This Too Shall Pass

The first day of Autumn arrived on this past Wednesday yet the warm temperatures are still with us.  It looks like we are going to have to wait until next week to get some cooler weather. Maybe soon we will see waning high temperatures give way to some wet weather (Hope is our best strategy). Last week I made a reference to the rain and rainbows. Whether the rain is literal or metaphorical, just remember that in both cases, it too shall pass. That is a lesson we need to teach our students.  The measure of a person’s character is not how they perform during the easy times, it’s how they persevere in difficult ones.  Don’t quit, wait out the rain, and cherish the rainbow. Do we have any other choice? As previously written, just lean into the curve when the road is winding. Have an exceptional weekend. Enjoy the weather...Go PUPS! (cue Berlin, Dancing in Berlin) 

Until next time...

Better Days Ahead

We have made it to the middle of September and generally, that means more mild weather. We all hope that is the case because the heat has been relentless both literally and figuratively. If you are anything like me, the really hot days with higher than normal humidity just adds a bit more stress to the days. Cooler more mild temperatures may help to calm the nerves of everyone. This last week has certainly been a challenge from dealing with COVID, staff shortages, student fight clubs, and TikTok video challenges. It seems daily that our staff is put into reaction mode, frantically trying to respond to the next and most immediate challenge. During these times, it is important for us to remind each other that this too shall pass. I simply try to handle only what I can. Those things that are out of my control have to be cast away. I know better days are ahead and we will be better when they arrive. In the meantime, we need to take care of ourselves and not tear ourselves apart. We also need to understand that it takes both rain and sun to make a rainbow. Have a great weekend. Enjoy the weather...Go PUPS! (cue The Beatles, Let it Be) 

Until next time...

The Impact of Kindness

We have made it to the end of another week and stress levels are beginning to rise for both students and staff.  As we all know, stress can manifest in many different ways, most of which is not good. That is why it is important to stop, slow down, and breathe.  There is so much going on around us that can cause stress. The news alone is filled with stories that have some sort of connection to some angst for a certain group.  We simply can’t escape the hate that exists, but we can fight it. In this world people can hate for no reason, however, we can choose to do the other. I try to spread kindness for no reason. Yes, the times are crazy and I get just as stressed as the next person but my goal remains. I acknowledge that I am far from perfect, but I do try to spread some kindness and laughter when I can, wherever I can, and however I can. With COVID being omnipresent, we have a tendency to forget the impact. The daily exposure makes us numb to the effect it has on the lives around us and the stress it creates. The negative influence equally touches students and staff, just as a positive influence. That is why we all just need to spread a bit more kindness. Have a great weekend. Stay cool...Go PUPS! (cue Lunatic Fringe, Red Rider)

Until next time...

Labor Day

We have reached Labor Day weekend which, according to the History Channel, pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers.  Our history has not been so kind to labor. During the height of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800’s, the average American worked 12-hour days for seven days a week just to make a basic living.  In many States we had young elementary school-aged children working in factories and mines. Certainly we can add this to the list of things we are not proud of in our collective history. As time moved forward the error of our ways was identified and things began to change.  In 1894, Labor Day became of federal holiday to acknowledge the significant contributions of labor.  As the first Monday in September, it has come to symbolize the end of summer.  For me, it symbolizes the start of the school cadence and pace. Every educator knows what that means. The idea of structured breaks, meal times, and even structured personal time. Gone are the days of summer when time was not so much the factor. By Labor Day, things have just settled in for the long haul. Statistically the time between Labor Day and Thanksgiving has higher student discipline rates and teacher stress.  Because of this it is important to take care of yourself. When the road begins to get windy, you can do what I do, just lean into the curve. Have a fantastic 3-day weekend. Enjoy...Go PUPS! (cue Keep The Beat, Lin-Manuel Miranda & Ynairaly Simo)

Until next time...