Yom Kippur

We have made it to the end of September and Yom Kippur.  If you are like me, regardless of your religious affiliation or beliefs, religious traditions intrigue me.  For those that do not know, Yom Kippur is a Jewish day of communal and personal atonement that begins at sunset today and continues until sundown tomorrow.  The only reason I talk about it is because for people of the Jewish faith, it is a deeply religious time to be reflective through prayer.  For the none Jewish, it can remind us that personal reflection is vitally important to our personal growth.  Being reflective, not just on September 29th, but everyday can enhance every component of our lives.  Enjoy your weekend and the gorgeous weather. (Cue: Paul Simon - Kodachrome) 

Game Time

The Dog Bowl is here and we all hope our team wins the coveted ‘Bowl’ again.  Beyond that, we hope the evening comes to pass without incident for our students, staff, and game attendees.  Though attending the games is certainly fun, there is something to be said about the virtues of participation.  Game participation comes in many forms.  Whether the student/athlete on the field, the cheerleader, the parent, or the fan, there is still something to learn.  These are still students on a grand stage every Friday night, and we have the ability to react positively whatever the outcome.  Win or lose, most importantly, our goal is to have a safe event. That being said, gosh, I want to win!!!!  Have a great weekend. (Cue: Baha Men – Who Let The Dogs Out) 

At Risk

As we welcome the nice weather, we are also met with the end of the grading period.  Take a moment to think about the students we identified as 'at risk' in our first day meeting and review where they are after 6 weeks.  If they are not meeting expectations, I encourage you to intervene.  If we let the students, they will wait until the last week of the semester to come forward for help.  For some reason, their ability to forecast the future by projecting their path is impaired.  It's no different than a child that chases a ball into the street into oncoming cars, oblivious of the danger that awaits. Just as that child, we will intervene.  Stop and redirect the student, because the failure to get an education is just as dangerous. Have a great weekend. (Cue: Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone) 

Labor Day has Past

Labor Day has past marking the traditional end of summer, and as etiquette tells us, the end of wearing white (not certain that even applies anymore). We do know that by Labor Day school is rolling along at full speed with activities and plenty of homework for both student and teacher. Soon the weather will change and we will look forward again to the warm weather. For now let us just hope of a cooling trend. This weekend, get some rest and do something for yourself. You deserve a treat. Have a great weekend. Go Pups! (cue: 2 Legit 2 Quit – MC Hammer)

Labor Day Weekend

The end of August past without fanfare and we are already at Labor Day weekend. Just as Memorial Day is the ceremonial beginning of Summer, Labor Day is thought to distinguish the end.  Though that is the case, the heat remains.  Enjoy the restful weekend indoors or floating in a lake or backyard pool.  Treat yourself some of those umbrellas for your iced tea as you pass the time on the horribly hot days.  Most importantly, get the rest you have earned.  Shaping the lives of students is hard work but it is exhilarating when you find out from a student that you made the difference. Have a great weekend…Go Pups! (cue: Summer Nights – John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John)