One of the most wonderful things I get to do in this job is visit schools.  Geez, I wish everyone could do that!  As a classroom teacher, it seems like you get locked away from the outside word sometimes.  In my short time in this job, I have collected so many terrific ideas about everything from delivering curriculum to decorating a bulletin board.  I’ve seen organizational strategies and classroom set-ups that I never would have thought up myself.  We have tremendous talent in this district.

Last year I made it my goal to visit every school site.  By October, I had accomplished that feat, and talked to many, many, MANY teachers….but Dr. Cash has also taken on the challenge and upped the ante…he wants to visit every classroom.  Thank goodness he invited me along for the fun!

I’m having a great time visiting the schools with him.  So far, we’ve been to Sierra Vista, Gettysburg, Weldon, Nelson, Clovis Elem, Lincoln and TK.  He is blogging about his adventures.  You should check it out.  You can find his blog on the District Website, or just follow this link. 

I think I’m freaking our new superintendent out a little bit.  That’s because at every school site we’ve been to so far, there is a special connection for me there.  No kidding.  Every single one.  Want proof?  Here are just a few examples:

  • Mr. Poduska at Gettysburg was a friend of my uncle’s in high school.  I’ve known him since I was a tiny toddler.
  • Mrs. Enriquez, an instructional aide/lunch monitor at Clovis Elem, has been my best friend since we were in 6th grade.
  • Mr.  Fulton at Nelson worked with my husband before becoming a teacher.  He needed ‘hours’ of experience in a classroom for a college course, and volunteered in my class at Red Bank.
  • If it hadn’t been for Mrs. Reese at TK (and her daughters) I might not ever have become ‘Mrs. Slater’.  They loaned me a prom dress for my first prom.

I could go on, but you get the idea. 

I know this isn’t unique.  We are all connected throughout this district. That is just another thing about our district that is so special.  Even though we are a district of over 5000 employees and 37000 students, Clovis Unified is still one family. (Sometimes, it’s REAL family…Mrs. Guest, the Categorical Secretary at Sierra Vista is my mom.) The bonds are strong; whether bonds of true friendship, or actual family, they are truly bonds of trust.  

That makes this a special place to be.

—-LisaMarie