The first week of October is here and we are still focused on community.  A group of student leaders have been reviewing the collective work of forming building-wide norms and agreements.  Soon we will commit to these norms and they will be posted throughout our building.  Our teacher leaders continued working on forming goals in smaller professional learning communities (PLC).  Our work is a compilation of year-long goals as well as goals tied to shorter-term data cycles.  I was both impressed and excited about the work ahead of us.

I had the opportunity to represent St. Louis Park at two meetings this week that connetcted SLP to a larger metro-area community.  On Tuesday I met with principals and district leaders to discuss our preparations for the year.  This Courageous Leadership Institute is hosted by the University of Minnesota-Mankato (Edina campus).  Our group has committed to ensuring that learning is accessible for all of our students.  I am very thankful for the collective work we do to better serve our students and communities.  Yesterday I met with Metro West Conference principals as we discussed events and happenings so far this year.  I was very proud of the performances of our athletes and musicians so far this year.  I look forward to future performances and student work that will be on display at future conference events.

Last but but not least I am looking forward to more work that extends outside the walls of our High School.  Tomorrow we will have a professional development day and the focus will be grade 6-12 collaboration.  There is never sufficient time to connect in a meaningful way with our Middle School colleagues so we value our time together greatly.  Thank you to the our district leaders and families for making space for collaboration time tomorrow.