The Superintendent Scoop #17
March 23rd, 2025
Spring into Spring
Dear School Community,
As we approach spring break, I want to invite you to take a moment to recharge and focus on self-renewal. In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Dr. Stephen Covey tells the story of a woodcutter who is so busy cutting trees that he forgets to sharpen his saw. This results in slower progress and more frustration—he’s caught in a never-ending cycle. Dr. Covey reminds us of the importance of taking time to sharpen our metaphorical saw, highlighting that our greatest asset is ourselves, and that balance and ongoing renewal are essential.
Similarly, President John F. Kennedy encouraged Americans to lead vigorous lives, where intellectual growth and physical activity go hand in hand, fostering the qualities of spirit and excellence we aspire to as individuals and as a nation.
This spring break, I hope you take the time to "sharpen your saw" by engaging in restful and restorative activities that nourish both your mind and body. By giving time to yourself, you'll find that you'll have more to give to others. Have a rejuvenating and active spring break!
For kids,
Matt Ellis
A Service Mentality in Education - Helping Others Be Successful!
A service mentality is essential in education, as it emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and a focus on helping others. In educational settings, it’s easy to fall into the trap of the blame game. Shifting our mindset to consider how we can assist rather than criticize often leads to better solutions.
Many of us enter the field of education for different reasons—whether it’s a passion for teaching a particular subject, coaching, or, most importantly, helping students succeed. Regardless of our initial motivations, our core mission is to serve and support students in their growth. By reflecting on who we serve and how we serve them, we can bring the focus back to what truly matters: the students.
Every family hopes for their children to surpass them in life, and through a service-oriented approach, we can help make that a reality. Embracing a service mentality in education allows us to create an environment where students thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
MOVING A BOULDER 💪
As our system shifts from a focus on teaching to one on learning, we've come to realize that it will take all of us working together to get students where they need to be. Historically, systems have struggled to bridge the gap between the Intended Curriculum (aligned with standards), the Implemented Curriculum (what a teacher actually teaches), and the Attained Curriculum (what students actually learn). By consistently prioritizing our core "boulder" standards and committing to ensuring students learn what they need to, we are able to assess progress formatively and identify where additional time and support are needed.
What Works in Schools: Translating Research Into Action
Marzano 2003
