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).