July 20

The start of a new school year is right around the corner and I am as excited about it as I was my first year of teaching over 20 years ago! I often reflect on my first job in education. I was hired as a high school business teacher in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, at Blue Ridge High School.

I didn't realize then how lucky I was to begin my career in education at that wonderful school. I was surrounded by optimistic, positive, and fun-loving people who wanted to do what was best for students every single day. My principal, Mr. Bortin, was not only my boss, but my mentor and coach, and in later years, I'm happy to say my friend. 

When I first applied to Lake as an administrator, I emailed Mr. Bortin and asked him what he thought about my new endeavor. He said I was crazy to go into administration, but that he saw leadership skills in me so many years ago and knew I would do a great job. His confidence in me allowed me to believe in myself because as a classroom teacher of 11 years and a program administrator for seven, making the move to a school administrator can be daunting. 

So now here I sit in my office, ready to begin my seventh year at Lake Elementary, with as much enthusiasm, eagerness, and energy as I had on my first day of teaching. 

Welcome back to our returning students and welcome to our new kindergartners. May you have a wonderful year and come to school every day with enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. I can't wait to see you all on August 8!