True Colors

For the past 19 years I have worked in a community that has experienced dramatic population growth. As a result our school population has grown in proportion to our town. One thing that has remained a priority over the course of my career, has been a commitment to helping establish a culture, where people feel a strong sense of belonging and where they can grow. With an annual increase of staff and students, we have experienced our share of growing pains over the years. However I would argue that the culture within our building, although always a work in progress, continues to be a constructive effort of all of the stakeholders within our school community.


We are a unique school community as we are essentially a grade 4-8 middle school.  The 4th and 5th grades are configured more as an upper elementary school and the 6th through 8th grades take on the characteristics of  a middle school. We have successfully educated over one thousand students due to the efforts of dedicated educators for many years now. Within the next couple of years due to new construction within the district, the fourth grade will return to the elementary school that they left many years ago and we will return to our original 5-8 middle school configuration.  Although not the ideal situation, we have all made it work for quite awhile. While it may seem that the current configuration has created two separate schools,  we are in fact one school, proud and unified.  We are a family and we care a great deal about each other. Never had this been more apparent than on Friday, June 6 when the members of our school community stood together in a unified effort to show support for one of our beloved colleagues.

Several weeks ago we learned that one of our own, a beloved teacher, colleague and friend was diagnosed with stage three Pancreatic Cancer. While in a fight for her life, it is a fight that she is determined to win. At first our staff was saddened and greatly concerned to learn that someone we care a great deal about was enduring this life altering challenge. However leaders within our building quickly took action and have launched a multifaceted assistance campaign to help our dear friend.   One of the ideas was to sell t-shirts throughout the school and supporting community.  This allowed many people connected to our school community to quickly get involved in an effort to provide assistance and support. The t-shirts are purple,(the symbolic color of Pancreatic Cancer) and they contain the motto of our friend " SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE."

This past Friday, the majority of our staff and several of our students in an awesome show of support, compassion and love, arrived at school wearing the t-shirt that you see in the picture above. In all of my years as a member of this school community, I continue to be impressed by our ability to send loud messages of support, compassion and unity to others, when they are needed the most.  Although the road ahead is long and is of the toughest to endure, one thing is for sure, we will continue to support our friend unconditionally as she continues on this painstaking journey.

Although we do not live in harmony within our school community 100% of the time, or anywhere close to it for that matter, there is one thing for certain.  When one of our own is hurting or suffering, we will always turn out and support them. The future for our friend remains uncertain but we will be there at the "finish line" to meet her and embrace her when she rids herself of this disease . Meanwhile we will continue to show our "true colors" and support her, as she makes every effort to arrive there.

Happy Father's Day!

 
                                       (My Thoughts on the First 16 Years of Fatherhood)

1. There is not a more challenging, important or rewarding job on the planet than Parenthood.
2. There have never been better days than those in which I became a husband and a father, each time.
3. I must never underestimate the importance of finding quality time to spend with my children.
4. Listening will always be more important than preaching,
5. As the co-leader of my family, I must model for my children the principles of love, serve, and care.
6. My greatest joys in life come from bearing witness to the achievements and growth of my children.
7. I must continue to learn and become better, ultimately my children will model my teachings as a parent.
8. You can never properly prepare for fatherhood.
9.  Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle" gets more poignant and depressing the older I get.
10. My wife is amazing and extraordinary, her support and wisdom are  "game changers".
11. Teachable moments are always there.
12.I have failed at times and I will fail again, but I must fail forward and never give up, too much is at stake.
13.The challenges never stop coming.
14.There has never been a better example of "on the job training".
15. When I found the "one", I couldn't wait to be one.
16. The love I feel for my wife and my two sons is the driving force in my life.

Classroom Magic!

"Is there magic in this world? Certainly! But its not the kind of magic written about in fantasy stories.  It is the kind of magic that comes from ideas and the hard work it often takes to make them real." Robert Fanney

     This past Thursday evening a valued member of my PLN,  Cori Coburn-Shiflett was wrapping up our weekly Region 5 chat on Twitter and asked for a rather thought provoking "take away" response. The request was for the posting of a picture that would serve as a symbol, characterizing our school year.  My first reaction was to sort through the photos on my IPhone and look for the appropriate image to serve as my symbol. Initially I wasn't really sure what I was looking for, then it hit me right between the eyes.  The Castle at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World was my symbol. When I looked at this picture, I saw  "magic" and I realized that there were not many other more appropriate words to describe my 2013-2014 school year.
  Suddenly, after thinking unsuccessfully for days about a topic for my monthly blog, I had "magically" found my inspiration.  For the past several weeks I have been reflecting on my growth as an educator as well as the growth of my students throughout this school year.  I recently recalled the ideas of author/educator Dave Burgess about creating "engaging educational experiences" for students.   Dave advocates transforming the classroom environment into a place that captures the attention of students and that allows the students to engage in the ultimate learning experiences. In other words make the environment in which they learn and the learning that takes place "magical". It is not surprising that Dave has a passion for magic, as well as education. After seeing his workshop one has no trouble understanding how he works his magic, engaging and empowering  his students. The Teach Like a Pirate movement that has resulted from Dave's book of the same name,  inspired me to create my own classroom magic throughout 2013-14.
      There was the " Day of Wow" in which our classroom environment was transformed into a place that inspired the passions of my students. Various topics were presented from a " red carpet" platform and were of a a riveting nature that engaged one and all.  There was the " Match my Inspiration" quote activity where students and teachers brought in inspirational quotes during Black History Month in an effort to highlight the struggle and resiliency of African Americans. There was the Women's History Month presentations in which students researched various women based on individual interests and then presented their findings to a curious and engaged group of their peers. There was the Women's History Month closing "chat" activity exploring the impact that women have made and continue to make in our society. This activity included a mock hashtag, student generated questions and a period long discussion that was moderated by a student.  Most recently, students constructed their Egyptian Mummies. This culminating activity to our unit on ancient Egypt  allowed students to work cooperatively in groups producing well written biographies about wealthy Egyptians, while designing artistic sarcophagi. On all of these occasions the passions and the enthusiasm of the students was obvious. The learning environment and the level of student engagement throughout consistently took on a magical quality.
     As teachers we do not wave a magic wand and achieve magical outcomes from our students. We plan relentlessly and implement strategies that allow our students to embark upon magical journeys. We hope ultimately to put them in a  position to achieve"magical "outcomes. We strive to empower our students to create their own magic as well but this is not easily achieved either. We achieve this only after creating relationships with our students and by taking the time to understand their passions and interests.  When we see the faces of our students " light up". When we observe their passionate approaches. When we witness their enthusiastic presentations. We then know that we have accomplished our goal. We have helped to make learning magical for our students.
   In a year that has featured monumental changes with the addition of Student Growth Objectives and new evaluation models, the business side of our profession has created  new challenges to overcome. However the development of my PLN, the reading of quality educational blogs and the utilization of limitless resources on Twitter, has re-energized my commitment to my craft. I can always seek their guidance and support and rely upon their positive attitude to help me produce that classroom magic.  As I move closer to closing the book on another school year I am grateful for the opportunities to create magical moments in the lives of my students every day, and I cherish the opportunity moving forward to do so for many years to come.

Remembering Their Service

"Who kept the faith and fought the fight; The glory theirs the duty ours."
   Wallace Bruce

     May has arrived yet again, and with it the opportunity for celebration.  The days are longer and the temperatures are on the rise. Evidence of natures beauty can be found everywhere. We honor our mother's  for their sacrifice, guidance and devotion. Parents and students attend commencement exercises on college campuses signaling endings and new beginnings.  High School students escort their "sweet hearts" to their junior and senior proms. Some young elementary school children of the Catholic faith make their First Communion, while others count down the days until the arrival of their summer vacation. Indeed there are many reasons for one to rejoice and find merriment throughout the month of May.
     While May is a month to rejoice it is equally important to realize that it is a time to remember. A time to remember and appreciate the fallen heroes of our armed forces. A time to remember the living members of the "greatest generation". A time to remember the retired veterans or those currently on active duty. Essentially it has become a month when we rembember everyone whose sacrifice and commitment to our military has led to the strengthening of our freedom and liberty.
     May, while a month that brings great joy is also a month that can bring melancholy or even sorrow as we observe Memorial Day. While originally intended to honor Civil War veterans (Decoration Day) who lost their lives on the battle field it eventually evolved into a day (Memorial Day) to honor our fallen heroes from all wars. While that still holds true today, the day of observance also allows the opportunity to show appreciation for the patriotism of the survivors and for those currently actively involved in so many peace keeping missions around the world.
     Honoring those who have committed part or most of lives to military service is something of which I hold great personal regard. Many members of my own family have valiantly served the United States of America, as members of her armed forces.  My grandfather earned a "purple heart" for his valor at Normandy during World War II. My uncle served during the Korean War. My cousin retired as a high ranking officer within the United States Air Force and my cousin's husband is a graduate of the West Point Military Academy.  Furthermore, my mother's nephew and brother both served in the United States Navy.  There are many branches on my family tree where there is evidence of strong patriotism and service to our country.
     As a middle school social studies educator of 19 years, I have always believed it is my responsibility to share with my students the reasons for the observance of Memorial Day and the importance of those people that we remember on Memorial Day. Our classroom has been the perfect forum in which to have discussions to honor the men and women of our military who have made such an important difference in shaping our nation's history. We have taken the time over the years to talk about members of our families and the roles that they have played and continue to play in our armed forces.  We have talked about the importance of military service, both from a historical and a modern day perspective. We have sought to understand the impact of their efforts upon our citizenship and we have explored how vastly different our nation would be if not for their committed service.
     I always leave that day with mixed emotions. I feel grateful for those who have sacrificed but sad for all that they have had to sacrifice.There is a tragic irony in considering the violence that those in our military must endure on the battlefield or elsewhere, so that we may live in peace.
    As May winds to a close its conclusion brings with it yet again the arrival of Memorial Day. While solemn in nature there are reasons to celebrate. While we honor the sacrifices of those men and women of our armed forces,we also take time to celebrate the peace that their service has provided.. The day brings with it the opportunity to renew many family traditions that have endured the test of time and spanned many generations.  One special tradition in our house is the Memorial Day parade sponsored by our local volunteer fire company. This parade that passes right by our house dates back to my childhood and is one that my wife, myself and my children have marched in on occasion over the years. Today we continue to commemorate the occasion with a breakfast celebration that includes family and friends. We enjoy the company of others as well as the festive atmosphere that the parade always brings. The afternoon features more opportunities to enjoy the company of our family and friends as we host our annual picnic.
     While I always enjoy the time I spend in the company of my family and friends I can't help but take the time yet again to consider the importance of the sacrifice of those who have served. The glory of this day belongs to them. The peaceful life that we enjoy today is largely a direct result of their sacrifices. The duty moving forward belongs to us, to protect and preserve the peace that they have earned, for us to enjoy.

The Difference Makers

     Jon Anew sat in the park in the shadows of a large office building that he used to call home when the day to day 9-5 grind was all that mattered. Those days seem a lifetime ago now, as he has recently begun his leisurely years of retirement.  As usual the sun is shining down but is accompanied by a warm breeze that waifs over him as he enjoys his pastrami sandwich from Nico's Deli. The pace is slower now for sure but Jon longs for the camaraderie of his weekday power lunch partners who like him have also retired.  While content to have moved on to this new phase of his life, Jon can not help but feel a sense of loneliness that this new routine or lack there of has left him to face.  He watches the stay at home moms push their children on the swings and ponders what the afternoon has to offer. Will it be a nap or perhaps a game of Scrabble with his adoring bride of 50 years? Savoring the last bite of his sandwich, (because as usual Nico has proven to be the master of the Pastrami sandwich) he begins to clean up.
     As he is about to leave, a young well dressed man approaches and sits down at the table where Jon has been sitting. He extends a hand and introduces himself to Jon.  His name is Peter Scott and he recently has moved to the area. He has just begun working as a financial analyst at the corporate center that overlooks the park.   After the two exchange greetings, they settle down and engage in some humorous banter and superficial conversation.. The time passes quickly and  Peter abruptly announces that the hour has flown and it is time to return to the office.  Jon and  Peter shake hands, each one happy to have had the opportunity to enjoy each others company and engage in some much needed conversation. Both get up from the table and head off in separate directions, one with the chance to resume the fast pace of the day and the other happy to continue to just take life as it comes.
     Over the course of the next year Jon and Peter would eat lunch together every day without fail. They talk about their families, their new experiences in life, their favorite teams, and the changes that are taking place at the corporate center where Jon was once happily employed. Their relationship really was making a big difference in helping with the transitions that they were both experiencing in their lives. The distraction provided by their daily lunches was something that they both appreciated and looked forward to everyday.
     As the second year of their daily lunch meeting began, Peter learned that he would be leaving San Diego for Maine as his company was transferring him.  While  Jon was saddened to learn the news he understood the unpredictable nature of life and the responsibilities that raising a family brought with it and he wished Peter well. The two enjoyed their last lunch together as they had every other day and then shook hands one last time, as they went off in their own directions.  As Peter went his way and Jon went his, they both couldn't help but think about how much easier that year of transition  had been for both of them because of their relationship. At that moment they recognized and appreciated the huge difference that it had made in both of their lives.  Suddenly the rain begins to fall and the two disappear into the afternoon mist.

      Every September students all over the nation are faced with the daunting challenge of transitioning from one grade level to the next. We as educators are afforded the awesome opportunity to ease this transition while making connections and establishing relationships with them. This allows them to eventually settle in to their new learning communities.  It is important to remember that they arrive in our class rooms with a variety of needs,expectations and interests. Some will  walk in smiling, some will walk in frowning, some will walk in with the proverbial "chip on their shoulders".   It is imperative that we meet them where they are and  make a consistent effort to understand their individual currencies.  We need to recognize their insecurities. We need to work on reducing their anxieties. We need to establish a presence immediately that exudes passion and enthusiasm!  We need to reassure them that we are in this together and that together we will meet all challenges and ultimately conquer all challenges. We need to impress upon them that "we are better together". 1.
     As educators we spend a great deal of time with our students and invest a great deal of time in helping them to grow academically and socially. Throughout the course of 180 days we are afforded the opportunity to become "difference makers" in their lives. Our words, attitudes and actions will be monitored at close range and may be the subject of dinner conversations for many families.  Students will look forward to coming to our classrooms every day based on the climate that is created there and based on our engaging methods that we use to inspire and motivate.   For some of our students, our classrooms will be the only opportunity for structure and stability that they are afforded each and every day.  This is not something we can overlook when designing a student centered classroom where an important component of success is based on the relationships that are cultivated.
      We must consistently pay attention to cultivating our relationships with our students.  Time needs to be taken throughout the days weeks and months to find out what is going on in their lives,  both inside and outside of the classroom.  When students believe that their teachers care about them they are more compelled to invest themselves and make a positive contribution within the learning community. Conversely it is equally beneficial to the relationship to allow the students the opportunity to know us not just as educators but as people as well. As fathers and mothers, sons and daughters.  It is important that they understand that we fulfill a variety of roles in life. The modeling that we do as citizens will have a profound impact on their social development and eventually may influence how they contribute to society as well..
      The late Rita Pierson  in a "Ted Talk" prior to her passing, eloquently stated that  " Every Kid Needs a Champion".   In order to become that "champion" we have to begin to develop a relationship with that kid and be willing to accept first and foremost the "currencies of that kid".  Once we do that we can begin to establish their trust and respect and be on our way to championing who they are and who they ultimately may become.  Every student  who walks through our door has the potential to be that kid. The question is are we ready to be the person who makes the difference?

Footnotes:  1. "we are better together." Angela Moses

Coping With the F Word !

"What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable?"
   John Green
 
     Let me start off by squelching all of the thoughts that this is going to be a post every bit as dramatic as the title suggests. No, this post has nothing to do with our ability to deal with four letter words. Nor does it have anything to do with profanity. However, it has everything to do with a challenge that children and young adults struggle with throughout their formative years in education. The challenge is one which all of  the stakeholders in the educational community must face, with eyes wide open and arms extended, ready to embrace.  Anything less will limit and inhibit the true growth potential of our children.
     While it is a challenge that both educators and parents struggle with at times , it is one where both must persevere in the end.  Both must figure out a consistent way to develop and maintain a positive culture of learning that encourages students to take risks, despite the possible consequence of failure.  In other words students need to feel that it is "okay"to fail. They need to understand that if they do fail, they will still have the support, guidance and encouragement from the people who they trust and need it from the most. They need to believe that if they do fail, their support system will not look at their failure through an "end game" lens but rather they will change lenses, take another look and encourage a fresh start. Most importantly if they do fail they need to believe that it is important and necessary to try again and again.
     Ultimately if our children do not fear reprisals for their failure they will be more likely to set higher standards of learning for themselves. They will reach  for them and they will push themselves far beyond their comfort zones. Thus accomplishing what they believed previously impossible.
     As role models that have experienced our own failures, we must be willing to share these experiences with our children. We must point out our own failures and the failures made by humankind in the past. We must also point out present day failures, in order to demonstrate our own resiliency.  Empathy is a key component of the growth process. Children need to understand that people prior to them have failed, people are failing now and people will fail in the future but the world still continues to make remarkable progress.
    Children  must also have a concept of what constitutes failure. This is where the waters get muddied. Here we have many challenging questions without easy answers. Is failure the inability to accomplish a goal?  Is it performing below expectations that are set for us? Is it mediocrity? Is failure a lack of understanding ,or the inability to demonstrate understanding? Is failure what occurs when promises are broken?  More than likely you can argue that it is all those things. You can argue that we all interpret failure differently based on our own individual reactions and the reactions of those that we care about. If we want our children to grow up and become confident adults we will help them to develop a healthy perspective when viewing the concept of failure.  We will also help them to understand the lessons taught by failure. In the end, they may turn a negative event into something that could have positive implications in the future.
     Coping with failure is not a new challenge. When the first humans began to walk the earth they encountered challenges, they succeeded and they failed. In fact they probably failed more than they succeeded. Yet they survived and eventually because they did, the human race eventually prospered. Tens of thousands of years later despite the failures of our ancestors we still prosper today.
     Our children are capable of accomplishing remarkable things but they must be able to cope with failure, if  they are to become confident and productive adult citizens. The survival of the world that they will eventually inherit depends on it. I have every confidence that they will.  However, they will only do so if we as their role models encourage them to take risks that fly in the face of failure and are accepting of those failures, once they occur.
 

Educating the Digital Citizen

"Come mothers and fathers, throughout the land. And don't criticize what you can't understand.  Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command.  Your old road is rapidly agin. Please get out of the new one if you can't lend a hand.  For these times they are a changin."
     -Bob Dylan, 1963

     The technological innovations and achievements of the early part of the 21st century have made it abundantly clear that we are in the midst of a "digital revolution".  A revolution that continues to accelerate change at blinding speeds, with no apparent end in sight.  A revolution that provides opportunities that ultimately benefit both the individual citizen as well as the collective "global" community. A revolution that continues to create far reaching, cross generational impacts.  A revolution that allows for endless opportunities for human connectivity and collaboration.
     As 21st century citizens it is critical to the social welfare of our society that we are aware of the power harnessed within this digital world. Essentially there is virtually nothing that cannot be accomplished with the utilization of our electronic devices. (ie. IPad, Smart Phone, Lap Top etc.) We shop, we lend, we chat, we exercise, we play games, we self educate.  The possibilities are endless! While the advantages and privileges gained from our digital citizenship are clear, it is equally important that we embrace the responsibilities that come with it. 
     As parents and educators we cannot afford to "get out of the new road". There is too much at stake to allow our children to pursue, new and changing digital opportunities, without the proper guidance and support.  We owe it to our children to continue to educate ourselves about our own roles as digital citizens.  We must model appropriate digital usage and behavior, as our children seek to establish their own identities as digital citizens.  This is the world that they will inherit in the future.  We must empower them to do so with confidence, when the torch is eventually passed.
     As parental and educational leaders, it is critical that we present a balanced view of both the positive and negative impact of digital technologies.  There certainly are clear and present dangers that exist.  With the potential misuse of social media, emails and texts, there can be life altering consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator.   States and counties across the nation continue to draft social norms and laws that seek to create effective parameters.  The hope is that they will ensure the safe use of all digital technologies and resources.
      Limits should be put in place to protect the young digital user. However we must be careful that the restrictions do not become completely prohibitive. Thus preventing their ability to grow as digital citizens or to gain from the intellectual value of the various digital resources.  
     There is positive growth potential available through the use of social media. The members of my PLN (professional learning network ) can attest to this.  We need to share with our children, what we have learned, how we use it and how to transform it into a powerful and effective learning tool. Our ultimate hope is that we can help guide and nurture productive citizens of the 21st century, digital or otherwise.
      Yes " These Times are a Changin" and will continue to do so. However, " getting out of the new road" and casting a blind eye, when it comes to something as important, as guiding and educating the 21st  century citizen, is out of the question.  Our children need us now, more than ever.