Once again, the Lifetouch photographers came into the school and took candid photos of the students throughout the building to help fill in the pages of our yearbook. As much as I love the formal pictures of our students and staff and seeing everyone dressed up and looking their best, it’s more fun to see the candid photos. These unplanned photos really capture the spirit of the building, the joy of the students, and the excitement that only happens in an elementary school!
As a principal, I often think of observations in terms of our school pictures. Formal observations are like the fall pictures, where everyone looks their best, wears their nicest outfit, and has a perfect smile. The lessons are neatly aligned to the targets and students respond on cue to the perfectly timed questions of the teacher. They also make great social media posts to share what’s happening in classrooms. However, I prefer the walk-through observations that are like the candid photos that show what really happens throughout the day and captures the true culture of a classroom. The candid photos, just like the walk-throughs aren’t as pretty, but they are real. They show the mistakes, the funny looks, and even things we didn’t know were happening. They also capture the magic that happens in a moment that we may have otherwise missed.
Staged photos and formal observations are often prettier and always safer. I prefer the candid shots and informal walk-throughs. I want to see our students, staff, and our school through a realistic lens and celebrate who we really are, even when nobody is looking. The real beauty is in truth and accepting who we are, while always striving to be better each day. So enjoy those candid photos and the magic they capture!
“Photography is the art of observation.” – Elliott Erwitt
“In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” – Alfred Stieglitz
“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.” – Robert Frank
- Monday, January 27: Students of the Month Assembly 9:05 AM, 4th Grade Debrief at Central Office 8:30-11:30 AM, REED (Pisko) 3:20 PM
- Tuesday, January 28: IEP (Ringler) 8:15 AM, 2nd Grade Roll Out at Central Office 8:30-11:30 AM
- Wednesday, January 29: Jon & Kristen to Roosevelt in the afternoon
- Thursday, January 30: Staff Meeting 8:05 AM, Staff Luncheon in the Lounge, Skate Night 6:00-8:00 PM
- Monday, February 3: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05 AM
- Tuesday, February 4: Achievement Team (Hurula) 8:15 AM
- Wednesday, February 5: Math Assemblies in the gym 1:30 PM (2-4) 2:30 PM (K&1)
- Thursday, February 6: PLC – Looking at Data 7:50-8:50 AM
- Friday, February 7: REED (Medellin) 8:15 AM, VIP DANCE in the gym 6:00-8:00 PM
The Spark of Learning 