year we tell our 8th grade class that they are closing one chapter of their lives and moving on to the next. We encourage them to remember their middle school years fondly, and to take with them the knowledge and skills they have built during their time at Crystal.

I'm in a unique position this year as I too am closing a chapter of my life and moving on to the next. I can say that I am moving on to high school with our promoting class of 2014. The four years I have spent at Crystal Middle School have been priceless. The relationships I have built with each and every staff member have left and indelible mark. Each one of you has helped to make me a better administrator. Each one of you will never be forgotten.

Remember that Crystal Middle School has always prided itself on being a family. Family members move on in their lives but they are always and forever connected by the bonds that have been built over time. Continue to reflect on who each of you are as an educator and how you will continue to grow. No matter who stands at the helm of Crystal Middle School, the teachers and the support staff make Crystal what it is. The collaboration and communication between each and every staff member makes it work like a well oiled machine. Who would of thought four years ago that we would have the pleasure of hosting the State Superintendent of Education? Who would of of thought four years ago that we would allow the students to design an entire day of learning? Who would of thought four years ago that technology would be such an integral part of every classroom setting at Crystal? That IS the reality of Crystal Middle School!!

I am extremely confident that each of you will continue to grow in your professional capacity and blow others out of the water. I can't wait to see what is to come for Crystal. I will always hold a place in my heart for the Crystal Family. I will never forget what you have done for the thousands of kids that have had the pleasure of attending Crystal. You have changed their lives. You have given them the academic skills and the social strength to be whoever they want to be. You have instilled in the minds of every Crystal student that they can make college a reality. Continue to innovate and be out of the box thinkers. Don't ever compromise your true beliefs. Keep on the path of improving your instructional approaches so that you can capture the hearts and the minds of every student that walks through your door.

Thank you for allowing me to lead you these last three years. It has been an incredible journey and one that I will never forget.

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I would like to thank Tammy Collin for being relentless and convincing me to participate in a trail race on Saturday. It was a great experience!!! Tammy Collin, Tia McCormick,  Melissa Apostolos, and student Zach Wahid were among those that participated in the Nitro Trail Race at Point Pinole on Saturday. I look forward to continuing to enter more races with Tammy and the Brazen Crew.


8th Grader, Zach Wahid, running in the half marathon. Zach came in 4th overall!!!

Tammy Collin and her dog "Stell" kicking butt on the course!!

Melissa and Tia running in the 10K.

Tammy checking people in before the start of the race.

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Thank you Lisa Lewis and Shannon Balthazor for creating the Crystal Dance Crew. The Dance Crew performed before school on Friday, May 30th. Many of you were also able to witness the "flash mob" that took place. Unfortunately, my Ipad had no more space and I was unable to capture the "flash mob" on video. It was a GREAT performance!!


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"Don't try to master a tool.  Figure out what you want your students to do, and then reverse engineer your plan from there." --Josh Harris, Ed Tech Specialist


Many more great things are in store for Crystal!

Continue to be innovative, creative, and a model of excellence! 


HAVE A GREAT WEEK and GREAT SUMMER!