iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

From James Clear’s 3-2-1 newsletter …. So true! High standards, firm vision, and clear expectations are good for schools, but illogical rigidity is not! #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

H/T to James Clear, today’s 3-2-1 Newsletter. So very true! If the school cannot function without me, it’s time to reflect! #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

I’m three episodes into Coach K’s #MasterClass on #leadership. The big take away so far: 1. Start from defining your values. 2. Then, define collective values. 3. Our values breed our culture. #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

Engaged learners are generally meeting expectations, on task, and participating. The problem becomes when we, as the teachers, act as if that is the same as being truly engaged. General compliance is necessary but not sufficient. #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

After having spent the past four days watching our custodial team move mountains of snow, I have only one question … … how do the Inuit do it? #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

A frightening thought. We expect so much out of our teachers and put way too many demands on them. We all need to work together to find a way to make this a sustainable profession for our educators. The consequences could be dire. #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

I don’t think engaging students requires an extroverted, MC type teacher. An introverted teacher can still engage students through: • Warmth and positivity • Facilitating quality discussions • Empowering students to lead the classroom • Genuine care and enthusiasm for student success #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

Quality collaborative time is the greatest tool educators have to fix (insert just about any problem)! We’re not able to create more time, $, resources, or to fix the challenges our kids bring in. But we CAN put our heads together and come up with solutions that will make things better! #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

Volume isn’t the indicator of engagement or disengagement. A noisy classroom can be disengaged. A quiet classroom can be disengaged. Instead, aim for the appropriate volume for the instructional goals of your lesson and activities. Model, practice, affirm. Rinse and repeat! #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

After 16 full days of Winter Break, we will return to class … not tomorrow. Snow day. Neat? #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 03/01/2025

Back to school on Monday! It’s been a great break, feeling rested and recharged and ready to go! Some goals: •Presence in classrooms with abundant empowering feedback •Protecting time to finish old things, vs. continually piling on new things •Continued focus on “hopeful urgency” #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

Happy 2025, #Edusky! What are your goals, Committments, and resolutions for the new year?

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

In 2024, I: •Went to Europe and Lake Tahoe for the first time •Finished my first year as a building principal •Hiked Rocky Mtn NP •Found the #EduSky community Looking forward to a great 2025!

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 30/12/2024

I’m 💯 convinced that, done well, purposeful partnering and grouping of students of students is critical to engaging students. It makes all students: •Think •Talk •Explore •Try things It also ensures the quiet ones or those who need processing time have it. #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 29/12/2024

Foster a growth mindset in your classroom or school. Celebrate effort and progress, not just correct answers. The journey needs to be just as important as the destination! #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

A question I often ponder. What is student engagement, really? •Can a student be on task and complaint but disengaged? •Can a class be safe and calm, but disengaged? •Can a student be happy, but disengaged? I think the answer to all of them is “yes.” So what is engagement, really? #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 27/12/2024

Ooo! A good one, and a great way to have touch points with all students.

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 27/12/2024

I taught for a year in a semi-rural school. The veteran staff barely even tried to learn your name because they knew you’d leave. I don’t mean that as a criticism - there were some great people, both admin and teachers, doing the best they could, truly. But the under-resourcing was criminal.

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 27/12/2024

The return-from-Winter Break in January is a great opportunity to set new precedents and try new things in the classroom. For leaders, this can apply to the school as a whole. School leaders - what are resetting in January? #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 27/12/2024

We adopted this fella from a foster agency. THEY adopted him from some folks who found him and his litter in a Rubbermade container. He could’ve died on the side of a road. And yet we get to love him his entire life. The world is awful sometimes. But it can be beautiful too. #DogsofBlueSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 27/12/2024

“The night is always darkest just before the dawn…” In other words, acknowledge the hard things. But if you believed you were on the right path when you started, keep going. Pulling out now means the implementation dip is the new normal.

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 27/12/2024

Well yeah but… umm… freedom and … socialism ... is bad … and, reasons?

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 25/12/2024

Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it! 🎄 And for those of you who don’t, I hope you and your loved ones are spending quality time together during this holiday season! #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

Unfortunately, we often leave the most important voice at the table out of the conversation during IEP meetings. Our building team interviews students prior to their meetings and shares their input. It’s a great first step to empowering these learners! #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

Like many educators, I tend to pile appointments into those scheduled longer breaks. And I’m not gonna lie, a dental trip in the midst of a candy and sugar heavy holiday is a cheat code. #EduSky

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Reposted by Principal Pete Johnson

Butter Pecan Ice Cream Connoisseur @moniselseward.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

Teachers: TURN OFF YOUR ALARMS!!

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

There’s definitely something therapeutic about shutting off that morning alarm the night before… …except when you have a dog, who is convinced he IS the alarm, thank you very much. #EduSky #DogsofBlueSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

It was! Our school met a goal for our canned food drive and the top class earned a “pie the principal.” One student collected 350 cans by himself!

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

A note to all #EduSky school leaders: If you agree to being whipped cream pied in the face, bring a full change of clothes. FULL! Also, you will smell sugar and stale milk for awhile afterwards. Prepare accordingly.

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

One way I recharge: 1. Go “dark” in terms of email communication for most of Winter Break. 2. Post an away message related to said darkness. 3. Communicating my plan to go dark to our staff. 4. Encouraging staff to do the same! True emergencies only! #LeadLAP #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

But no! The power of Christmas solved it all. Okay. Fake out. It’s all fine. ‘Cuz Christmas!!! #EduSky #HomeAlone

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

Also, there’s no way the McAllister’s take kindly to said DFS call. So we’d have to prep for that backlash. Which, fun.

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

What would I, as a Principal do? I believe I’d be obligated to personally make a DFS call. Then, ensure our Counselor and Kevin’s teacher were fully informed of the whole tale. There would certainly be some residual trauma we’d all have to work through right? #EduSky #HomeAlone

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

What in the heck did Kevin tell Mrs. Whatever at school on January X? How did Kevin’s friends and their parents react? How in the heck did he focus on class work post-Wet Bandits? Seriously. So many questions. #EduSky #HomeAlone

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

In what world do Peter and Kate McAllister avoid a Children’s Division call? They straight up forgot their 8 year old and flew to Europe, such that said 8 year old had to FIGHT OFF ARMED INTRUDERS? And only survived bc an old neighbor was proficient with a shovel. #EduSky #HomeAlone

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

Share success stories from your school. Inspiration is contagious, and your experience could spark ideas for others. #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

Being a Principal is tough work, and it can be lonely at times. But it need not be lonely at ALL times. Remember, we’re stronger together. Share resources, strategies, and words of encouragement with colleagues. Reach out, ask questions, or even just say “hello.” We’ve got this! #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

The contradictions are the point. We must: •Meet students where they are, but hold to standards •Be prepared and organized, but responsive to student needs in the moment •Communicate clearly and directly, but with kindness and empathy It’s why we lose people. But what choice is there? #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

Plug into a podcast or playlist that uplifts you. Even a few minutes of joy can reset your day. #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

“Maslow Before Bloom” applies to you, too. Go to bed at a normal time. Drink water. Eat real food. Give yourself grace and kindness. Set boundaries and stick to them. And over the coming weeks, spend quality time with your loved ones. #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

I once had to explain to a rather miffed patron that, yes, students do on occasion touch door handles. And no, the custodians can’t be on call to wipe them down at the drop of a hat. And NO, this was NOT after the pandemic set in. This was in fall of 2019. #EduSky

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Principal Pete Johnson @principalpete.bsky.social · 15/12/2024

Hot take of the day: There are as many administrators who collect daily or weekly lesson plans, and actually read them in detail and provide feedback, as there are martians in Antarctica. I am lucky to eat lunch 3 days a week! #EduSky

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