the three R's: relaxing, reflecting and reinventing.....

As summer time draws to a close, not literally but figuratively, it is time to get ready for the new school year. I was fortunate this summer to have a chance to relax before I get on the road again at the end of August. My dearest and oldest friend of 30 years came to visit. We met in the 7th grade when I first moved to the greater Cincinnati area. I had a chance to show off where I live and  an excuse to relax; spending time catching up with my friend and going to the beach.

This next school year is going to be busy for our project. We are going to collaborate with the Florida Department of Education(FLDOE), Resource, Materials and Technology Center (RMTC) and The Florida Outreach Project for the Deaf blind(FOP) to provide Usher's Screening Training across the state. There are going to be five trainings provided to district staff. OSBD is also going to be conducting Focus Groups for the Exceptional Student Education(ESE) Directors throughout the state, I believe there are going to be four of these scheduled. Both the Usher's Training and Focus Groups have to be completed before the end of December. This is in addition to providing technical assistance and assessments to our districts. Needless to say, my co-worker and I are booked until the end of January.

Reflecting: Also this summer- my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. She has caught it in the early stages and goes in for surgery next Monday August 1st. Once you get the news, it feels like someone has punched you in the stomach, the past couple of weeks have been full of ups and downs but the one thing that is constant is that my mom has maintained a positive attitude. I guess we won't know what to expect until after her surgery....

Reinventing: As with every summer, I try to reinvent myself and make improvements to how I will deliver our services to the districts or develop new trainings. This year, I feel more confident than ever, this is going to be a fantastic school year!