The Principalship - 1st Quarter

Wow - it's been a LOOOONG time since my last post! As you can guess, I've been pretty busy - but, what a wonderful ride so far. It is amazing to be back in a school, working directly with teachers, students, staff and parents!

Since things are 'calming' down, I plan on resurrecting regular posts (at least once a week), since it's a way for me to keep informed, and to share what I'm finding out with you. In the meantime, would love to hear your suggestions for additional posts. What topics would you like to hear about?

Some choices:

• Implementing Positive Discipline School-wide
• Implementing Positive Discipline in the home
• Child Development (especially related to age-appropriate consequences based on brain-development)
• A Day in the Life of a Principal

I will also be resurrecting the podcast radio program - I'll be able to post at least once a month, more if needed. Keep tuned in, and I'll update you as things get added.

In the meantime, thanks for hanging in there with me. As always, I love to hear from you.

Alisa

The Principalship - Week 1

Well, I finished my first week as Principal of Omega Alpha Academy in Douglas, Arizona - what a wonderful experience so far. The teachers, staff and administration of this school remind me why I am in the field of education - it's about the students. There is an extremely high level of this priority at Omega, and it's an honor to be here.

Though I won't be sharing my experiences, per se - I will, undoubtedly, bring up topics on this blog that relate to what I'm seeing in the schools - not just Omega's, but in the other schools and districts that I'll be working with.

As we start a new school year - please let me know what you would like to see on this blog, or even something that you would like to hear on the radio program. I love hearing from you, and really find your suggestions helpful.

Welcome back to school parents, teachers and students!

Thanks for reading,

Alisa

Alisa's Education Talk - the Radio Program - moves to Mondays

Effective today!!!!!

Join me for Alisa's Education Talk on KJLL AM 1330 (Tucson) Mondays from 4:00-5:00. You can hear it live on the web at www.tucsonsjolt.com, or the podcasts (see the link on this page - though, I've been having problems uploading the program, and am working on it diligently, there are still over one years worth of programs to be heard!).

This weeks show will be a hoot. I'm interviewing Joe Gannascoli....you may know him as Vito from the HBO television show, The Sopranos. He is the new national spokesman for Bright Steps Forward

I'll also be interviewing Ms. Debbi Goforth, founder of www.studentsatrisk.com, and author of "Scars of Love, Tears of Hope." She will take us on 'an extraordinary journey into the world of at-risk teenagers and a method of bringing hope and promise into their lives that is so successful that adults everywhere are embracing it.'

If you miss the show today - no worries - I will get it on the podcast as soon as possible.

Thanks for all your support - and, thanks for reading!

Alisa

New Adventures for Alisa

Hello faithful readers;

Thanks to all of you who have inquired on how my summer is going - swell, thanks!

As most of you know, recently Principal Tutoring and Consulting Services, the company I founded five years ago, has joined forces with another quality service provider, forming a new company called 'A Road 2 Learning.'

As excited as I am about the future of the new company, I received an offer today that I just can't refuse....

Omega Alpha Academy (www.oaadouglas.org) has offered me a position as their K-5 principal, and I've accepted, starting immediately (so much work to do, so little time). Not only is this position one that I enjoy, it is an opportunity for me to return to the schools, and have direct contact with students, teachers, and parents - something I've missed very much as Principal Tutoring grew to a size where that type of connection wasn't possible.

Omega Alpha is a Performing Plus (AZ LEARNS) school, who has also met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP, in accordance to federal guidelines). This is a substantial achievement considering that 65% of its students are English Language Learners! The leadership of the school is focused on students - every decision and every action should ask...."Is this what's best for the students."

As you can tell, I'm SO excited about this opportunity, and feel like I'm 'coming home!'

Now don't you worry, my loyal readers - I will still maintain this blog, my private consulting services, the radio program and other activities that allow me to work even more closely with parents and educators. Your support has been amazing, and I appreciate your commitment to children and their education.

I will keep you posted on my new position, and continue to provide up to date and pertinent information that, I hope, will help enhance your life with children. In the meantime, let me know how you're doing, and let me know what topics you would like to see us discuss on this blog and on the radio.

Take care, and thanks for reading!

Alisa

Happy 4th of July!

Hi everyone!

Well, 'tis the season for teachers/educators to take a little 'vacation,' and I'm no different (hence my slowed activity this month). Have no fear - I'll be back!

In the meantime, my best wishes to all of you for a wonderful and safe 4th of July!

Thanks for reading,

Alisa

When Divorcing Parents Misbehave...

One of the most heartbreaking occurences when two adults divorce, with children are involved, is when one parent alienates the child(ren) from the other parent. More common than we would like to think, this Parent Alientation Syndrome creates a dynamic between parents and children that can be ultimately very destructive.

Dr. Amy Baker, a nationally recognized expert in parent child relationships, especially children of divorce, parental alienation syndrome, and emotional abuse of children, discusses this topic in her book, "Adult children of parent alienation syndrome." Based on in-depth interviews of over 40 individuals, Dr. Baker's book answers the question, "What are the long-term effects of this type of alienation?"

Dr. Baker has graciously offered to appear on the radio program today, and will also be featured in an upcoming podcast of the program. Don't miss the show:

Live on the Radio
Thursdays, 4-5pm (Arizona)
AM 1330

Live on the Web
http://www.tucsonsjolt.com/

Podcast
http://feeds.feedburner.com/AlisasEducationTalk

Thanks for reading!

Alisa

What the....?! Parents buying alcohol for minor children...

Ok, I need to know what you think. There was a report on the news today stating that 40% of teens who were surveyed reported that their parents provided alcohol for them...40%!!!!

Is this good or bad? The surgeon general says that's it's definitely bad since it can contribute to dangerous situations and possibly deadly situations...

Proponents of the practice state that it teaches children how to drink in moderation - by not hiding the alcohol, it keeps the lines of communication and learning open.

What do YOU think??

Here's the surgeon general's 'Call to Action.'

Some other links that might be of interest:

www.stopalcoholabuse.gov
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/

Thanks for reading!

Alisa