First Day - Rise Up!

     When I was a principal, the opening days for staffulty and students were some of my favorites. I hope they are for you, too. We called them “Welcome Forward” and “Happy New Year.” Preparation and the days leading up to the opening gave us anticipation like we get when we unwrap presents.            We were anxious to break out a new theme with innovative ideas and a plethora of fun.

Your first day almost anywhere should be exciting. It should be memorable, and you should feel important because you are important. Your first day should encourage you to come back on the second day. Your energy transfers to the people around you. You start off with that “Wow Factor” and magical “Ta-Da” moment.

     Your attitude carries with you wherever you go. Take a look at the “smilers.” Be one of them, and other people will smile, too.

     Today, I taught a university class titled Leadership, Strategy, and Change. Freshmen made up half of the class. It was literally the first college class they attended. That awesome feeling allowed me to pass on the passion I possess for leadership. In return, they gave me hundreds of smiles during the session.  

     On another note, I am friends with a principal on Twitter that lives in the Houston area, Mrs. Julie Diaz and Travis High School in the Fort Bend Independent School District. It’s amazing to see the leadership from that school district. Everyone is empowered with leadership. If you look at their pictures as they clean up neighborhoods and feed their friends, they are all smiling. Smiling is free but can pay millions in dividends if you do it. Mrs. Diaz's response was, “We get to have two first days back.” 

     You can donate to the foundation website: https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/14119  or send needed gift cards – Walmart, Target, Chick Filet to the school address c/o Mrs. Julie Diaz:

Travis High School

11111 Harlem Road

Richmond, TX 77406

  

Start Strong, Finish Stronger!