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) 

Greek Stories and Mr. Rose

We are now in the final push to the end of the semester and with it comes all the craziness that December brings.  Sometimes, what the students will remember most about school, are the times their teacher gave them compassion, consideration, or even the figurative swift kick in the pants.  Thinking back to my days in high school, I had many teachers that did the latter, but none more than Mr. Rose.  Mr. Rose was my 12th grade English teacher and is the reason I have a representation of Sisyphus in my office.  You see, Mr. Rose taught the mythological Greek story in class and for me, it was far from engaging.  About 4 years ago, I was notified by my parents of the passing of Mr. Rose.  On the same day, I saw the statue in a Home Goods store.  I immediately thought of Mr. Rose and how difficult he made my life as Senior in high school. I still don’t know why, but I was compelled to make the purchase. There is one difference between Sisyphus in Greek mythology and the statue on the table.  The statue has someone helping Sisyphus roll the boulder up the hill. My interpretation is that we all have our own boulder to roll and help, in whatever form, is appreciated.  Thank you Mr. Rose, lesson learned.  Job well done.  Enjoy your weekend. Go Pups! (cue Beatles: Here Comes The Sun)