2015-2016 Welcome Back Message!

Greetings, colleagues! I hope you enjoyed your summer!

Across the state, school has begun and our students have returned to us with much excitement and anticipation. We share in their excitement about returning to school as we prepare to provide each of them with high-quality instruction.

Despite the many challenges we are facing in public education, particularly in North Carolina, it is critical as school leaders we continue to keep the best interests of our students at the forefront of our decision-making. Remaining in constant contact with our legislators about how their decision-making impacts schools is necessary more now than ever.

I would like to challenge you to do four things to make this a successful year:

1. Tell everyone you meet how proud you are to be an educator in North Carolina public schools.

2. Showcase the wonderful things you are doing in your schools to educate children.

3. Treat your teachers extra special and keep them motivated by reminding them that their work is valued and they are appreciated.

4. Lastly, remember that despite the odds that seem stacked against us, you are making a difference!

The days ahead of us are full and bright! Have a great 2015-16 school year!

Take Time to Enjoy Today

May 1, 2015, 6:00 a.m. I wake up staring at the ceiling in my hotel. Shortly thereafter, a message comes to my phone and it reads, “Take time to enjoy today.” My family and I arrive at the beautiful Umstead Hotel in Raleigh, where I am rushed to several locations for photo opts and met by sponsors. As overwhelming as it seemed, in the back of my mind I repeated to myself at least a million times, “Take time to enjoy today.” I soon began to relish each and every moment.

The clock continued to tick and after several speakers, it was time for the announcement. The representative from Wells Fargo bank mounted the platform and begins to read about the new NC Principal of the Year. As she read, my heart must have skipped several beats, my legs where shaking, my mind faded in and out, then in a flash of a moment when I faded back in, I heard....the Wells Fargo 2015 Principal of the Year is, Mr. Steve M. Lassiter, Jr.! Oh, Em, Gee! Me? The room erupted into applause while there was no dry eye at my table. I make my way to the platform and I begin to speak.

3 months later and I am still humbled by this award. Shifting attention away from myself to speaking on behalf of all principals across the state of North Carolina and advocating for all children in North Carolina Public Schools for the next year will be my sole responsibility and I do not take it lightly. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity. Since my selection, I have had the wonderful opportunity to speak across our state to school leaders, new teachers, and state representatives.  At each engagement, I share how proud I am to be a North Carolina Public Schools educator.

Lastly, I’d like to dedicate this post to the Wells Fargo 2014 North Carolina Principal of the Year, Dr. Carrie Tulbert. Carrie has been a role model, friend, and listener as I’ve tried to find balance in my role as NCPOY and as a building level principal. Her advice has been full of wisdom and she has availed her time and ears to aid me in transitioning in this role.  For that, I am grateful. Thank you, Dr. Tulbert!

To all of you, “Take time to enjoy today!”