Let's Celebrate Taking Risks!

It's time to CELEBRATE This Week with Ruth Ayres from Discover. Play. Build.  Every week Ruth invites us to share our celebrations from the week and link up at her blog. What a fun way to reflect on everything there is to be thankful for. 

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This week I'm celebrating taking risks!

*throws confetti*

The end of the school year in my district is on Monday. Students' last day was Friday and we have a make-up institute day on Monday because of a snow day on our institute day in January. This year is different for me because this is the first summer that I'm officially a 12 month employee and therefore don't have a traditional summer of like I did as a teacher. It's a little strange but I'm not complaining. I'll still have lots of summer fun to enjoy!

I have three friends who work with me in my district and will be changing positions next year. I'm so happy and excited for each of them. I've talked with each of them about the challenges going into their new positions and what they might do to help themselves stay positive, strong and motivated in order to take care of themselves in the midst of these challenges. I'm looking forward to checking in with them throughout the year, sending words of encouragement, and celebrating the many successes they are going to have. 

This time of year, I always find myself in reflection mode, thinking about what worked or what I'm proud of this school year, what was frustrating or challenged me this school year, and what changes I can make going forward to be better in the year to come. All year, I've reminded myself that even when I feel overwhelmed by the work I'm doing, I'm still making an impact. I've had to tell myself again and again that I'm a work in progress as much as everything else and that I have to be patient and be confident that we are moving in the right direction. 

So today's celebration is to my friends Reyna, Andrea and Gina. One is going back to a 5th grade classroom after being in a teacher leader role outside of the classroom for several years. One is going to be an elementary school principal after working as a coordinator at the district level. One is going to be a middle school principal after working as a coordinator at the district level. Each of these ladies is an inspiration to me. They are strong, caring, passionate, brave women who I am so lucky to know. Since I have known each of them, they have believed in me and impacted my life in so many ways. I admire their courage to take on these new positions, to follow their hearts, to make a difference in the lives of students in our district. And I believe they are going to continue to do great things. 

What are you celebrating this week?

Are any of you taking on a new role next school year? Or is there someone in your life who has inspired you that you would like to celebrate. I would love to hear about it!