Allow me to introduce myself

I was at a workshop last week and an activity was to create a map of your life including significant events you most remember. It was designed to be a writing prompt for students but in completing the exercise, it dawned on me it would fit very well here. Not all aspects of that map will be mentioned but I do hope to describe some of the major events starting with the most recent. I am starting my third year as school administrator. Prior to this I taught at Bay Trail for eleven years in the area of social studies. Both teaching and administration have been very meaningful and successful (in my eyes) experiences. It was the challenge and personal growth aspect of administration that drew me to it. Very different from teaching and if you want all the detail about how different, you need to call me. there are days I miss teaching but realize the continued impact one can make as an administrator. I went to school for education in Salisbury, Maryland at Salisbury University. It was in Salisbury I received my first teaching position at an evening school for struggling students. I grew up in Irondequoit with seven brothers and sisters and attended Bishop Kearney High School. It was my love of family and of the area that enticed me to move back from Maryland.

On the personal end, I have a beautiful wife and two great children. We live in Penfield and have enjoyed all it has to offer. My oldest son Liam was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum when he was three. Talk about life changing! The event has greatly impacted every facet of my life and in how I view situations. Parents who have gone through this know what I am talking about. You never quite view the world the same way. Because of this I am particularly sensitive to children who are different and look to positively impact how we treat students who are different in my current position. There are opportunities for me to go into classrooms to share my story and what it is like to live with a child with a disability. If you want to know more about autism, visit the site Autism Speaks and watch some of the videos posted there.

I love to spend time with my family, especially playing sports with the boys. When I need some down time, I head to the local stream for some flyfishing. If you want to engage me, ask me about fishing! Fishing the Salmon River, Irondequoit and Oatka Creeks are my favorite destinations. My wife's brothers are avid fisherman and hooked me in so to speak when I joined the family. Other hobbies include playing many sports, reading, spending time online, and traveling to see family who have moved away from the area.

That's a little snapshot but enough to hopefully form a connection with many who read this.

Why Blog?

Why Blog?

So why would a school administrator take the time to blog about both personal and school experiences? It is a two part answer. First, I believe in using technology as a communication tool. By sharing a little about myself and family, those who venture to this blog will better know me. Outside of the first couple posts, most blog entries will be school related. While the Bay Trail and House B page gives concise information, the blog provides opportunity for me to add more comment on topics. Community members will get some insights into what I am seeing and thinking about regarding school events. Don't worry, I do not plan on being controversial and am conservative by nature. Second, I hope to lead by example. A continuing conversation we have at Bay Trail is using technology to communicate information such as grades, assignments, concerns, etc. to parents. It does not make sense to stress this with others and not do yourself. The world is changing rapidly and school leaders need to model this change reflected in other aspects of society. Hopefully, others may take notice and explore the use of more technology.
Feel free to add comments. Thanks for taking the time to see what I have to say.