Becoming a teacher has been a dream of mine since I was 10 years old.  I have been a Youth Coach & Camp Director, Physical Education teacher, Wellness Coordinator, Adjustment Counselor, Athletic Director, Head High School Football Coach, Assistant Principal and as of four weeks ago, the Principal of Normandin Middle School in New Bedford, Massachusetts.  Each and every one of these jobs has been my favorite!  

My first week as principal has been exciting, challenging and fulfilling.  I was exhausted by noon of the first day :)  I have learned a great deal from the many outstanding leaders I was fortunate enough to have worked with in my career.  I also benefitted from collective knowledge I found on twitter through my Professional Learning Network (PLN).  Several connected principals on twitter have written about being visible in their schools through "no office" days.  I was motivated to try this after reading about the experiences of principals I respect greatly @Dwight_Carter No Office Day, @mdmcneff Mr. McNeff's No Office Day, and@L_Hilt Be There.  I am a firm believer that the key to success as a leader is building trusting relationships.  You can't build relationships if you don't get out of your office.  My goal was to use the "No Office" day philosophy and extend it to include the entire first week of school.  Paperwork and correspondence was done before and after school.  I placed my desk in the main foyer of the school with a note that told visitors that if I'm not at my desk, I'd be everywhere and anywhere meeting our school family....and that's exactly what I did.