The First Year to Last Year

The First to Last Year

Gratitude breeds gratitude. Gratitude is powerful. Gratitude creates climate. Gratitude creates culture. Gratitude is an icebreaker. Grateful people are happier. My first year as the principal of a middle school was challenging but that is what I expected. As I entered my seventeenth year as a middle school principal, it is shaped up to be the most challenging of all. I did not expect that. I dug deep into hard work and commitment because I knew people were grateful.

Ask yourself: Why do I do what I do? For who? For what? Are you better than that? Now, what are you going to do? Where will you find your sense of success? What’s your measure of success? Accomplishment? Never let anyone tell you, you cannot accomplish something. What do want your legacy to be? What’s your measure of character? I don’t know but you do! Wake up, people! Rise! No one owes you anything.

“The only people to get even with are those that have helped you.”

My first year as principal, I created a file called “Nice Thoughts.” It evolved into “Great News.” This became a collection of thank you notes, letters, emails, and success stories. Each year, I reflect back on some of the stories that molded the last ten months. This past month, I started to compile the best stories that keep me coming back each day. Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

I never expected to remain a principal for so long. That is either good or bad depending on who you talk to (lol). Something kept happening: gratitude. I didn’t want to let people down, and I think they did not want to let me down. Most importantly, we did not want to let the students down. I always thought- one more year we can do this or that and become “no box” thinkers and educators and do things differently and create a place where people wanted to come.

Doing what you want to do does not necessarily mean that you cannot do what you have to do. What do you like about you? What do you not like about you?

During my amazing journey as principal. I meant some incredible people called educators. The year before my principal journey started, the Renaissance process and Larry Biddle were introduced to me. We took it and ran a marathon. A lot of what I discovered through a network of innovators is called common sense.
I collected over a hundred pages of gratitude that was sparked by the Jostens Renaissance process. Here are a few excerpts from my first and last years as principal.

This is what kept me coming back:

Year One

December 2, 1999

Dear Frank,

I just wanted to thank you for the role you played yesterday in introducing me as “Staffulty of the Month.” No one could have been more surprised than I was! I felt honored enough when you put the short note in my mailbox that told me I had been nominated. That was shocker in itself…. But the real thing-WOW!

I think the pleasure I feel with my new title (with my new title!) is proof enough Renaissance will be a big success. We have you to thank for that! You sure have turned things around for the positive in the short amount of time you’ve been with us. You have my vote for Principal of the Year! Don’t go thinking though, that that gives you an edge on the 50-50 drawing!

Please pass my appreciation to the Renaissance selection committee, and thank you again.

Sincerely,

Carleen

P.S.

I look forward to taking advantage of my new prime parking spot!

Written on a brown paper bag:

Thank you for all your hard work. I look forward to coming to work these days.

June 22, 2000

Thanks for the nice introduction to the school and all its offerings. As a “new” Belhaven parent. I can definitely say I look forward to the Belhaven experience and I have a good feeling that the experience will definitely have a profound effect on our son. You have a super school and a great “product.” Thanks for all that you do and for your enthusiastic representation as principal.

In a thank you card:

Mr. Runesky,

Sorry of I spelled your name wrong. I will miss you so much when I move. You have been a great principle. Good luck to your future years. (I didn’t change the spelling. )

“June 28, 2000

F.R.

Hope you are enjoying your summer. .. as my guess is, no one else is going to let you know. At the BOE meeting on Tuesday, Rick gave out the Student of the Month Awards. He did a good job. A board member said a few nice words and then the parents and kids left. It was a shame they didn’t stick around until later in the meeting as the superintendent was mentioning a few things and among them that the staff had named you “staffulty” of the month.  And that you were very touched by it...Congrats to you! But what you didn’t hear and probably won’t hear are the glowing comments that the superintendent had to say about the Renaissance program. He said it has made a big difference in just one year and how well the program has taken off and everyone responded to it in such a positive manner, etc. and that you are doing a great job oh yeah and also that he has gotten much positive feedback from parents and staff. Thought you might like to hear some good news!!!!

Happy summer!!”

Sue

Hand written note:

“Dear Frank,

I just wanted to let you know how glad I am that you came to our school this year. You have made such a difference in the morale of the staff and students. Belhaven is such a much more fun place to be!

I’d also like to thank you for all your support this year, especially how understanding you were about my need to attend important functions at my children’s schools. I really appreciate it!...Thanks again and have a relaxing summer with your family.

Sincerely,”

My final year as principal:

“Dr. R.,

Words cannot express how much you meant to our sons, Stephen and especially Sam. We had selfishly hoped you would stay another year, but realize that you cannot keep a Jedi locked on a tiny, unknown planet when there is an entire universe waiting to be explored. We will always remember our first impression of you teaching us the single clap during our parent orientation at Belhaven and your presence on the court of the Blue and Gold Basketball Game. We wish you continued success and the best of everything to you and your family.

Sincerely,”

“We are here today to say goodbye to our principal, Dr. Rudnesky and wish him the best. We are sad that Dr. R. is leaving, but we want him to know that we’ll never forget everything he’s done for Belhaven. Dr. R. is more than just a principal. He is a role model and leader who has made a difference in many of our lives. It’s almost impossible to describe Dr. R. because he is so many things to so many people. Words like motivation, kindness, enthusiasm, commitment, integrity, service, and dedication are just a few of the terms we can use to describe Dr. R. On a more personal mote, I remember when Dr. Rudnesky wanted to invite a very good friend of mine who is a world-renowned swimming coach… Jim Ellis to Belhaven Middle School. I was absolutely shocked and amazed and thought to myself, “How many principals would go to extreme extent to inspire their students?” The answer: not too many. Dr. R. is one of a kind- a true original and Belhaven students have been fortunate to have known him.

I read once that a true measure of a man is the mark he leaves on the world. Dr. Rudnesky’s positive attitude and determination to make our school the best it can be has left an unforgettable mark on this school. Belhaven will never be the same without him but Dr. R.’s Renaissance spirit will live on in our hearts.”

There’s always hope!