Perspective

Last week I had a few things to say about perception and reality in our positions as educators. This week I would like to cover the issue of perspective. It makes a perfect follow-up to the subject of last week because we are drawing attention to our point of view, and whether or not our perfect outcome is achieved. Take into consideration, our secure campus and subsequent controlled release on Wednesday. One viewpoint is that when information is presented we need to error on the side of safety for all staff and students, yet in direct contrast of that view, we may have some that said it was a waste of time because nothing happened. What is our measurement? I am very satisfied to know that all our students and staff went home safe, albeit, not all happy. On a deeper level of perspective, it begs the philosophical question of when does not enough become enough, or when is enough too much? No doubt, we have a moving target here (cue Howard Jones - No One Is To Blame). Have a safe Halloween and a relaxing weekend. Go Pups!

The Right Thing

 

I was meeting with a parent the other day and caught myself using the phrase “the right thing” and realized my mistake.  I understood, directly at that moment, the lens with which I was using to determine the ‘right thing’ in this student situation was different for the parent.  Yes, there are two sides to every story, two viewpoints from which to have an opinion, and two lenses to see through, providing no real clear definition of ‘right’.  It is both a matter of perception and reality.  Of course, when dealing with matters of law, ‘right’ is very clear.  Break the law and you have the ‘right’ to remain silent.  It’s not so easy when ruling over a request to give assignment redo’s, grade a re-take test to full credit, offer 2 or 3 or 4 chances for behavior infractions.  When is the ‘right’ time for “tough love”?  ‘Right’…’Tough’…’Love’.  Perception or Reality?  You decide.  Have a stupendous Friday.  Go Pups, get #9!      

It's Okay to Win

 

I was having a conversation with a coach about student success.  How difficult it is to teach our students that it’s okay to be successful.  That it’s cool to be smart.  That it’s acceptable to be happy with winning.  Many times, students that have not had a whole bunch of success, don’t know how to act.  The emotion is new and territory uncharted.  For some, the struggles of daily life make them forget to keep looking up and not down.  Success is a measurement of perseverance in difficult times and it should be admired.  We need to teach our students that when life presents us with adversity, the answer is to not wallow in misery, but to answer with action.  Choose to celebrate the positive and work hard to overcome the negatives.  Champions of business, finance, sports, or other endeavors all have a fanatical drive to reach their goal (cue Let’s Go Crazy – Prince). The challenge is not rooted in the objective, but the focus.  Have a super Friday and a fabulous weekend.  Go Pups!

 

Music and Movies

 We all love music and movies. As we close another Homecoming week of dress-up, music, and fun, I guess it’s time I explain why I have musical references in my updates.  When I was young, I lived in the country with only 3 TV stations, but we had radio and a great set of 8-tracks (Don’t hate!).  Around the house and on long trips we used to play games such as “Name that Tune” as the new song switched on the radio (first to yell the title won) or “If I was in a movie, what would the soundtrack be?”  The brainstorm of songs was hilarious to say the least, with of course, my Mom always winning with her pick of Helen Reddy – I am Woman (so sorry…had to say it).  Now however, the games are gone but the great memories and the soundtracks remain.  So the song references are reminders that however stressed or difficult times may be, there is always time to smile and possibly create a memory for a student.  What happens in your classroom and the relationships you build are yours.  So ask yourself, what soundtrack is playing?  Have a remarkable Friday and a most excellent weekend.  Go Pups!

Everyone has a place

 

It’s time to talk about a few things that have returned:  October has arrived, Christmas is at Target, and the Dog Bowl trophy is in our Lobby (You have to love cross town rivals).  Speaking about the Dog Bowl, what an event to showcase the Hanford community (cue Small Town, John Mellencamp).  We know from the events of this past Monday that this is a small community where news travels very fast.  We cannot control what happens outside of school or on social media, we but can concern ourselves with providing the best opportunies for our students while here. If we believe that everyone has a place here at Hanford High, it becomes our inherent challenge to not only tell them, but to show them daily. Have an exceptional Friday.  Go Pups!

First Day of Fall

 

The first day of Fall was this past Monday and it is about time.  Soon we will see waning high temperatures and waxing wet weather (cue Creedence Clearwater Revival, Have You Ever Seen The Rain).  Whether the rain is literal or metaphorical, just remember that in both cases, it takes both rain and sun to make a rainbow.  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.  Have an outstanding Friday.  Go Pups!

Kindness

 

One more week is winding down, and things seem to be moving at light speed.  Here we are at game 4 of the football season already.  Our focus this year has been  making connections and celebrating achievement.  The assembly on Thursday gave students the clear message…”people will never know how far a little kindness can go.”  The best thing about the message was that kindness is not associated with weakness but strength.  The strength to look for the best in others, dream big, choose positive influences, speak with kindness, and start a chain reaction with your actions.  Rachel’s Challenge gave us 5 points, we are starting a ‘FOR’ Club, we have our own 3-2-1 Challenge…with all those numbers, I’m thinking about 8675309 (cue Tommy Tutone, Jenny…for no apparent reason).  Now that I have that tune in your head, sing, hum, or whistle a bit.  Have a marvelous Friday and a restful weekend.  Go Pups!