Dear Ed

November first had arrived, game day.  We spied crimson leaves clinging to tree branches,  knowing that they wouldn't last much longer.  It was the kind of Saturday where fall foliage becomes windswept, ending up somewhere in a smoky burn-pile.  


It was cold yet that sparkling cornflower sky was splendid.  Sharp winds swirled, zealously lifting the Indian banners that adorn the road from L.H.S. to Loeb Field.  The crisp red and white flags were quite a site, beckoning fans as they migrated to the sports complex for the 3:00 P.M. kick-off. 



Early in the week the locals began parking vehicles in a tight ring at the edge of the field.  Some were undoubtedly preparing for tail-gate parties, anxious to find a good location.  One family had different plan.  They secured a spot near the 50 yard line with a car, and it turned out to be a good move.  That spot was reserved for a proud 84 year-old who couldn't fathom missing The Tribe in their 2014 play-off bid.  Who could blame her?  Indeed the young man slated to start the game for L.H.S. as quarterback was her great, great grandson. 

 What does a small town football event look and feel  like?  It's a noisy, spirited, curious collection of so many individuals.   There's countless hours of preparation, of practice and planning with the young people who "take the stage" when the day finally arrives.   

Ed, the complex was alive with folks of all  ages.  Drawn together were kids and cousins, grandparents, friends. Fans mingled with the band or the cheerleaders.  Members of the media were everywhere.  What is it
about making a little history that creates
such a hullabaloo? Perhaps it's a journey of
pride and purpose, success none shall deny. 




Indeed, what fuels such excitement or
prepares us to stand a little taller......
while setting our sights a little higher?
I think parents or those who love kids are
the spark, those with unmistakable hopes
or  dreams.  When it's time to perform,
all eyes are on the young people.

Anticipation of what's possible when 
you give your best effort, it's a relentless 
challenge.  That chance for personal success,
indeed one that's shared with others.....it's 
brilliant!  It is that goal worth every shred of
time or effort necessary, in making it a reality.  


Yes, the Indians played for us that afternoon
wearing red and white "home" uniforms.  

They didn't disappoint themselves,
their coaches, or the many fans at the
sports complex.  Folks listening to the broadcast of the game on WAKO Radio
too, were jubilant.  More importantly
these young people earned "another
day"  with an additional opportunity to
advance in the IHSA football playoffs.


Yes, the Indians made history on
November first.  They a handed a defeat
to the visiting Nokomis Redskins, an accomplishment marking the
first post-season win in over
a century of football at L.H.S.  


There's no better feeling than
to recognize it came about
as a result of teamwork.

The beauty of that Saturday afternoon
at Loeb Field? When a group of young
athletes came together, and acted as one.

#RollTribe

     

Together

https://www.choiceliteracy.com/articles-detail-view.php?id=2109

There can be strong progress in a child's learning when the teacher guiding pupils is inspired.  That boost of confidence in
the mind of an educator can translate into positive experiences with kids.  I know
this for sure:  things will get a lot better!  

Those genuine experiences with pupils
may not be plentiful early in the day. 
Indeed they may not even exist early
in the school year, or even in the
career of a young professional. 
You simply have to be patient.  

  Professionals seeking ideas to reach kids, improve the climate in class, or hone
their craft are facing real obstacles in
their learning community every day.

The answers one seeks to solve challenges
may be closer than you think.  Good suggestions abound in the minds and
hearts of other teachers--your colleagues.  

Reach out, listen, and learn from

others who have wisdom or insight

that provides you with suggestions,
insight-- indeed that necessary inspiration.  

Then take a "test drive" with your kids.

 Subsequently, you may discover fewer
potholes in your relationship with
youngsters and learning resumes.
That after all, is the proper focus
for youngsters in your classroom.  

I Can't Wait

 

The school year is still in its "tender stage."

I'm getting used to a new schedule but as
of right now, it doesn't feel too familiar.   

Hmm.....I still cannot remember

first names of all my customers!

That's a dilemma, so I just

ask the children to "remind" me
what they prefer to be called at school.    

It's important to be positive, welcoming,

and observant with all kids in class.

Showing youngsters we really care, while

making these early days of the school

year go smoothly is so important. 

I'm not sure I have a handle on my game!

If as an adult learner I feel this way,

then what about the youngsters in my care?

What about the other professionals in
the building, who are all negotiating
this new school year as well? 

I know what "success" looks and feels like
for students in school, at least that's my

ultimate goal for our learning community.

So tomorrow morning, we'll start
a new week together....all of us.   
I may be nervous, but can remain calm
in classes.  I may be unsure, but can stay positive.  Surely the road to a respectful,
safe school experience isn't too far away. 

Why?  Because as adults we're capable of
understanding our roles, and
intelligent enough to communicate clearly.

We know that time plays an important

role in developing relationships with others. 
 

Let's aim toward important goals we've

laid out for our kids with confidence, because they're always watching.  Young people  constantly "read" the signals that
we as adults, put out there.  The parents and families of our students are doing the same,

in this early part of a new school year.

So my customers and I will smile together
more often this week.  I'll get a better handle
on their names and more importantly, on
their needs!  Good things do take time.   

Our routines will be more comfortable,
and my pupils will grow more confident.   

I can't wait! 

  

 

Thank You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veuSc9ZhpPY

A new school year's just beginning for
many, while a Tennessee educator's
embarking upon retirement,
after teaching for 41 years.   

Cole Elementary was her home and this new retiree is first grade educator Nancy Flexner.  

I know teachers are an essential link in
success stories for young people.  

Many who cared about Nancy made sure
that she'd be recognized for the important

impact this woman made for her pupils.

Those who could travel to Tennessee, community members, and colleagues at
Cole Elementary gathered secretly in her
classroom last May for a surprise "farewell."

Thank you, thank you Ms. Flexner.
Your example is extraordinary

and we all need that in our lives. 

Enjoy the celebration in the link above
but thanks-in-advance to all those who
are going to do a "Nancy Flexner"
this school year for their kids!

Effective Classroom Management

http://corkboardconnections.blogspot.com/2014/06/5-common-mistakes.html

 

Be Clear

Deal Now, Not Later

Individual Expectations

High Student Expectations

Confidence "Plus!"

Connect with Linda Kardamis

Obstacles to Growth

http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2014/08/15/john-gardner-failure/

 

"FAILURE" 

Take a cue from the young.
Be eager, be willing to learn.  

Grab opportunities, making
those FAILURES a friend.  For

when we feel like "throwing in the
towel,"it's wise to remember why
we held on for so long in the first place!

 

Just a Little Jump

http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/us/article/Wounded-soldier-to-skydive-with-Maine-first-lady-5678432.php#/0

Saturday while some were working, cleaning
the house, shopping, babysitting, or even mowing a lawn and feeling like any of the above was mundane, Travis Mills was
jumping out of an airplane.  

This in and of itself isn't too spectacular
unless you stop to consider that this
gentleman has no limbs, save for the
artificial ones this veteran's learned to use through lengthy months of rehabilitation.  

His personal history reveals that 

Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills along with
a team from the 82nd Airborne were
on assignment in Afghanistan,
substantiating reports related to
verification of explosive devices. 

It was during his third tour of duty
back in April, 2012.  Just a typical day
for this team except that when Travis
dropped a backpack on the ground,
the sudden impact was enough to

detonate explosives buried below.

As anyone can imagine, the event changed
this young man's life dramatically.

Note-to-self: 
"Was I complaining about
anything on Saturday afternoon?  

One thing is clear:  Travis has been
emphatic about
"getting on with his life."
So on August 9th, he was in Maine to raise  awareness and funds for a veteran center
to be located at Fort Kent.  

Incidentally Travis invited the
wife of Maine Governor Paul LePage, to
join him at his parachute adventure. 

 Note-to-self: 
"Bravo Travis, bravo!"  

It's well known that First Lady Ann LaPage
is interested in supporting veterans.  When
the two first met, Mrs. LaPage discovered
that Travis is also passionate about
creating a camp that will benefit
wounded veterans and their families.

      Who could say no?      

Ann admitted that while petrified of
heights, she had to honor his request

Note-to-self:  

"Challenges are not insurmountable."

Watch the two teasing one another 

at Fort Hood, during the recent event:

http://www.wlbz2.com/story/news/local/2014/08/09/mrs-lepage-skydives/13839893/

We initially learn from one another in
very small ways, moments of time that
may seem insignificant at first glance. 

It's only from positions of enlightenment
that we act upon our understandings,
make decisions, and solve problems. 
Yet the process all begins with learning
from others, one simple step at a time.  

I believe this is true with people
of every age, and in all walks of life.  

Perhaps recognizing this, you and I can be
more proactive in supporting kids. 
We'll recognize that everyone continues to
learn and flourish when given the time,
opportunity, and proper nurturing.  

Thank you Travis Mills,
you are a hero that gives me pause.

http://www.travismills.org/