The coming school year brings a lot of challenges, but also lots of opportunities.  Students know that, for whatever it's worth, I always tell it like I see it.  Last year was the strongest senior class we've seen in 20 years at this school, so students this year have a tough act to follow.  They're going to have a harder time living up to teachers' expectations, but on the other hand will have lots of chances to show what they can do, and all of our support.

We started out with about 500 students when I.S. first opened in 2004, and that number only grew slowly over the years; to something like 600 last year.  But we're taking a huge leap this year, with an enrollment of 800 kids.  That means more teachers being hired and potentially less of the "small school" feel that makes I.S. so special.  But 800 students is still the mark of a small school, compared to the 2000-3000 students in most other area schools.  I think the personalization we all love at I.S. won't be significantly less this year.

Then there's the elephant in the room:  How about this new principal, Dr. Carmen Garcia?  After unceremoniously dumping the highly popular Dr. Ankeney, they've chosen Dr. Garcia to run the show.  Will she be the district's errand-girl, on a mission to crack down on I.S. and change some of what makes us so great?  And what about the new dress code (no Butts, Boobs, or Bellybuttons showing), and stricter lanyard enforcement?  Well look, enforcing school policies is what a principal should do, so we can hardly blame her for doing that.  As for the other thing, Dr. Garcia is a highly-qualified, inspired educator - let's give her the benefit of the doubt and work with her.  After all, it's not her fault Dr. Ankeney is gone, and there's nothing any of us can do about that now anyway.

So this year is going to be different from prior years.  For my part, I'm going to give Dr. Garcia a chance and my full support, at least until she gives me a reason not to do so.  In my classrooms, students are going to see a more focused emphasis on what they need to do to succeed in my classes.  Too many kids don't put in as much effort as they should, or are capable of doing, and make dumb mistakes that keep them from doing well.  I'm going to make it very clear to my students:  Do THIS, and you'll be fine; do THAT, and I'll flunk you - you choose.  That's a tough message, but it's a tough world, and we do students no favors by letting them think otherwise.

So welcome to I.S. and the 2012/2013 school year.  Do your share, and let's make it a great year!