For teachers: A fourth grade student addresses the Dallas Unified School District to ask if they believe in him and his classmates.  “You better,” he says and I’m paraphrasing, “because they’re showing up next week.”

For administrators: Here’s a list of what not to do this year as an administrator (or literacy coach) from the Shrewdness of Apes blog.  It’s a list written with wit and candor but yet it remains respectful.  Here’s one example:

2. Telling a room full of people you appreciate them is very nice indeed. Telling five individuals on your staff you appreciate something specific they have done is far nicer.

Special thanks to Jen Wagner and Joanne Jacobs for the resources.

Have a great school year to everyone!