"Just when you think you're in control" Here it Goes Again by OK Go Hi Reader, We're doing a deep dive today. I'd love to hear your thoughts after reading this! We gotta talk about tech in schools: On January 15, 2026, congress held a hearing on the impact of screen time on kids. During the hearing Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, PhD, MEd shared the results of his assessments on school data over the past 50 years. For hundreds of years, we've counted on each generation outperforming the last in...
3 days ago • 4 min read
"So no one told life was gonna be this way" I'll Be There For You by The Rembrandts Today is the Lunar New Year, one of the most important holidays celebrated in China, Vietnam, South/North Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Mongolia. In these countries, the world is shut down so families can celebrate together. Think Christmas or Thanksgiving. But for families living outside these countries, they have to go to work just like any other day. So if there's an...
10 days ago • 2 min read
"I just need one more chanceTo prove my love to you" On Bended Knee by Boyz II Men Hey Reader, This newsletter is dedicated to Billy, my first grade crush (he wore a leather jacket to school and had a double decker pencil case, such a bad boy) and Andrew T. my second grade crush. Hope life is good for them, wherever they are 😂 Welcome to the Lazy-Smart Club Where members know working hard doesn't always mean you get ahead. Today's topic: Class Valentines. Work smarter, not harder. 💌 Hack #1:...
15 days ago • 1 min read
"A white blank page and a swelling rage" White Blank Page by Mumford & Sons Hey Reader, I'm delighted with how many Hoosiers responded to last week's newsletter. It was a win we all needed! Kids vs Computers With the advancement of computers and developing of AI it is getting harder and harder to teach kids people to think for themselves. I get a little dopamine rush every time I can google the answer to a burning question. A thrill when ChatGPT can spit out a first draft. But I also see how...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
"Gloriana, FrangipanaE'er to her be trueShe's the pride of IndianaHail to old IU" Hail to Old IU by Indiana University's Alma Mater & Fight Song Hello Reader, Ok ok, before we dive into today's topic let me explain. I'm the type of person that is deeply disinterested in sports....but you'll also find me sobbing at an underdog sports story. The past few years I've become deeply connected with Indiana University. My grandfather was a professor there for most of his career. Since he passed away...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
"Let's get on the same page,Stop making me read between the lines" Man I Need by Olivia Dean Hello Reader, There are so many different approaches to teaching. There are endless styles of schooling to guide learners to be knowledgable, curious, responsible, leaders in the classroom. Though each style from Montessori to IB claim they are the best, the truth is, there's no one perfect way to learn. Teaching is a science- and so far we have more theories on best practice than facts. Since this is...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
"And with that the 2025 season comes to an end" This is the last newsletter of 2025. Thanks for being a part of the Primary Focus community 🩷 Happy New Year Reader! Primary Focus is dialed in to schools. All my videos, workshops, 1:1 calls, and content have to do with students Preschool - 5th grade talking directly with parents and caretakers. After watching closely the past year- here are my prediction for school trends in 2026...Let me know if you agree or disagree! WHAT'S IN FOR 2026 ㊗...
2 months ago • 3 min read
"There's always gonna be another mountainI'm always gonna wanna make it move" The Climb by Miley Cyrus Hi Reader, I am a real sucker for Christmas books during the holiday season. Ever since I was a kid, I gobbled up every book I could find that described a family warming up by the fire. I've put together a list for readers of all ages to enjoy. A Personal Fav: "The Night Before Christmas" is a poem that's pivotal to describing American Christmas traditions and beliefs around Santa Clause. If...
3 months ago • 2 min read
"There's always gonna be another mountainI'm always gonna wanna make it move" The Climb by Miley Cyrus Hi Reader, Yesterday I was tutoring one of my fourth grade students, when she started to cry. To me it came out of nowhere, but to her it came from deep frustration. You see, we'd just had a HUGE win. Each week we start tutoring with 4 minutes of free writing time. She was really excited to write, so I quietly stopped the clock and she doubled her writing time to 8 minutes! She excitedly...
3 months ago • 2 min read
"The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow" Over the River and Through the Woods by Lydia Maria Child (Yes- this is a Thanksgiving song!) Hi Reader, This Thanksgiving I'm feeling especially thankful for YOU. Thank you for being a part of the Primary Focus community! Some of you I've met through workshops, calls, conferences, coursework, and social media. Others I haven't met (yet!) but your interest and support means so much. Something Special for Your...
3 months ago • 1 min read