Finality of Playoffs

It is the time of November when the seasons of sport begin to shift.  Some fall sports and still involved is playoffs however, some have had their seasons end abruptly. That finality of playoffs is not often talked about with students.  For some students, they have next year and for seniors, they may not ever play that sport again competitively.  That reality sinks in usually after the final game and in the playoffs, more times than not, the final game is a loss. Only one team ends their season with a win and they are called the champion. So, though I enjoy the spirit of competition and want our teams to always win, I understand the finality for students on both sides. I see the tears; some of joy and some of complete devastation. Both very real. Enjoy your weekend with the tremendous weather...GO PUPS! (cue: Van Halen, Dance The Night Away).

Quite the Contrary.

November 1st is here and it marks the end of the grading period. This is the perfect time to reflect on our practice as professionals.  Everyday we must remember that parents send us their best.  They don’t keep the ‘good ones’ at home and send us the leftovers.  Quite the contrary. We are a public school that takes all comers with the goal of receiving them in the morning and sending home just a little better than they arrived to us. We don’t have to make huge changes, just small ones daily that add will up. That will truly make the difference.  Case in point: Today in history, Amazon. com was registered as a domain name in 1994.  The company launched in 1995 with the mission “to be Earth’s most customer-centric company”. No doubt that was a bold goal. I bring this up because my goal is similar: to make a difference in the lives of students. Just like with Amazon, the decision to start is the greatest challenge. May you have wonderous weekend…Go PUPS! (cue: The Who, Who Are You).

We All Have A Story

We have reached the end of October and Halloween is just a few days away. October 31st generally signifies the start of the festive holiday season. During this season, take a moment to take a personal inventory.  Pay attention to those around you.  Though the season can be very happy, statistically it has the highest incidence of depression for our students.  A kind word, gesture, or a simple smile can change a day and provide a little bit of sunshine. We all have a story that we bring with us, students included. The great thing is that though our stories have been started, they have yet to have an ending.  We have the power to write our story and impact the stories of those around us. It is simply a matter of choice.  That being said, I choose positive. May you have a prodigiously restful weekend…Go PUPS! (cue: Bobby McFerrin, Don’t Worry Be Happy).

Cooler Heads

Well we have reached the second half of October and the cooler temperature is here.  Let us hope that with it students can have cooler heads.  At this time of year, students have been on campus enough to build grudges against each other that are played out on campus and in social media. Our goal is always to identify these issues early so we can attempt to intervene.  We can encourage students to talk and express their feelings in a constructive way.  Hopefully, our attempts can place students on the correct path in which they let the past go.  This however, is probably one of the most difficult things a person can do, not just a teenager.  Nevertheless our goal remains.  Get them to talk, let it out, and work through their differences in a constructive way. That can apply to all of us. Have a marvelous weekend…Go PUPS! (cue: Shout, Tears for Fears).

Fall Traditions

Homecoming has now arrived and with it, the memories we all have of times long since past. The tradition of homecoming reminds me of the importance of being an educator in a high school.  Though our goal is to prepare students for the next level, we are constructing memories along the way.  That is very apparent during homecoming week. We need to always be thinking about the importance of our events and the lasting memories that remain. In sports, there is a time honored saying, “Players win ‘em, Coaches lose ‘em.”  The job of a coach is to prepare the players for competition:  To put the players in the position to win. That is the same for teachers.  Everyday we need to put students in the position to get a win.  How that is done is up to you. Have an absolutely wonderful weekend…Go PUPS! (cue: Winner Takes It All, ABBA).

Autumn is Here

Autumn is here and the weather is absolutely glorious.  If you are anything like me, you love this time of year.  For me, there is nothing better than the cooler mornings followed by the perfect afternoons.  As for school, the stretch of October and November can be daunting. Studies have shown that the longer the time is between a 3 day weekend, the larger the increase in behavior challenges. Could this be relatable to the stress on the students or the teachers?  I will leave the answer for you to decide.  For now, I will simply wish for patience for each of us.  Have an extraordinary weekend…Go PUPS! (cue: Waiting on a Friend, Rolling Stones).

Magellan

The 20th of September is here and with it an important date in history. Today  is the day Ferdinand Magellan began the voyage with which he is credited for circumnavigating the globe in 1519. Leaving from Spain with a fleet of 5 ships, he not only discovered the Strait of Magellan, he became the first European to cross the Pacific Ocean. The journey took three years, destroying 4 of the 5 ships along with many crew. Little known is that Magellan did this famous trip in 2 voyages: in two different directions, not point A to point A. Knowing that,  he had a slave from Mallaca (Malaysia) named Enrique that returned with him to Europe.  Enrique returned to Mallaca after Magelan died by the westward route.  Therefore, Enrique should be credited as the first to circumnavigate the globe in one direction however, that is not our European history. Go figure. Lesson to learn from this story is that OUR history programs us to think a certain way.  Take a moment to think outside the box. Have an exceptional weekend…Go PUPS! (cue: Don’t Stop Believin’, Journey).

End Of Summer

Labor Day has past marking the traditional end of summer, and the return of everyone to regular school activities. Vacations and long weekends are in the distance when the beautiful valley weather returns and delivers us from the searing heat.  That is basically how I see September.  It is a month of transition, where we see the weather improve, busy days increase, and call-ups are made in baseball (Go Giants).  Just remember that students are also in transition.  They are getting you know their new teachers and learning their tendencies. Let us all show our students that we will exceed their expectations.  Aim to be the ones to make the difference today, tomorrow, and every day to come.  Have a fantastic weekend. Go Pups! (cue Warmth of the Sun, The Beach Boys) 

Count the Things That Matter

As we close down August, we are facing the dawn of September and a semester of activities planned.  As we all do, the schedule will drive our day and before we know it, we will reach Winter break.  Take a moment during the hustle and bustle to count the things that matter most to you.  When we pause to reflect, difficult moments will seem not so significant.  Just remember, you are the custodian bestowed the task of turning on the light bulbs in the minds of your students.  That task is not dull or boring but exhilarating beyond belief.  Have a great 3-day weekend.  You’ve earned it.  Go Pups! (cue Chic - Le Freak) 

Pulling Together

Pulling together, we had an excellent start to school.  We have now sailed through the first complete week and have settled in to our routines.  Just remember, parents send us all they have.  They don’t keep the good ones home and send us the ‘others’.  They send us their best.  I often ask myself, “Are we preparing our students for our past or their future?  I guess that will always be a question that is open for debate. At this point, it is just a questions to ponder…enjoy your weekend. Have an outstanding Friday and an even better Dog Bowl.  Go Pups! (cue Styx – Come Sail Away)