tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62687481164292735492024-03-12T21:36:16.465-04:00Dr. Jones' OfficeMay our lives never be candles unburned!
-UnknownChris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-66039694533658076852017-03-25T15:39:00.003-04:002017-03-25T15:39:51.806-04:00Present, Active, and Not Waiting<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This message has a few additions to my normal message of Being Purposeful, Acting with Integrity, and Building Your Character. It came to me as I was thinking about the message I wanted to send to students today during an assembly. It was about expectations. </span>Not just the expectations we as teachers and parents have for them, but those they have for themselves. <span style="font-weight: normal;">In today's world of distractions it is becoming increasingly important for all of us to both model and stress the act of being present, active, and not waiting. In other words...</span></span></span></div>
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<li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Be present. Put the phone away, enjoy the moment for what it is rather than worrying about tomorrow or yesterday. Enjoy the time you have.</span></li>
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<li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Be active. You have to do more if you want to become more. Life is not about being static. It is about taking action and working with the consequences of that action. If you don't act; you will never have anything to move forward to and become stagnant. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mediocrity is another word for falling behind while remaining comfortable.</span></li>
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<li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Don't wait. Do not hesitate if you ever have an opportunity to do something special that you have never tried before. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You never know how great you can be until you get there. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Many great people have looked back only to scratch their head at the thought they could have ever gotten there in the first place.</span></li>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Check out the video, give it a listen, and ask your students about the film today. </span>After all;, in the end, it is about them and if they decide to be a better version of themselves. <span style="font-weight: normal;">Warriors...you know this to be true. Now make your decision and surprise yourself with the results.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for reading, watching and considering following!</span></div>
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Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-50799648100886179672017-02-13T16:25:00.000-05:002017-02-13T16:42:38.089-05:00Social Media and Self Confidence<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;">Whether it is me, a few more than normal occurrences at school,
or national news that has drawn attention to this topic is not the issue in the
end. The issue is just that...THE END of going back and forth. Social media is
a fantastic tool, but like every tool can be wielded with poor judgement that
ends up damaging surrounding things. <b>Digital citizenship and in the
event it is not present, self confidence and resilience are key.</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">I wrote a few blog posts that go more in depth about this topic.
One was titled: </span><span style="color: #1c6e98; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2lIpGAD" target="_blank">Media That Isn't So Social?</a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> and the other was </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2kkMgTs" target="_blank">Online, Underground, and In the Air:
Connect to Disconnect</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2kkMgTs" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">. </span></a><span style="color: #222222;">While they are focused on some deeper issues
the same line of thought applies. A strong foundation in digital citizenship
and responsibility is what is needed in </span></span><b style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">an age where anonymity allows
an increased sense of bravery, uncaring, and/or treachery.</b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;">Please take the time to discuss this with students. There will
be times in their lives when individuals say things (often on social media)
that hurt their feelings or embarrass them, are lies, or just plain make them
mad. <b>Responding in kind is not the answer. It does nothing but fuel the
flames and let the offender know they have hit their mark</b>. Doing nothing
doesn’t work either and isn’t a realistic expectation on the part of
adults. Instead we need to have students ask an adult for help.
They need to let someone know what is happening so it can stop. <b>People
who bully or harass others will not stop until someone who has the ability or
authority to make them does just that.</b> Report things early and they
stop early. <b>Inaction leads to larger problems further down the
road.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;">Be Purposeful: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;">Know what you are doing, why you
are doing it, and what the most likely outcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;">Act With Integrity: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;">Seek to do the right thing.
Interact with others in a respectful manner...always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;">Build Your Character: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;">Having someone slander or lie
about you doesn't make it true or something to which you have to react. Be
strong, know who you are, and be better for it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-18040895591384914112016-09-08T05:01:00.003-04:002016-09-08T05:03:29.552-04:00The Cost of Playing Up<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">How many times...</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">have we underachieved because we didn’t take advantage of an opportunity?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">was it because we were afraid of failing?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">was it because we thought we couldn’t? </span></li>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How many times...have we kept our children from succeeding because we were trying to protect (make it easier) them so that they could?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The cost of reaching higher than we thought we could reach is small compared to the cost of staying safe which results in more painful assurances of staying put in long term mediocrity.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While I am always considering how to push my sons to take chances and explore in an attempt to be better than if they had not, the thoughts for this post came to me as I sat contemplating two recent events with them.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioV3ygtrZhEPBE3x20QGChz-ZPQE-NfkuPtfCNX27CHFa31SkoTnU3_D6WptZpQYGqNUEqDqOxwUKDGkBJLDlsYcCg5pvKomC76Rm5ZlyESprQXO5eyo50NBB75kep6_m-poWavcrKHUo/s1600/Scott+Jones2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioV3ygtrZhEPBE3x20QGChz-ZPQE-NfkuPtfCNX27CHFa31SkoTnU3_D6WptZpQYGqNUEqDqOxwUKDGkBJLDlsYcCg5pvKomC76Rm5ZlyESprQXO5eyo50NBB75kep6_m-poWavcrKHUo/s320/Scott+Jones2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, we were happy that he had fun on the ropes course and surprised at how easily he moved through the second of three levels. Then he came and asked to go on the third course. My youngest son is 7 years old and fancies himself somewhat of a spider man clone. I informed him the rule was that the third level was restricted to kids 13 and older. He asked again so I told him I would ask. The guide hesitated and after asking how he did (very well was my answer) on the second level, informed me that he would let him. The only restriction was that the guide would stay right near him in the event he fell...which he did...twice...as many of us looked on from about 40 feet below!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimeIz2xwFyKEhuVE-G5u3JINO92IdVhR3BnmOBP2uMWBITiSWCyNAuizn7q0_MKBHwf2F-OqrV4GjKY2nmCKLfBzdrwkzqEXi1R3h2mkv1pDahXpdos4rY0TpQ1tIYAaRPbWfVAgFACQ/s1600/Tommy+Jones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimeIz2xwFyKEhuVE-G5u3JINO92IdVhR3BnmOBP2uMWBITiSWCyNAuizn7q0_MKBHwf2F-OqrV4GjKY2nmCKLfBzdrwkzqEXi1R3h2mkv1pDahXpdos4rY0TpQ1tIYAaRPbWfVAgFACQ/s320/Tommy+Jones.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Second, the decision came quickly. Yes, we had thought and spoke about it for over a month, but when the time came it seemed as if we still rushed in. The only somewhat saving grace was that he had made the final decision himself; just like we had been teaching him. My 9yr. old son was now playing football a level up with the older (by two grades), bigger kids. His other choice was to take it easy for a year and play later. We were concerned about the contact with more developed kids, but stood by as he got knocked down and struggled to keep up in the drills. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Often, as parents we do our best to help our children succeed and excel at what they do. That is only natural. The part we miss is that often greater success lies just behind greater risk and fear. This is easy to verbalize, but a whole lot harder to watch. Especially with our own children. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this day and age when we have changed the label of helicopter to snowplow (or lawnmower) parents it is easy to say that resilience (or lack thereof) comes from parents protecting their students too much. I believe it may be linked to something deeper. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How many of us teach children mental toughness and character by explaining to them that life is not about drifting to the end, but purposefully moving from accomplishment to accomplishment?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> How many of us teach our kids to play up?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Playing up means playing above your perceived skill level and taking chances that you are better than you believe.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Everything in life comes with a cost. Especially playing up. We are consistently (or should be) telling our students and children that every action has a consequence (or costs something). The issue is that we may not be explaining it effectively. Its really as simple as every action gets a reaction. Sometimes the actions we take have good consequences. Sometimes they don't. Either way...there is a cost. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unfortunately for those who struggle with delayed gratification, good decisions are not as appealing as the bad ones and while they do not seem to cost a lot in the present; the cost is huge in the future.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> These individuals need to identify a purpose that will drive them to push through setbacks and obstacles until they accomplish what they are striving for. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgOAWzyD9DFH2mHaq768SpTAnzd_foagttfujZ5hr4cRrfrdBI_tq_wl4MnN8m4QhwCIuchQP4c-84QWxHxUPN28lV6V2j25Sao5oDFrcf0gQvB_0N0fPDVtOJqV6rWEC-QR6I7CyjjM/s1600/the+journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgOAWzyD9DFH2mHaq768SpTAnzd_foagttfujZ5hr4cRrfrdBI_tq_wl4MnN8m4QhwCIuchQP4c-84QWxHxUPN28lV6V2j25Sao5oDFrcf0gQvB_0N0fPDVtOJqV6rWEC-QR6I7CyjjM/s320/the+journey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An acronym to think about:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-large; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">C</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">haracter</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You're going to run into failures. You're going to make mistakes. You're going to fall down. The idea or path to success lies in the getting up. You build your character in difficult times when you struggle. There can be no learning without the Ideas to build your character and get right backup</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">O</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pportunity</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By playing up you create opportunities you never realized you would have. Remember the phrase “luck is when preparation meets opportunity. The willingness to work through difficult times leads to easier moments we used to think impossible.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">S</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">uccess</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No matter how a person measures success there is one thing that hold true; true success breeds success. Once a person leaves their comfort zone, struggles, and succeeds, they realize that they never knew how far they could get until they got there. If we teach students to be purposeful and persevere there is no limit to the amount of success they may achieve.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">eaching</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Acting purposefully and building character are two very difficult things to accomplish for many people; much less children. But there is nothing that is a better teacher than experience. The issue is lasting through that experience. Once a person has met and pushed through hardship, there is a moment that they realize that they are more capable, tougher, stronger, braver, and deserving of whatever they wish to become. That is character saying yes when other say no.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By the way...</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>my youngest son finished that third level and continued to talk about how proud he was because he didn't think he could do it.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> He just kept going and repeating; “Don't look down, you can do this.” until he made it a reality. My oldest? He kept getting up until he began keeping up in drills and knocking 6th graders down. His answer when asked by former teammates and friends which level be liked better? “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>I like playing up because I have to work harder or I won't do good. I feel like I'm getting better” </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">was his reply though a pride filled grin.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Easy for a parent? No</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Needed for the kid? At times</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>More beneficial to learn resilience, be purposeful, and build character than being safe? ABSOLUTELY!</b></span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Step back a little. Let them play up. They may just surprise you...</span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-67532023249710035592016-04-09T19:51:00.000-04:002016-04-09T20:52:52.785-04:00Set Expectations, Not Excuses and Success Will Come<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was a post that I put as a message in my weekly newsletter to students, staff, and parents. As I reread it, I realized not only is it only a small part of a bigger topic/conversation, but a message for everyone no matter their path or position in life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is as follows:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now that we
have reached the end of the Third Term, I thought it may be helpful to point
out something as the year is officially in the “last lap”. Whether we have good grades, have met some
goals, or failed at both; many of us can do better. <b>Unfortunately,
often when we are faced with a failure or adversity it is easy to make an
excuse as to why it cannot be done rather than shouldering some hardship and a
lot of responsibility in an effort to get it done.</b> Additionally damaging is when we use the
excuse that we either cannot do it or are not good at it because that’s “just
the way it is.” This is where
expectations come into play. I often
think of a quote attributed to an unknown 6<sup>th</sup> grader that said, <b>“My teacher thought I was smarter than I
was – so I was.”</b></span><span style="background: #fffefa; color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g9Kdcnb8TCQ_YsriC2dqlP8ypzvLWPxGhNOLBQGvIhhtYyLx5hNugqXzTKwSVPvyA6VaSstfNExXxvVuAfjY0q0dlgXWb13ZyAiKCXcFkZdLAZZC3mWbOqNYBhtO_9a2xhwDLrIXj_8/s1600/you-can.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g9Kdcnb8TCQ_YsriC2dqlP8ypzvLWPxGhNOLBQGvIhhtYyLx5hNugqXzTKwSVPvyA6VaSstfNExXxvVuAfjY0q0dlgXWb13ZyAiKCXcFkZdLAZZC3mWbOqNYBhtO_9a2xhwDLrIXj_8/s320/you-can.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffefa; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Just recently an article was
forwarded to me that illustrated the power of expectations.</span><span style="background-color: #fffefa; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fffefa; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It rehashed an old experiment known as the
Rosenthal Experiment and how it relates to the Pygmalion effect.</span><span style="background-color: #fffefa; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1PPOgu5zXN_aENQeDRyako3X00/view?usp=sharing" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank"> I have included this short article for you to read here.</a><span style="background-color: #fffefa; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> You may have never heard of either of these two things, but a quick
summary is that this study illustrates “the phenomenon that explains better performances
by people when greater expectations are put on them.”</span><span style="background-color: #fffefa; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fffefa; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So how does this apply to the beginning of
the end of the school year?</span></div>
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<span style="background: #fffefa; color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fffefa; color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>That is one
thing I expect you already know.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you need a higher grade to pass a
class…<b>set a goal and expect you can
accomplish it.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are not doing well in a sport…<b>expect to do better and get it done.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If there is anything you want to get or
do better at…<b>think you can and then do
it.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This sounds
great, but you need to remember nothing comes without work and sacrifice. It is supposed to be uncomfortable. That is the only way we know we are pushing
ourselves hard enough to grow. <b>In the end, we are the only ones who really
decide how successful we are and that is by expecting the best of ourselves and
believing that we have the ability to achieve it.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-73641709254399642752016-03-30T15:45:00.001-04:002017-03-10T12:45:42.471-05:00True North<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This post
was something I had thought about at the beginning of this year, but left at
the title because of other pursuits. It
caught my eye again and combined with some current circumstances seemed to be
an appropriate time to revisit. A few
things had come to mind as the summer was winding down. I started thinking
about the school year and all the new things the students and I would be
experiencing, but the one that thing that had inspired this post had to do with
discovery and its importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRfrlZzctCRJ3q5nBFs8wXX6dIbJi0pea2luyKnyudQX3lE2Fovwl5uRzHAO5KktZwmoQUr3XZyf4UKI0nEDx9xAVPdifkxSNryDJ3reHGr9CUsmIiN_D5q-u3CAc8L5SzNkrRj4yYzY/s1600/the+journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRfrlZzctCRJ3q5nBFs8wXX6dIbJi0pea2luyKnyudQX3lE2Fovwl5uRzHAO5KktZwmoQUr3XZyf4UKI0nEDx9xAVPdifkxSNryDJ3reHGr9CUsmIiN_D5q-u3CAc8L5SzNkrRj4yYzY/s320/the+journey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of you
who read my blog know that I mostly post about character, perseverance, and
learning. This is in that vein, but from
the perspective of not only our impact as educators, but also its importance.
We have all heard it and even repeated Plutarch’s familiar phrase; “The mind is
not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited.” I personally explain it with the following
phrase. <b>Teaching isn’t about acting on
someone, but rather having them act for themselves.</b> I find this to be common sense if the true
definition of understanding (according to Howard Gardner) is being able to take
new knowledge and successfully apply it to an entirely different context.
However, I want to take it a little farther.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Everyone one
of us has a key to our life. Our “True
North” if you will. It consists of our
core values, experiences, and lessons learned.
While it is not always clear to us, it exists and dictates your passion
and happiness with life.</b> It has many
names; purpose, meaning of life, destiny.
No matter what label, it is important to align your whole life with it
to achieve your maximum ability to learn, potential, and satisfaction. Personally, I spent most of my younger years
trying to figure out what I wanted to do before realizing I want to help other
people by passing on the understanding I had come to concerning the
opportunities available through education and character. <b>My
“True North” lay in the dissemination of mental toughness and the idea of
learning through failure by taking what you have and making it something
better.</b> I have truly believed in the concept of over, under, around, or
through my whole life, but like most, never recognized my current existence,
experiences, or strengths as something to share. I wasn't always ready for education. I was
the first person in my family to go to college (because of what I accomplished on the football field). I was
almost even better at twisting arms on the wrestling mat during those
years. In fact, I’ve made a habit out of
doing things people told me could not be done because <b>I believe that there are
no impossibilities with passion, hard work, determination, and the ability and
willingness to grow from my mistakes; get up from failures or in short…keep
moving north.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To be great,
effective educators we must help students with this aspect of their life. There must be a blurring of the lines between
the content we are teaching and their lives if we expect students to be engaged
to a level at which they retain and understand the lessons throughout the day. <b>Fact is, everyone has a key to their life. Every
student has a key to their learning and understanding.</b> As educators we must find their key by
looking at what they have done in the past and meshing it with where they are
at currently. If we truly want to unlock the potential growth in students we
must discover what they aspire to and integrate it with how we approach them. <b>This is essential because life is
education.</b> Trying to separate students’
outside life from the material (and location in which) they are learning
creates a disjointed experience that benefits no one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I believe
that very rarely does anyone really know where their true north lies from the
outset. This is because we all get
temporarily blinded from time to time as we exist in those spaces of happiness
and satisfaction that populate our days.
Unfortunately, these fleeting moments are not what help us fill our
potential. <b>Our true potential will not be measured in these small increments, but
rather from the lasting impact of our influence we have upon those others whose
lives we pass through on our journey in the world.</b> Those of us in education must remember the
words of Robert Frost when he said; “I am not a teacher but an awakener.” We
must work with the students to help them begin the journey of discovery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Education isn't about what happens to
people, but what happens within people.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> How are you sparking that flame exciting that fire? We
need to stop doing to students in the classroom and begin letting them act.
Do not act upon them. As E.M.
Forester said; “Spoon feeding in the long run teaches us nothing but the shape
of the spoon”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And really…in the long run, who truly cares about the shape
of the spoon as long as it serves the purpose we need it for; to feed us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-31276744734723472462016-03-11T18:19:00.003-05:002016-03-11T18:20:56.109-05:00March is the Month for Perseverance<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thinking
about the past few weeks of students highlighted in the newsletter for
receiving awards the theme for this month’s character initiative, and the long
stretch that March is during the school year; I can’t help but focus on the
importance of perseverance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We should be
proud of all those students who have taken a risk and stepped into an unknown
experience because they wanted to and found success in the face of sacrifice
and struggle, but <b>we should also be incredibly
proud of those students who do the same, fall short of accolades, and still
continue to push forward.</b> <u>Those
students are harder to spot because they are often silent in their
determination or feeling down because of their most recent failure.</u> I know we all say that you cannot learn
without failing and that you need to fail before you can succeed…yeah…while that
is true...it’s a little easier to say when you aren’t the one failing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Speaking of
failures and persevering through to success; check out this list of famous
individuals who did just that!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zLYECIjmnQs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zLYECIjmnQs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What I’m saying
to everyone is that if you:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">are
trying or even thinking of trying something to be a better version of you, do
it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">see
someone working hard and struggling to continue, don’t distract, but support
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Because in the end, we only find out
how good we can be by pushing until we fail…and then doing it all over again to
get a little farther.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all need
to support our students who are giving it their all and motivate those to
achieve what they can…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Or as Kid
President says in this video pep talk; "We were made to be awesome!" </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/l-gQLqv9f4o/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l-gQLqv9f4o?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<b style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">Now go out there and do what you were made for today. Not tomorrow, but today...get started.</b></div>
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Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-76329604549183426232016-02-27T15:54:00.001-05:002016-02-27T15:54:28.499-05:00Doing the Right Thing: It's About Perspective<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The high school I lead is always
looking for ways to improve the climate so that students and staff alike have a
positive, welcoming place to learn.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Creating such a place
requires more effort on the part of those who are part of it than whatever
group is creating initiatives. <b>Ideas don’t make change; action does.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have
entered the second half of the year now and with that comes added stress and a tendency
to become increasingly hyper-focused on what we want to do and how every
encounter we have impacts our world. Instead, if we all want to have a more
positive experience we have to adjust our focus. <b>Instead
of it being on us, it needs to be on those around us. </b> Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Integrity: What we do when we know that nobody is
watching. Or in school terms…when we know
we aren’t being graded or evaluated.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That phrase
often adorns the walls of classrooms and is repeated by people who insist that <b>character and integrity are the cornerstones
of a positive climate and culture</b>. What isn’t discussed is one of the
concrete requirements of being able to exhibit and practice these qualities. The willingness and ability to consider what
others may be thinking or experiencing.
It sounds counter intuitive but it really isn’t. It’s more about
changing your perspective. Want to improve your experience? <b>Think
about those around you and begin by helping to improve theirs.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfeXxkbgCVE&list=PL4GMdmlBkKhq-jpnhd-HoSEL525WflrbQ" target="_blank">Check out this short video for an example.</a> I’m sure we can all find an
example of ourselves within it…I know I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Give it a
try and remember; <b>Be Purposeful, Act With
Integrity, and Build Your Character</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-2278089390003687952016-01-22T10:55:00.001-05:002016-01-22T13:29:21.954-05:00Take the Small Steps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQIjZM5VZTTP-MseMJoKDO1mJv5P206RYPmQmMnkI8InmtRg4xz-uz_8NG-qyC2FHm7nDxH4cMHuv_q1G_f0GfiK2QxxHFmnMR3YBlBO34XxaBSBkf5_8COOAFoVDv6HAiP2ST9ZN14w/s1600/Ripple+effect.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQIjZM5VZTTP-MseMJoKDO1mJv5P206RYPmQmMnkI8InmtRg4xz-uz_8NG-qyC2FHm7nDxH4cMHuv_q1G_f0GfiK2QxxHFmnMR3YBlBO34XxaBSBkf5_8COOAFoVDv6HAiP2ST9ZN14w/s400/Ripple+effect.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There were
quite a few reasons for this post, but it really hit me when I started
discussing students and setting goals at the middle of the year.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We all set goals, but how many of us attain
them? More importantly, how many students even understand how to go after their
goal once it has been written down?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This post focuses (in short order for brevity’s sake) on that piece.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is meant to shed some light on succeeding
by not focusing on the end result, but instead the small behaviors that get us
there.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider the
following statement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Consistently
taking the small common actions is what leads to uncommon, incredible results.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How many
times have we heard this phrase, thought it made sense, and started to follow
it only to stray from the consistent aspect, not achieve greatness, and then
discount the saying? </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is
only one way to realize success (in any area) at a level that will surprise
even ourselves. W</span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">e must be purposeful
and practice mental toughness and character.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-r-pq_KJIsYkIhp5_td0ihqFuzlLoV0GgZ3vLsumhyphenhyphenH2DxDNg4MVq-gsLt4sQS09keunncqNCDu_2uHDuU54VKfPTIiPHTE2iiw822GwYxjYfBHuQHvb0RBkJb4aK4zHq9kY_5PP2t8/s1600/behavior+and+goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-r-pq_KJIsYkIhp5_td0ihqFuzlLoV0GgZ3vLsumhyphenhyphenH2DxDNg4MVq-gsLt4sQS09keunncqNCDu_2uHDuU54VKfPTIiPHTE2iiw822GwYxjYfBHuQHvb0RBkJb4aK4zHq9kY_5PP2t8/s200/behavior+and+goals.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have all
heard of the idea of setting goals and that they are essential to anyone’s
success. Unfortunately, that message is
often not understood by many people due to the counter intuitiveness it takes
to be successful at attaining those goals.
It essentially comes down to the following: <b> </b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>You achieve
your goals by not focusing on them. Rather, you realize long-term success by focusing
on the small incremental behaviors that move you toward your goal.</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wait…how do
you achieve something by not focusing on it?
It has to do with character, mental toughness, and perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sooner or
later, anyone who has tried to accomplish something in life realizes the most
important aspect; control. There are
people who will tell you that you must take control of your life to be
successful, while others quickly retort that too many things are out of your
control so it is useless and success comes more from luck than control. I assert it that the former is unrealistic
and the latter is all about excuses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVTm6E6-PDjzJrO74K_BXMaM9c0Vng-kiu47PK18VAhzcpWje0__5gaVoSMVWiiFZ3Rf43Df41aC-vrpBby-xQYS-vPVu7vRSdvzaHWKdTF0hgu6MP_7flRogxL2hI6WR9oYobLo5zbQ/s1600/do+the+impossible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVTm6E6-PDjzJrO74K_BXMaM9c0Vng-kiu47PK18VAhzcpWje0__5gaVoSMVWiiFZ3Rf43Df41aC-vrpBby-xQYS-vPVu7vRSdvzaHWKdTF0hgu6MP_7flRogxL2hI6WR9oYobLo5zbQ/s200/do+the+impossible.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>If you set a
goal and then try to control every part you will fail. </b> The true road to success is to focus on the
smaller aspects that you actually have control over. What I’m talking about are your
behaviors. I will keep the example to
academics, but this system works for any area of your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Academics –
We usually (unfortunately, too often) measure academic success by grades. So we tell our students to set goals to address
what grade they are receiving. That’s good;
however it’s more important to realize what part of that goal to focus on so
that it is manageable, attainable, and long lasting. There are many factors that go into grades
(most people know this) that are not entirely in the student’s control. So the idea that they will reach their goal
is unlikely; resulting in another failure and the deep down belief that they
will not be successful no matter what goal is set. <b>Instead, students should focus on the
behaviors that they have complete control over; their own.</b> What behaviors typically produce good grades?
They must:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Complete
homework<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Participate
in class<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Study
on their own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stay
for extra help<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These behaviors
alone will not help unless they are done consistently and become habits. If students focus on setting a schedule they
will keep and then practice it consistently no matter what temptations (mental
toughness) or hardships (character) get in the way, they will reap the benefits
of the behaviors (better grades) without focusing on them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Perspective<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We become
what we view as our reality. Students
(and adults) who set a vague goal often do so for one of two reasons. First, they may not understand how to set
goals. Second (the darker side of this)
is that a vague goal is easier to excuse if we fail. <b>Whenever someone approaches (or sets) a goal
with the idea that they will probably fail anyway is going to want some wiggle
room to make excuses. </b>Hello vagueness.
If the focus is on small behaviors that we can check and succeed at each
week; success follows due to the pride and self-confidence built up in the
behaviors that become habits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mental Toughness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There will
be temptation and distractions that are followed by failure unless there is commitment. Changing behaviors is not easy and it takes
the ability to <b>identify the behavior that needs to change or start, create the
plan to do it, ignore the temptations, and follow through.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYVMakm6NJe34CbTttjXLvipXEheUCGjsdTgu_6G9jsGeD8L06e8mMdbbol36SJ9Y5IBmFm07JYI_e3kxGVxtcFkve5I4liI9zfDbyIMLOJCFeUIH0SjV1TnEkm4HYlgfetYvZHa5muc/s1600/goals+pride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYVMakm6NJe34CbTttjXLvipXEheUCGjsdTgu_6G9jsGeD8L06e8mMdbbol36SJ9Y5IBmFm07JYI_e3kxGVxtcFkve5I4liI9zfDbyIMLOJCFeUIH0SjV1TnEkm4HYlgfetYvZHa5muc/s320/goals+pride.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Character<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all need
to learn how to fail. I could say the
famous “fall down seven times and get up eight”, but really…who hasn’t heard
that and still done the opposite? I have
come to understand that getting up is great, but learning each time you fall is
the only way to keep from falling again.
Every little failure (missing that one homework out of 5 this week) is
an opportunity to recommit and grow.
<b>When you fail at something you are given two choices; quit or carry
on.</b> Think about all those resolutions
about weight loss that are made each year.
People eat better and exercise for a month, don’t hit the goal they set,
and instead of realizing the progress they have made quit the behaviors that
will help them realize long lasting success. <b>It’s not that character counts rather,
character is the only thing that counts.</b>
It is only strengthened through adversity, because improving ourselves
never gets easier; it’s just that we get stronger character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the end,
be purposeful. Focus on the small steps and stick to what you want by avoiding
temptation and facing adversity. Don’t think
about the end. Think about teach step
and as you accomplish it, count it as a victory. <b>Long lasting success isn’t attained
with one fell swoop. It is reached through
incremental change over time. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-29390349413799046252015-10-05T14:55:00.001-04:002015-10-05T14:55:43.427-04:00Work Now; Succeed Later<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTPbPjA7vTNJwzabKfWTE3LDLdD_1wUrEtOQ9jV0DcPUjojIrU6uSbzLnmBdSYaaqA80DZ3Hi9Asx0KJJkTwWKXBpwYxtFDq11LjZtz5Cd6Hnki6lrZDHx6QyCFwBhfyymWKWuPcyWNw/s1600/coin+toss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTPbPjA7vTNJwzabKfWTE3LDLdD_1wUrEtOQ9jV0DcPUjojIrU6uSbzLnmBdSYaaqA80DZ3Hi9Asx0KJJkTwWKXBpwYxtFDq11LjZtz5Cd6Hnki6lrZDHx6QyCFwBhfyymWKWuPcyWNw/s200/coin+toss.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The impetus
for this post comes from my oldest son (again) and his current fascination and
drive to play football. I wrote it a while ago, but never published
it. As his football season is
progressing and he (#93) was selected to do the coin toss the other night, another
story with him made me go back and reconsider, but that is for another time. The original writing of it follows…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtbdyr3Z9m3pCADDpetstFlOjjwTblNm7k9xgeyAuUI1fEdYJw7xb4uV70-T-WT0phf8lszfRKXBHOofvpymvtqlDMREG1rYLCJtfD1PMU5ynBSjZT1g4Fzu_ZdldLNXgFhC2dtnNTCY/s1600/T-Bone+wants+in.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtbdyr3Z9m3pCADDpetstFlOjjwTblNm7k9xgeyAuUI1fEdYJw7xb4uV70-T-WT0phf8lszfRKXBHOofvpymvtqlDMREG1rYLCJtfD1PMU5ynBSjZT1g4Fzu_ZdldLNXgFhC2dtnNTCY/s200/T-Bone+wants+in.JPG" width="168" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He has been
running for the 4 weeks leading up to summer camp. I would be dishonest if I did not say that
some days were much harder than others and required a lot of motivation (and
patience) on my part. He is after all
eight and constantly bombarded by the instant gratification (contrary to me and
my wife’s constant battle in the opposite direction) around him.</span></div>
<br />
<b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How often in today’s society,
especially education do we not only notice, but encourage the notion of instant
gratification.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Kids expect their grades to be instantly
raised if they do some homework; parents rush to lessen consequences for a
discipline issue or bad grade. <b>Many times students are rewarded for
mediocre performance because “we don’t want them to feel bad or left out”.</b></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They give
out performance trophies after each day in camp. These are not the attendance type trophies so
wonderfully stood up against by James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is announced at the beginning that they
are for superior performance and that they hope to give it to the same players
every day if it’s deserved. I cannot
explain how bad my son wants one. <b>I waited for the fallout when his name was
passed over every day and then at the end when they gave the overall trophies.</b> We walked to the car in relative
silence. After removing his pads and
getting in, my son looked at me and said; <b>“I
was really close today daddy. Maybe if I
keep working I will get one next year.”</b>
I stared at this little boy trying so hard to be older (wait; grown up)
than he is and while suppressing any sadness I had for him having come up
short, began to smile at something much more valuable. <b>He was
beginning to understand the value and long term success of hard work.</b> In
education the popular tag for this right now is “failing forward.” As more
conversation occurred, it became clear that he had somewhat of an idea of where
he fell short and what he has to do to get better next year. Consider that life lesson learned; or at
least well on his way to learning it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Working hard
to achieve a goal often isn’t a short term endeavor. Rather, it is a drawn out
process that when successful, is a greater accomplishment than originally
planned. Would I have liked him to
receive a trophy because I personally know how hard he has worked? Absolutely,
but <b>it makes me 100 times more
satisfied; no proud, to see that he is beginning to understand the value of
hard work for the sake of personal gain further down the road.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While I continue to learn from my sons on a
daily basis, I continually look for ways to help them and other students realize
that success in life has little to do with luck, being in the right place at
the right time, or something that someone else can give you. Rather, it comes from perseverance, hard
work, and determination<b>. If you do not encounter obstacles on your
journey with which you must struggle, you are not growing to your potential.</b> Any sports, academic, or military program only
reaches a level of success equal to the toughest obstacle they needed to
overcome. If the willingness to push forward
is never tested or even worse; absent, we will never withstand true resistance
when it is most needed. <b>Success comes
from the ability to get to the other side of adversity…even when you don’t get
a trophy for getting there.</b></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-88265519453388109242015-09-01T14:47:00.001-04:002015-09-01T14:47:48.295-04:00Leave a Legacy<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The inspiration
for this post came as I sat to write my annual first day back thank you letter
to my teaching staff. I tend to be wordy
about most things, but cannot seem to ever express that gratitude I have for
teachers and the difficult often thankless work they do each day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have
included an introductory piece, the video I emailed them and the thank you note
in its entirety. The three together may
be long, but are needed to get the full picture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You are many things to all, but all
things to many. You have chosen a path
in life that is hard.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> You will struggle because at one time or
another all of your students will struggle with not just the content or the
rules, but with themselves as they grow beyond their expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There will
be days and years where everyone knows better than you, but that isn’t what
matters because you do better. <b>No matter how great the struggles, it is in
those quiet reflective moments that you realize you are making a difference in
this world.</b> When you have left this
profession, it is you who will have bestowed upon the collective society a gift
greater than any other; educated minds with an understanding that they as
individuals can succeed no matter the obstacles they face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>The
legacy you will leave is that you helped children aim high even if they missed
because that is better than helping them aim low and hit.</b> That is the legacy of a teacher. That will be your legacy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d_pGiUeVFEU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d_pGiUeVFEU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 48.0pt;">THANK YOU<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know you have so much more to do before the students come
in your door. There will always be one
more chair to move, lesson to tweak, and activator to plan. So please take a second either when the dust
settles or you need a break to reflect on why you are so deserving of this note.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you for:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Getting up early and staying up late just so
you can be prepared after adjusting your lessons to meet the needs of the
students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Working weekends correcting and making more of
those plans that you will need to change later during the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Providing and taking advice even when you don’t
want to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Making these sacrifices day after day and week
after week, because you do have families and lives to live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you for:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Inspiring students to do more and be more by
believing in them and making them believe in themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shaping the future generations by contributing
to the greater good of society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Being that person who has the chance to fill
many of the gaps and crevices that appear in every child’s life at one point or
another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Being the heart of the school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, thank you for:</span></u><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Settling for the idea that <b>YOU HAVE MADE
A DIFFERENCE</b> even though you rarely get to see it because you have, you do,
and you will continue to do so by being you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have a great year!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are
Seekonk and We are Warriors!</span></span></b></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-62904841113452164722015-08-06T08:48:00.000-04:002015-08-06T08:48:44.719-04:00When Resilience Runs Its Course<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The impetus for this blog was an
experience I just had with my youngest son at Cub Scout camp. <b>It was a poignant lesson for me in the
importance of reflection when we talk about resilience.</b> The whole grit movement is great. Finally
something I heartily believe in, but was never able to quite articulate has
been receiving its proper credit.
Additionally, <b>I firmly believe
grit, mental toughness, character, resilience, or whatever you label those
qualities that allow us to succeed in the face difficulty because they are what
have helped me succeed.</b> So
naturally, I impart these lessons to my sons.
This is where this post begins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Background<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGjFrsD_07zRj0RlnFjbL8_zAHYHfJ_pwoa6akz08oZCTk23NAN1rL95q2ymad29a0GtINNeBpdfC9U8g82IRKxfP2Xh8aWqoCbaUhyphenhyphen0GhfnOkeIkvFoQckLjsFWqeHbXqx5KAdviehs/s1600/Scott+Front+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGjFrsD_07zRj0RlnFjbL8_zAHYHfJ_pwoa6akz08oZCTk23NAN1rL95q2ymad29a0GtINNeBpdfC9U8g82IRKxfP2Xh8aWqoCbaUhyphenhyphen0GhfnOkeIkvFoQckLjsFWqeHbXqx5KAdviehs/s200/Scott+Front+2015.jpg" width="136" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One of the activities they do is a BMX
bike ride on a dirt path. There are few
rules with the exception of take turns so that all get some time on the
bikes. The kids grab any bike they can
get on and any helmet that fits. There
are some hills, turns, and shortcuts as the boys get a taste of that freedom
born from controlling the bike along the path. My son has just started riding
his bike at home. He is six and sticks
to the relatively flat pavement on his own Ninja Turtles bike. It’s a little different than this experience. Nevertheless he grabbed a bike and asked me
to push so he could jump on and start peddling.
I felt proud as he raced down the first stretch. My job was to go to the far turn to offer any
help for the kids. I had just arrived when I saw Scott come around the corner
and crash his bike. He had started to go
off the road and overcorrected; causing the handlebars to turn completely
sideways. The end result was the bike
tipping forward to land on Scott. He has crashed his bike before and gotten
right back up, so I was not very worried.
Then the other four bikes came around the corner and ran into and over
Scott and his bike. I helped all those involved back to their bikes and the
riding continued; including Scott who was in need of some Band-Aids when he
decided to stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Resilience<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This scene (minus the running over)
replayed itself a total of 12 times by the end of Scott’s turn! <b>I wish
I could say I didn’t cringe each time it happened, but knew it was my duty as
his parent to pick him up, brush him off, and tell him to get back on the bike.
</b> In all honesty, the last four times
I asked him if he still wanted to get back on the bike. I tried to figure out what the problem was,
but all I could see was the overcorrection leading to a crash. At about the sixth crash, Scott looked up at
me with tears streaming down his dirt caked face and kept repeating, “Daddy,
I’m not doing anything wrong and I keep crashing. It’s not fair.” My reply was that he must be doing something,
but we just don’t know what it is so we had to figure it out. After his last crash, knowing time was
almost up (and my heart breaking just a little), I asked Scott if he just
wanted to call it a day and walk the bike back.
This time his answer was different. He wiped the tears away and said, “I
got it. The wheel turns too easy and too far.” Looking at him and thinking of
how proud I was because of his resilience I replied; “You fell a lot. You got one more try in you?” He looked at me and said; “I got it Daddy. I got it. Can you give me a push?” I watched him as his back left my hand and he took on
the small hills. I watched him as he rode all the way to the end of the course,
got of his bike, did a fist pump, and gave me a “thumbs up” with a big, dirty
smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Take
Away<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOySZDQnSOUZNiKeUvOYs1pCmEpj3vlG1cCpZi7eEWHII0XP8FYcpl4r0JYOs-HwpGkpExF-j8sT_Fmek2wFJRvgGpKORX3mYBMlZ_7xVCp181Ek_wVMVJWU0yqOs9HGSVFJhB6QsXWrM/s1600/Scott+Side+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOySZDQnSOUZNiKeUvOYs1pCmEpj3vlG1cCpZi7eEWHII0XP8FYcpl4r0JYOs-HwpGkpExF-j8sT_Fmek2wFJRvgGpKORX3mYBMlZ_7xVCp181Ek_wVMVJWU0yqOs9HGSVFJhB6QsXWrM/s200/Scott+Side+2015.jpg" width="136" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I learned a big lesson that day
courtesy of my son. <b>How often can we as adults ask children to keep getting up if there is
no solution to their struggle?</b>
Should they keep getting up? Absolutely!
But, how often can they continue to follow that age old saying that is
indicative of success; fall down seven times, get up eight. Our children are constantly surrounded by a
society that offers instant gratification by ensuring the easy road is always
open. Couple that with a growing sense
of moral relativism and <b>we are crippling
our children by not teaching them to endure hardship not for the sake of
enduring, rather for the sake of learning a better way. Endurance or resilience is only as good as the education or reflection that allows a person to learn ffrom the experience.</b> Every one
of us can only be resilient for so long before breaking. The trick is to reflect on the problem and
adjust our approach before that moment arises because once a person has quit
they very rarely have any meaningful reflection. It becomes excuses for failure rather than
ways to succeed the next time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the adults and educators it is our
duty to stress that reflection piece.
That comes in letting our children and students experience failure as
long as we continue to guide them through the process. <b>That
is not to say we should take the sting out of the failure, but instead
encourage children to keep pushing through as they question what is occurring
and how to make it better. </b>Trust me,
I wanted to make it better for my son as he struggled. I even caved after the last crash, but in the
end it was my son who taught me. Next
time, maybe I will help him continue his struggle and focus more on the
reflection. It is hard when we are
personally attached to the situation, but as we all know; resilience is key and
a major indicator of long-term success no matter the odds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
Comes Down To This<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
they grow older, I want my sons, when confronted with the question; “Why do you
always take the harder of two roads?” to answer; “Why do you always assume I see two
roads?”</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> If we really want to
teach resilience we need to confront the urge to take the path of least
resistance. <b>That is only done by focusing on the bigger picture; being purposeful,
acting with integrity, and building character.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-24687223601763419202015-06-25T13:24:00.001-04:002015-06-25T13:24:42.693-04:00Another Year Has Passed<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was originally a post on Facebook and Google+, but multiple people have urged me to put it on my blog. This worked for me because a short post such as this is better than no post because I have been so busy closing out this year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So in line with less typing, more posting...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To all those
educators out there...Thank you for everything you do. Another school year has
passed and you have affected so many students. The hours you put in planning,
correcting, guiding, modeling, and teaching so much more than just curriculum
pays in ways you can only hope to see later down the road in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your
"job" is exhausting because it is so important. Educators are the
most important members of any society. They are the ones who impart valuable
knowledge and skills, offer a stable environment for students who have nowhere
else, and help students believe in themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Educators
not only light the fire within students, but fan the flame and care for it so
that it may continue to grow as time passes. Educators literally hold the
future of individual human beings in their hands. They have the power to build
confidence or destroy it; instill curiosity or downplay it; and continue a love
for learning or extinguish that flame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have met
the spectrum of educators, but have been blessed enough to know and realize
that almost all of them care so much that they work extremely hard to instill
the passion of education into the lives of children so that it is inscribed in
their hearts forever. They often do this at the expense of their own health and
loved ones because they realize the enormity of their task and relish in the
successful application of their practice. Your influence is enormous and rings
through the generations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This video
brought it home for me; made it concrete.
Please take the time to listen to the words. Every one of us has that
child inside; the one who is anxious to learn, experience, and grow. But that child needs the guidance of someone
to explain that everything is going to be alright. Educators are those people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-2-UzKLe938/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-2-UzKLe938?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Continue to find
that child in every student you lead. Continue to influence future generations. Continue to do what you do best…teach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you
for another year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-1045381306411826672015-05-06T21:35:00.000-04:002015-05-08T05:53:17.095-04:00Snowflakes and Herring<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Achievement in life isn’t
about opportunity and luck; but rather force and commitment born of and wielded
by strong character.</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The inspiration for this piece came from two
different things my six year old son Scott told me. If you are a regular reader
you may be able to tell that I believe in the value of individuals and their
potential from my posts. You would also know my thoughts on character. The
great thing is that it took one of my sons to bring it home to me as only the
perspective of a child often can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoVuFXLJXWFv4ty0FobWytR91Nf85Y0Xty2ki_HBi42__0QXnaB-6EEg0e1E7AUuWZmVYtJV3-J4_0NdTmM5X0nz7RkVGZ_x73qkAG-c_uozrhcCmLX_HBm43D2VgHpmTuZp5DqG1Eiw/s1600/Scott+in+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoVuFXLJXWFv4ty0FobWytR91Nf85Y0Xty2ki_HBi42__0QXnaB-6EEg0e1E7AUuWZmVYtJV3-J4_0NdTmM5X0nz7RkVGZ_x73qkAG-c_uozrhcCmLX_HBm43D2VgHpmTuZp5DqG1Eiw/s1600/Scott+in+car.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was a cold day this winter when my son
said to me from the backseat; "Dad, it's snowing again."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Really?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In his excited I need to share something with you voice he said; “Daddy,
can I tell you something?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You can tell me anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“People are snowflakes. You wanna know why?” He asked with a tone
that told me I was sure to get his explanation no matter my reply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Why buddy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Because they’re all different, but special just like snowflakes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp00we_FcI9o-6o36DMCrliNEDv9u6Di0oPJzDSOSDWflhfQX3m8yrGmv5SFfskvN9LrTlAQnlfabAm5OwGv4qPupbGD2K93EDHtOznxsm7-t5pqacnhTpjPF37vXPdPYO2jGNzMiqcrQ/s1600/beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp00we_FcI9o-6o36DMCrliNEDv9u6Di0oPJzDSOSDWflhfQX3m8yrGmv5SFfskvN9LrTlAQnlfabAm5OwGv4qPupbGD2K93EDHtOznxsm7-t5pqacnhTpjPF37vXPdPYO2jGNzMiqcrQ/s1600/beauty.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I thought about that for quite a
while, but the amount of snow we received this year coupled with an old saying about
making a difference really drove home <b>how
true that statement was and how powerful it becomes when we as individuals,
believe and act in accordance with it.</b>
Snowflakes, tiny and wonderful in their uniqueness as individuals can
comprise some of the greatest forces in nature.
When put together, they can:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Create
a beautiful scene to behold,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">foster
an exciting afternoon of fun, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">cause
major accidents and damage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Much like human beings, their power lies within, but is amplified
when collaborating with and serving others.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> In contrast, the
aspect that separates them from human beings is their lack of ability to decide
the outcome. <b>People have the potential to be infinitely powerful, but also decide the positive and/or negative consequences of that power.</b> Therein lays the importance of purpose,
integrity and character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg003E9bAwPd1MYsyHUU2UPDG2qf_kOo0hsJE_7pZ67suId0v8mw7CLNePfEhbxGiv4-VI0uiTNkQC-3OBStt83xWc9AQu86KXRG2baFmd5HV6g2EZh-K3VJ2RdsQqTVxPmMCrocNg1kkI/s1600/herring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg003E9bAwPd1MYsyHUU2UPDG2qf_kOo0hsJE_7pZ67suId0v8mw7CLNePfEhbxGiv4-VI0uiTNkQC-3OBStt83xWc9AQu86KXRG2baFmd5HV6g2EZh-K3VJ2RdsQqTVxPmMCrocNg1kkI/s1600/herring.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Fast forward to a few weeks ago when
my son was talking to me about our visit to the herring run. We had gone to see the thousands of fish
swimming up the fish ladder to get to their pond for laying eggs. On our way home we purchased (and later that
night read) a book that was geared toward children with its simple sentences
and colorful maps of the area. This was
a normal series of events for us that I didn’t give much thought until a few
days later when my son was talking about how he liked going to the herring
run. He asked me if I knew what it was
about. I (of course) began to explain
why they swim up river when he stopped me and said that it was about love. When
I asked him what he meant, Scott (my son) explained (in very similar terms) the
following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The herring go through all that work
out of love for their kids that aren’t even born yet. They escape bigger fish,
they swim against the current the whole way, they jump up a ladder, and some of
them die just so they can keep their kids safe. That’s because they love them,
but they don’t even get to see them. They just make sure they’re safe.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">How often in life do we do things out
of love? <b>Love in its purest form is a commitment.</b> It comes in many forms. Commitments to our
children, jobs, ourselves, people around us, and hopefully…our character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Character helps us face the forces we
encounter whether they are good or bad; right or wrong. No matter what our goal: athletic
performance, academic excellence, career advancement, or enriching other
people’s lives; we experience many forces both negative and positive. It is out of commitment that we move
forward. <b>Most importantly our character above all else is about the marriage of force
and commitment enacted with integrity.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How is it that:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">my
six year old can explain this so simply by watching snowflakes and herring,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can
explain it by writing it,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">but to
walk this path consistently on a day to day basis seems a battle that is it
times beyond me <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So think:</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">What are you committed to? Does your character allow you to push your way through all the forces you encounter along the way to fulfilling that commitment. Do you temper the force you use with your integrity? How can you get better?</span><br />
<u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></u>
<u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The End Result:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We must all make a commitment to act with integrity and use or
resist any forces possible to improve not only ourselves, but those around us
so that we may experience true success!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">As always…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Be Purposeful, Act with Integrity, and
Build your Character</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-31311885102193054652015-01-15T15:47:00.001-05:002015-01-15T15:47:08.366-05:00In the Words of Others<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This entry came to me as I
was reading a something from another individual who always adds to my capacity
to perceive and think. She had commented on a post from <a href="http://www.jamesaltucher.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">James
Altucher</span></a> and it started me thinking because of its value to a
larger conversation concerning life and our ability to live it fully. It is
fantastic and I offer a link to it in its entirety at the end of my post!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I found it really fits with
my mantra of <b>Be Purposeful, Act With Integrity, and Build Your
Character</b>. That coupled with what I experience every day led to this
post. I realize it doesn't follow my normal set up, but hey that's how
things go sometimes. I have italicized
the quotes from the post and then placed my thoughts after them to lend the
most credit to the post for provoking the thoughts. Enjoy…I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"It’s
how you view the life inside you that creates the life outside of you. Every
day. Don’t get locked in other people’s prisons they’ve set up just
for you. Personal freedom starts from the inside but ultimately turns you into
a giant, freeing you from the chains the little people spent years tying around
you."</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We spend
way too much time worrying about other peoples thoughts, beliefs, actions, and
how they reflect on us.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> We need to identify and know who and
what we are so that we are able to respond to situations rather than react.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"Push
instead of focus. Push is the ability to get up every day, open up the shades,
and push through all the things that make you want to go back to sleep.
Compound life is much more powerful than compound interest."</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When you look at success it is never one giant
leap. That one moment of triumph is the piece we remember rather
than all the failures it took to get us there. <b>The vital piece to success is
the willingness to keep pushing through all the obstacles.</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"The
average kid laughs 300 times a day. The average adult…5. Something knifed our
ability to smile. Do everything you can to laugh, to create laughter for
others, and then what can possibly be bad about today?"</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As a society, we are actively taking the laughter
out of our lives at a younger and younger age. <b>Our children are
being forced to grow up at a quicker, unhealthy pace at which they are given
large amounts of leeway to act with very little responsibility to help them
succeed.</b> The result is an increased amount of social/emotional
issues based in an inability to manage feelings or cope with hardship that
grows as the child ages.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"Getting
out of your comfort zone frequently and randomly is a way to boost your
anti-fragility. Do something that might not work. Be around people who
challenge you."</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You don't grow unless you stretch. The
greatest solutions in history have come from disagreement, argument, and
debate. If you want to get better at anything in life you must be
with people who are better than you. It’s the only way to increase
your skill level. <b>If you aren't pushing yourself, you're
coasting.</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I consistently talk and
write about some very important issues that continue to arise in society today;
specifically, mental toughness, perseverance and resilience, responsibility
versus accountability, and character. My position affords me the
opportunity to view the existence (or not) of these traits in both students and
adults on a daily basis. <b>My fear
is that we are moving more and more to a default position where students are
taught that:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What we think of ourselves is secondary to what others think
of us.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> This results in an inability to
understand the vital role morals and ethics play in a fulfilling life. <u>Therefore,
we let others define who we are and what we may become.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Success comes from getting lucky or that one big break that
someone else provides for you.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This type of thinking makes any failure (real or perceived) much more
damaging and permanent. <u>Success is only achieved by learning from and
pushing through our failures. </u> The age old saying...fall down seven
times, get up eight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They are ready for adult situations and decision making.
Kids need, want, and succeed when they have structure.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> This structure needs to be restrictive early and
loose later when kids are able to exercise responsibility. <u>We need to
be more comfortable with "no" and let kids do and worry about kid
things until it is developmentally appropriate to take on more.</u> I
just reminded my 7 year old the other day that I am not his friend. I am
his parent and therefore, responsible for his growing into a good, responsible
young man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If it isn't easy, find something that is.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Too often I hear people upset about someone else's
success. This is voiced through claims of it being "not fair"
and "I deserve it more." What ever happened to looking at
someone who is successful and saying; "I want what they have. Let me
go find out what I need to do to get there." <u>We need to put more
emphasis on acting rather than being entitled.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The good news is that this
can all be fixed or improved with the right mindset no matter a person's age or
position. What follows are the points in the post that stood out the most
to me. Yours may be different. Either way...take the time to read
the post <a href="http://bit.ly/1AV4LMZ" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-1971269009459800402014-12-10T11:19:00.003-05:002014-12-10T11:19:44.912-05:00Online, In the Air, and Underground: Connect to Disconnect<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The thinking for this post was
generated by a recent conference I attended that was jointly hosted between the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Canton Police Department.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While the topic was broad in scope (Strategies
to Counter Violent Extremism at the High School Level) I found that when
coupled with some recent literature, there was a very actionable message.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Responsible
use of social media is a huge topic with multiple online resources, so please
understand that I aim to only address a sliver here.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Premise<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our students have almost unlimited
access to the internet. This isn’t 50
years ago when parents could shield their kids from certain sights, behaviors,
or activities. Even more recent it was a
matter of kids being able to find (and do) anything they wanted if they had the
desire. Almost a “where there’s a will”
type of thing. Present day is even
trickier. <b>Students will be exposed or introduced to many more things than we
think appropriate or thought possible; whether they want to be or not.</b> That
is not a comforting thought even though there is a very effective method for
combatting this issue. We have just
drifted from it. I placed it into the
title. There is nothing wrong with
connecting to the world of social media; as long as we never disconnect from
our friends and family. Our kids cannot be shielded from the experiences the
world will give them. Therefore<b>, it is our responsibility to teach them
how to make proper decisions based on good character, integrity, and the ability
to recognize both good and bad consequences.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So What?</span></u></b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are three major pieces adults
must keep in mind when attempting to control a student’s online activity. They are all based around the idea that
struggling for control is like squeezing a piece of ice; the harder you grip,
the less likely you are to hold on. In
the end, keeping students safe depends on trust that is only built through
fluid and ongoing communication and expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Communicate<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in September that
highlighted a direct link between families eating dinner together and a
decrease in a multitude of negative behaviors in children such as depression,
drug use, cyberbullying, and fighting just to name a few. You may have seen some of the advertising
campaign on television. It is due to the
uninterrupted conversation that goes on during dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Be
patient, positive, and supportive. We
all remember when we thought every viewpoint and decision of an adult was
completely ridiculous and stifling of our important social life. <b>Take
the time to listen and fully explore, model, and explain the pros and cons of
various issues that students will encounter.</b> Your student’s perspective may shock or
surprise you. It is important to not
overreact, but seek to understand where their belief comes from and then be
firm in your response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Expectations<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Create
a contract with clear boundaries and consequences for violating those rules. Students like structure no matter how much
they tend to complain about it. There is
a feeling of safety in knowing what is “ok” or not “ok” when it comes to
behavior. <b>A clear set of guidelines helps make difficult decisions easier for
individuals not prepared to handle certain situations.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember
that we are not our students’ friends.
We are the adults and while students need to be given plenty of room for
mistakes if they are to grow, they also need to be kept “in bounds” so that
they do not get into serious trouble while experiencing life. <b>In
short, it’s not that we know better, but we do.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Trust<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You will never be effective in
protecting your student if there is not a strong sense of trust between you.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
This does not mean blindly believing everything your student reports (or
doesn’t) to you. It is akin to Ronald
Reagan’s statement; “Trust, but verify.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
your student begins to trust you with the small things, they will eventually
trust you with everything. <b>Make sure you give them that opportunity by
believing in them and their inherent ability to fall down, be scared, and worry
about not living up to your expectations. </b> Personally, I tell my kids two things. Only act in a way that they wouldn’t care if
I heard about and that I will always love them unconditionally; no matter what
they do. So far, they feel safe enough
to tell me everything. I haven’t had to
deal with the lying even though I have handed out plenty of consequences. They know they can tell me anything because
while I may not like the act; I will always be there for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now What?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Schedule
dinners or long car rides with your kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Always,
without fail, listen to them because it’s important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Continuously
tell kids three things: I love you, I’m proud of you, and I trust you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Communicate
openly and honestly with integrity and hold an expectation of the same in
return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ultimately it’s about helping your
student create a mindset that allows them to make responsible decisions. <b>This
doesn’t come from fear or you being the boss, rather from time taken to build a
better relationship based on communication, trust, and understanding.</b> Remember that we can pretty much handle any
problem we know about. It’s the ones we
don’t (or ignore) that are responsible for long term, often times irreversible
damage to ourselves and others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-66158750037230888202014-11-20T17:26:00.000-05:002014-11-20T17:26:06.586-05:00Communicate Like A Tiger<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I wanted to
write this post after Tom Bresnahan tweeted out a photo that really got me
thinking about how we communicate, Tiger Cub Scouts, and an incident that occurred
with my youngest son in a shopping market parking lot. The overall message is model how to value individuals
by listening to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Listen to Understand (The Goal)</span></b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbU98ic1Wzw8vEERO39RGQJglXcU_Hf3xTBYZB1cobn3HEuKm_SNaOSXzzluS83kW4tvkfgqtZdTPI9ikAw3DVa7LbXW1ietokO9SIrStZwsKbHwg5tQqGAViN5zYFP_ppXioC6me8Xik/s1600/communication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbU98ic1Wzw8vEERO39RGQJglXcU_Hf3xTBYZB1cobn3HEuKm_SNaOSXzzluS83kW4tvkfgqtZdTPI9ikAw3DVa7LbXW1ietokO9SIrStZwsKbHwg5tQqGAViN5zYFP_ppXioC6me8Xik/s1600/communication.jpg" height="185" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The message is
obvious, but how often is it that we are so geared up to talk that we never
even listen in the first place. There is
a major difference between hearing and listening. Listen to understand rather than waiting to
speak and you just may learn something important. Throughout history, there are accounts of
multiple Native American tribes practicing the art of waiting approximately
five seconds after a person spoke before they began. <b>This
ensured that the person was heard and understood thereby causing more
productive conversation.</b> Today this
proves to be difficult. We are naturally
uncomfortable with prolonged silence.
However, every time I have practiced this, I have received greater
amounts and a deeper understanding of information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiST5NP1qk2K1fHRaYzxxjXhWKt0oKrwZhqmrJoCMKh830C7EdQixGPnNK-sDYon-Zc9Ej3m-t_ws5ePQYuk6J7R4o1sbh5p9FvPHteqvcadVAGtqk20hQOC731Ngb-t005QEFTtmOmeiQ/s1600/tiger+cub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiST5NP1qk2K1fHRaYzxxjXhWKt0oKrwZhqmrJoCMKh830C7EdQixGPnNK-sDYon-Zc9Ej3m-t_ws5ePQYuk6J7R4o1sbh5p9FvPHteqvcadVAGtqk20hQOC731Ngb-t005QEFTtmOmeiQ/s1600/tiger+cub.jpg" height="196" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tiger Cub Scouts (Steps to Take)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is in
the fashion of the “All I Really Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten” list. Except it’s taken from a lesson I taught about
being respectful and listening to a den of Tiger Cub Scouts. To paint the picture, these boys are 6 years
old. I often stop to think about how relevant these skills are for all adults
as well. The main point is to listen
with your eyes, ears, and mind. This can
only be accomplished when you ignore all the other distractions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Eyes on speaker</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <b>Focus on the person you are speaking with.</b> You convey that they are important when you
look at them. It also shows that you are
engaged in what they have to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ears are listening</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <b>Listen to understand instead of hearing to talk.</b> How often do you think you could repeat what
someone had said to you five minutes after your conversation had ended? The age old trick here is to repeat, rephrase
and check.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mouth is quiet</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <b>Interrupting is one of the most rude and damaging behaviors in
communication.</b> It sends a clear
signal to whoever is speaking that what they are saying has no value. It is not a long jump to the idea that you do
not value them a person. Simply put, wait
your turn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Brain is thinking</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: Make sure you are making sense of
what a person is saying. Think of clarifying
questions that help the conversation move forward. Asking questions shows you
value the person and increases the flow of information due to a larger amount
of trust. Try to understand the motives
for what they are telling you. Doing so
will lend insight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Body is still</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:
<b>Non-verbal communication is much
more important than verbal.</b> People
have conversations and then walk away with that “it just didn’t feel right”
taste in their mouth. That is due to a
breakdown in non-verbal communication.
Without getting too deep; be sure to have an open stance (or seated
position), not roll your eyes, and either nod, shake your head, or give a
slight umhmm to signify you are listening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep Waving (The Whole Package)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS-Yc-ZJ5QBAdBaV9wZ7yVw2SqdqxnV3q6xKvA_fpqLpgGzsGgwhmF5XBD1B73eryT_0-pX5BJc-fl-nxPpa475Q-5OHCNVLDkWk95ANf3PFTchivjuOaAQFdoNRn85JLDOTgWj3dhqI/s1600/scott+waving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS-Yc-ZJ5QBAdBaV9wZ7yVw2SqdqxnV3q6xKvA_fpqLpgGzsGgwhmF5XBD1B73eryT_0-pX5BJc-fl-nxPpa475Q-5OHCNVLDkWk95ANf3PFTchivjuOaAQFdoNRn85JLDOTgWj3dhqI/s1600/scott+waving.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not everyone
you encounter will communicate well. The
only response you have is to keep trying.
You do this through modeling. There
is no better way to teach somebody about proper, respectful communication techniques
than modeling for them. I was at the
store with my son the other day when we had to stop and wait to cross the
street on our way to the parking lot. A car
finally stopped to let us cross and my son stopped as he arrived at the front
of the car, turned to the person driving, and yelled thank as he waved. Unfortunately, the person did not acknowledge
him. Undaunted, my son tried a little
louder and decided to wave with both hands the second time. There was still no response from the driver
of the car who had been nice enough to stop, but appeared to have no interest
in waving back at a five year old. My
son remained stalwart. He took half of a
step toward the car; put both hands in the air, and wildly waved his hands (and
arms by default) as he stared at the driver.
Finally, the driver smiled and waved back. My son’s response was a big “thumbs-up” to
the driver and a return to dad’s hand as we continued our walk into the parking
lot. My point you ask? <b>Do not lower your standards or expectations
because others do not match rather reach out and bring them up to yours no
matter how many times or how much modeling it takes.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
communication fails:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ideas
die,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Innovation
stops,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Leaders
fail to succeed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Teachers
become frustrated,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Parents
don’t get involved, and most importantly…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kids don’t
learn.</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Work at it<b> (Be Purposeful), </b>make it better<b> (Act with Integrity), </b>and keep trying
to bring others up<b> (Build Your
Character).<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-74054634353424656232014-10-17T11:43:00.000-04:002014-10-17T11:43:01.348-04:00Awareness is Action’s First Step<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdfHHOHksSQSgw5idBwSI_Rtkxh2XCLH1JzmyuxfLjdBYG-e8uWn6YjjobZ4f0TXGriH3qore5WsEmqsUGJgmat6Qh6IyxFlGPj1SuFviRxE35zaSu62ANJahIKqhh9XqH2a5glCYFGw/s1600/Awareness+without+action+is+worthless,+Dr+Phillip+McGraw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdfHHOHksSQSgw5idBwSI_Rtkxh2XCLH1JzmyuxfLjdBYG-e8uWn6YjjobZ4f0TXGriH3qore5WsEmqsUGJgmat6Qh6IyxFlGPj1SuFviRxE35zaSu62ANJahIKqhh9XqH2a5glCYFGw/s1600/Awareness+without+action+is+worthless,+Dr+Phillip+McGraw.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This
post is not an original idea nor the first time I have touched on its topic,
but unfortunately the issue of bullying is still enough of an issue to require
repeated calls for attention. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My
previous entries are:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://bit.ly/IPVak6">Defining, Acting, and Understanding Bullying</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://bit.ly/1rHO0NA">Tolerating Acceptance</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
an attempt to continue getting the word out and raising awareness, I wrote a
short piece for our electronic newsletter that goes to parents each week. Typically I would not necessarily place a
newsletter piece on my blog, but I have had a few suggestions to do so with
this one. So, without much more explanation
it is presented below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Please
take the time to think about some of the awful behaviors that are being
perpetrated on our children by their peers and in some cases adults.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">The
only way to stop this cycle is through purposeful education concerning how to
act with integrity. Doing so takes
character, but that is only built through the act of making the right,
courageous choices.</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have to make
that first, scary step on the promise that it will get easier.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzKjPCpja-x7UzJMv-lv7RKnfBVXMvmZrupzyZEvUCuysF2NxMmRU20ZhM8e_ES4cXHWtHXDPUa0nIllIKkZDElY2pLajphUykRVAdXEakHJQB_8f2OVqdXuy2BassYXDxONlghawK1Q/s1600/be+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzKjPCpja-x7UzJMv-lv7RKnfBVXMvmZrupzyZEvUCuysF2NxMmRU20ZhM8e_ES4cXHWtHXDPUa0nIllIKkZDElY2pLajphUykRVAdXEakHJQB_8f2OVqdXuy2BassYXDxONlghawK1Q/s1600/be+yourself.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>The
piece was as follows:</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bullying Prevention Awareness Month<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">October
is the national Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Please take the time to discuss this serious
issue with your student at home. While
we hope to curb all bullying at Seekonk High School <b>it is understood that this behavior is pervasive and by definition,
operates in secrecy.</b> I have included
a links to two short YouTube videos.
Please take the time, watch them with your students, and have a
discussion. Notice the behaviors, the
bystanders, the helpers, and most importantly the victims. Imagine they are you or your students and
better understand the problems that face thousands of students nationwide on a
daily basis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://bit.ly/ZGw6EW">You Are Not Alone</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://bit.ly/1qDJksR">You Had to Pick on Me</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
have also included various resources for you to peruse when time permits. They contain valuable tips for victims,
parents, educators, bystanders, and even bullies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center: </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/">http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stomp Out Bullying: </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.stompoutbullying.org/index.php/campaigns/national-bullying-prevention-awareness-month/">http://www.stompoutbullying.org/index.php/campaigns/national-bullying-prevention-awareness-month/</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stop Bullying: </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.stopbullying.gov/">http://www.stopbullying.gov/</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The victimization of any human being is
a behavior that must be stopped</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
Bullying affects all those involved in some form. It affects the most vulnerable of our
population; children. Think of the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just because you don’t like someone doesn’t mean you need to
interact with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bullies act out of a frustration with themselves and their
lack of self-esteem. It is about gaining
control and power over their victim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do not be a bystander!
Seek help from the appropriate people if you do not want to intervene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adults cannot stop bullying by themselves. It is up to the bully’s peers to put an end
to this awful, behavior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are being bullied let someone know and push
forward. You are special and can be
incredibly successful one day because of who you are and what your experiences
have made you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally,
a message to give to bullies. <b>Those who
you victimize will continue to be special in spite of your best efforts to drag
them down to the level at which you exist.</b>
Others will realize this, turn their backs on you, and in time, you will
still be alone and have feelings of inadequacy. <b>Get
help for what ails you in a productive way rather than being destructive.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No one likes to hear this, but I am sure this behavior
exists at some level in Seekonk as well.
The question is what are all of us going to do together to stop these
acts. <b>Simply ignoring or accepting it is not an option.</b></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-11199916362470164772014-09-29T12:08:00.000-04:002014-09-29T12:08:10.359-04:00Here and Now vs. Yesterday and Tomorrow<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While
recently contemplating the influence of the society of which my current
students are a part of, I noticed a connection between my doctoral research on
historical understanding and student behavior.
Those of you who regularly read my posts will not be surprised to find
that I am looking at this connection through the lens of being purposeful,
acting with integrity, and building character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am fortunate enough to deal with
all types of students who, at the time of our meeting, are usually not in their
best light.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> With very few exceptions, I notice that there
is always an absence in our conversation concerning some type of behavior. Previously believing this to be an offshoot
of the survival skill known as self-preservation, I have now come to think somewhat
differently. What follows could and
possibly should be a larger discussion, but not here. I will attempt to keep it brief and possibly
revisit later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Students today, for many reasons live
in a constant state of the present. <b>This is why the concept of character is so
hard for many to not just grasp, but meaningfully implement in their lives.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whether you call it the existence of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">instant
gratification,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">everyone
gets a trophy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">140
character conversations,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">reality
based on TV shows, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the
world instantly at their fingertips in the form of a screen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whatever the combination of factors,
students are left with a stimulating, instant, very current world with little
explanation or understanding of how prior actions have affected their current
state and how the present has future consequences.</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
That is where the problem (yes it is a problem) occurs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It may not necessarily be a refusal
to accept responsibility as much as a lack of understanding concerning that
very thing.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> In fact, more and more research is bearing
out the delayed development in the region of the brain (otherwise known as the
frontal lobe) that controls individual’s ability to recognize and fully
understand the relationship between cause and effect as it pertains to them
personally. Before you protest and say
that I am making excuses because “of course students know what they are doing”
you must understand that is not what I am saying. <b>The
success I have had in working with students to change their behaviors stems
from my belief that they need to be made aware of their actions and their
impact contextually.</b> After all, it
is my job to teach. Not to mention, who
wants to complain about the ills of the society instead of moving in a
direction that fixes them? Even if it is
one student at a time…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That is why
appropriate consequences for action are needed more now than ever before. <b>Surrounded
by a world that has disconnected, negotiated, or even nonexistent effects for
actions, students must be taught the exact opposite if they are to achieve real
success.</b> The question is how we
accomplish that. I use a method that
follows three steps.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I follow this
framework I have noticed:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">a
lower rate of recidivism of negative behavior,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">stronger
relationships, and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">students
developing more character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Be Purposeful<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all know
that students deal with concrete explanations the best. Tell them the behavior that is wrong and
why. Then take the time and walk them
back (verbally) to the causes and then forward to the effect<b>. Be
sure to continually tie everything you talk about to the action. Create that connection for them until it
becomes natural.</b> Much like sledding,
you need to go down the hill first if they are to go where you want them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Act with Integrity<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Be “above
board” with the students. Let them know
exactly what you are doing and why. The
goal is to get them to realize the larger context of their actions. How many of us would accept a class in which
the objectives were either absent or unclear?
<b>Model the behavior you are
looking for. Do this by telling them
what effect you are trying to get by your actions of speaking with them before
the consequence. </b> This talk should be
about much more than just a “due process” requirement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Build Character<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As mentioned
before, this is not about the lack of consequences rather the presence of
useful ones. Students will repeat the
behavior if they are not aware of the connection to the consequence. This is where the responsibility portion
begins. <b>Character is not about acting gracious when you are getting what you
want. It is about handling what you
don’t like with a determined, yet open mind.
Every consequence is an opportunity to build a student’s capacity to
have a stronger character. </b> We need
to use it as such by teaching them that they need to accept whatever decision
they made and the resulting actions. Not
because someone is doing something to them, but because they did something to
themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, if
students live in the present where actions and memories are quickly discarded how
they can really understand the consequences (both past and future) of their
actions. The best part of this is that
the frontal lobe doesn’t fully develop until later. Therefore, even though high school may serve
as the last chance in many regards, we still have the opportunity to help
students develop this ability that much of society has, at best left alone
while at worst reinforced the negative. <b>We need to stop reacting and instead
respond with strategies and interventions that serve a longer term goal. Take the time, acknowledge the context, and address
the future possibility.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As always,
your thoughts, discussion, and comments are welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I will close
with a poem someone passed me about a week ago…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “If a child doesn’t know how to read, we
teach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If a child doesn’t know how to swim,
we teach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If a child doesn’t know how to
multiply, we teach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If a child doesn’t know how to drive,
we teach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If a child doesn’t know how to
behave, we…punish?”</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-John Herner, Counterpoint (1998,
p.2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-17226003413686985472014-09-12T11:24:00.000-04:002014-09-12T11:24:20.900-04:00Required Student Behaviors<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As I was
involved in various discussions over the summer, the recurring theme was
centered on how to help students achieve both academic and social success while
in high school.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>There is plenty of
theory, but what I thirsted for was a concrete way to help students by teaching
them to help themselves.</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> </b> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Couple this
issue with my strong belief in societies need to stress character, ethics, and
responsibility and I have decided to start small by introducing what I view as
vital behaviors if we are going to graduate students who will thrive once they
leave the safe walls of school.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I briefly
introduced these behaviors at our full class meeting this week. Each class council will be picking up ways to
visually represent their class’s acceptance and application of these behaviors
around the school. I will also use the
Positive Behavioral Support Committee, ideas from William Moore’s book “On
Character and Mental Toughness, and Ed Gerety’s book “</span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Combinations: Opening the Door to Student Leadership<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”.</span></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A brief outline of the behaviors I hope to instill
and why:</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Freshmen</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: <b>Humility/Effort</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This year is a year of transition. Students need to not just realize, but also
understand that they no longer have most of the answers concerning the
school. This should lead them to ask
questions and look for answers. Students
also need to begin their high school career properly by putting the hard work
in early. This creates a strong base
from which they can achieve higher levels of success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sophomores</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
<b>Discipline/Perseverance</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is a year that students should be “rolling up their
sleeves” and setting habits of mind that will help them push through those
difficult times they are bound to experience.
They have to have the discipline to set routines and work
consistently. Once they do this and
begin to build momentum, it will be easier to persevere. They must begin to see the bigger picture and
goal of high school and use it to motivate themselves to work hard no matter
the challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Juniors</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
<b>Commitment/Initiative</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After two years of high school, juniors need to recommit
themselves to the idea of working hard for another two years with increased
responsibility. They now need to take
more control over how their future plays out.
This is the year they really begin to look closer at colleges or trade
schools and be sure they are completing any requirements necessary. They also need to be aware that they will be
the leaders of the school next year. That
level of maturity takes commitment, time, and experience to develop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seniors</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: <b>Leadership/Awareness</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Students at this year need to take the role of school
leaders. That is a serious position
because it requires them to be aware of the bigger picture. They have been given rules and asked to
follow procedures without always understanding the whole context. This is also the year that students are over
scheduled with sports, academics, work, and their social lives. They need to
strike a balance so that they can enjoy what becomes a very fast year. This is
where their awareness must be developed so they understand that their actions
affect others. Ideally this will lead to them wanting to leave the school a
better place than when they entered. In other words, how will they be
remembered and what did they do that really mattered?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whenever I
am asked a question concerning my attempt to support students, I always counter
(mentally at least) with the idea that we often do too much to help and
therefore, create a state of learned helplessness. <b>Yes, students need assistance, but they also
need to fail if they are to learn and grow.
Education and improvement are constant.
We never fully reach our potential without sustained effort through many
failures and successes. </b> Students will
not succeed for very long if all their “wins” are given to them. Many schools are so concerned with how their
students perform on the MCAS (possibly soon to be PARCC), SAT exams, AP tests,
and college acceptance percentages that they begin to lose sight of the bigger
picture. <b>I am concerned</b> with those to an
extent as well, but <b>more with college success (graduation) rates, students’
ability to land and keep a job, or students’ ability to contribute to society
in a positive fashion.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They will
only be able to accomplish these things if they have character, ethics, responsibility
and mental toughness. <b>School shouldn’t
be about a narrow set of facts that must be learned, but instead the creation a
framework on which students’ may build a successful future. </b> It is our responsibility to help students
build it, not build it for them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What
are you doing to guide rather than give?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As always,
feedback is more than welcome…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-11817325646551368722014-09-08T13:10:00.000-04:002014-09-08T13:10:34.302-04:00Teachers Needed Today<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I had to take a minute to write this entry as a type of “shout out” to
not just the teachers at Seekonk High School, but all teachers everywhere who
continue to let their passion for subjects and students show. Ok, so maybe it really is slanted towards teachers
at SHS, but who can blame me? In all
seriousness, I have been thinking about teachers quite a lot recently for a
number of personal reasons and it is clear…they all make a difference one way
or the other. That is why it is
important to recruit good teachers, keep them, and be around as they become
great! Watch the two videos that follow…they
get my point across.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This first video is by someone who is far more capable than me of
delivering a very important, complex message in a simple way…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/XCxmIE" target="_blank">Kid President</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Now ask yourself…what am I teaching?
Kids learn whatever we teach whether it is good or bad. Are we showing kids that education is a drag
that has no real world connection or are they solving relevant problems and
asking sophisticated questions that instill a sense of wonder and
discovery? The teachers that Kid
President is talking about sure are doing the latter. <b>Teaching
is hard, but the most important job anyone ever does.</b> There are many people who condemn teachers as
not working full years, being overpaid, and having it easy. I wonder how many of those people have ever
taught. How many of those people are the
first to dance when summer is over? How
many are tired after one week’s vacation?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Take a look at this Ted talk by Rita Pierson. It is seven minutes long and titled: Every
Kid Needs a Champion. Think about
it. Are you a champion to a student?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/1CJRske" target="_blank">Rita Pierson</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u>Teachers are needed:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Students learn
best when they build a relationship first.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->School isn’t about just the subjects; rather it
is about opening doors of opportunity for a future that is yet unknown. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Because
not every student is easy.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Teachers must teach students who fight back at
every turn.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Because
there are many kids who just need somebody.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Teachers must teach students living in
unimaginable circumstances.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u>So teachers:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Build that relationship<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Seek to understand circumstances<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Discover the root of opposition<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Above all teach as if a life depended on
it...sometimes it does.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I didn’t write this as a lesson for teachers as much as a thank you to
those who work in an age of increased negativity, demand, paperwork, and
accountability.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You continue to teach:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->even when it gets hard to see the point<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->even though there are times you feel
unappreciated<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>You continue to teach because who
will these students look up to and how will they learn if you don’t? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
As far as Seekonk High School…I walk by rooms and hear teachers talking
about how to get better. I see students
engaged with lessons about life and how to be better. I see students solving problems, asking
questions, and learning. <b>Most importantly I see teachers working
with students as if what they are doing is the most important thing at that
moment…and…it is.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Take some time today and thank a teacher!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Thank you to all teachers and welcome back! May you have a fantastic year!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Here is one last (short I promise) video to make you laugh (hopefully) for
the rest of the day! You all deserve it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/1q5N3CK" target="_blank">Baby Got Class</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-70824874352241797222014-09-05T14:14:00.002-04:002014-09-05T14:14:15.576-04:00Orientation Should Focus on Mindset<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The genesis for this post was a
statement I made last year after attempting to deliver my normal freshman orientation
parent workshop titled; Getting to Know the Handbook. Just before speaking to parents, I had a
moment of reflection concerning the concept of being “oriented” and thought
about what I would want to know that would help me help my student be
successful. As you may guess, it didn’t
take long for me to realize I was going about it wrong. What ensued was a largely unplanned
discussion about character centered on the simple message; your student will
only be as successful as their character warrants. Therefore, I thought and believe even
stronger today that orientation needs to be about learning a place, but that
learning must go far beyond the physical structure or static rules that guide
decisions. It must <b>focus on learning the
behavioral expectations that, if adopted, will help students build a stronger
character and succeed beyond the four years spent in high school.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">As such, my “speech” looked more like this:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUqGXjiy-T6Tn4J7YAZTuG0UaOf3NrrUjjQU_DrX067E7-x4g07MtutEKEVtm_SfjIxNFyfLUa3TgY2dIhpQm4Me3Y4lKlWnTdtTtBJQ0CwOX1_u1kU6JN8mdAUC3Yxk6sQ4rSAOt3jI/s1600/Nitty-Gritty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUqGXjiy-T6Tn4J7YAZTuG0UaOf3NrrUjjQU_DrX067E7-x4g07MtutEKEVtm_SfjIxNFyfLUa3TgY2dIhpQm4Me3Y4lKlWnTdtTtBJQ0CwOX1_u1kU6JN8mdAUC3Yxk6sQ4rSAOt3jI/s1600/Nitty-Gritty.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Parents were given a brochure with some
of the “nitty gritty” rules in print for their “reading enjoyment” after we
discussed the more important things. It
also contained rights and responsibilities of all those involved in the education
of the child. I discussed the need to
work as a team and communicate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOT4msbY4OGy-_LNUenBJ76tRNjNv4r5LmnCIUnKnlSRs4bC-gKrufyDeZNFWrWfIbx2z-NiblnjCmk7_2GSqPadAIsilCi59TdzZXJTSyTV-l-fKZbK9MaMLWQYt0gA1zep5gJauEkc/s1600/Rights+and+Responsibilities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOT4msbY4OGy-_LNUenBJ76tRNjNv4r5LmnCIUnKnlSRs4bC-gKrufyDeZNFWrWfIbx2z-NiblnjCmk7_2GSqPadAIsilCi59TdzZXJTSyTV-l-fKZbK9MaMLWQYt0gA1zep5gJauEkc/s1600/Rights+and+Responsibilities.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Such a
plan raises the expectations on parents, but also stresses the fact that the
school needs to make a great effort as well.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>The issue is that with all of today’s distractions and influences,
students not only need, but thrive with accountability.</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Led to the mindset students need to have as
they enter high school.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There are two traits students must
learn, adopt, and practice as freshmen.
They are humility and effort.
This is not easy for a group of students who used to be the most knowledgeable
amongst their peers and even though they are too scared to admit or show it,
are nervous about this new environment.
The road to these traits lies through three essential behaviors that are
indispensable to success no matter the age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <b>
</b></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Character:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Hard work beats
talent every single time. As we get
older we realize that the days of coasting and still successfully reaching the
finish line on talent alone are gone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <b>
</b></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Perseverance:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Consistency
wins…always, because of momentum. We must
create good habits and work towards goals if we are to succeed at anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <b>
</b></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Respect:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We must respect
ourselves for who we are, both good and bad. It’s the only way to become who we
want to be - do the same for others and help them grow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You may have noticed that the language
changed from “students” to “we” in those three bullet points. That is because <b>I believe that we are all
able to (at best) improve ourselves in these areas and (at worst) keep from
sliding backwards.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Parents then received a homework assignment
from me. Using the framework (and
language) offered by Dr. Troy P. Roddy (Thrivapy Blog), I had them go home and
discuss their student’s W.I.S.H. list (pictured below) in an effort to focus on
what happens when circumstances are not ideal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCGwrg-aIUcqzSk_UYq9VF5dD_UTdRjRx7vVBx0lk4MsbZrLsOGV9XSuCsnOKF-VWxijJ1l0eiAdPN36UXxLLB39e6_Euzg7xo0LCJMZ82dS5bpIVw8_BWEX8zBa4FsF721wuwrO-bbk/s1600/WISH+List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCGwrg-aIUcqzSk_UYq9VF5dD_UTdRjRx7vVBx0lk4MsbZrLsOGV9XSuCsnOKF-VWxijJ1l0eiAdPN36UXxLLB39e6_Euzg7xo0LCJMZ82dS5bpIVw8_BWEX8zBa4FsF721wuwrO-bbk/s1600/WISH+List.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Finally, I let parents have a graphic
that I put together for behaviors both they and their students will need to
exhibit as they pass through their freshman year.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The top half represents the notion that
<b>parents must communicate, be involved, and be aware with both their students
and the school.</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The bottom half
illustrates the steps needed for improvement.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The question mark?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Well, <b>the only way to learn is to
question…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGgC-wFDVuHOrgzo8aQxxrn7vPM2ZkM5ZLiFblcRuk0pNAIXdqd6mWpEKXMFXE1DyATg0y1Y67SzmIQ-jgkP3x8E4NbwhOXcI1dSr_1BQAleZUt2Ykvb7nVnwXmn5yYPeMir96sbUgHw/s1600/Orientation+Handout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGgC-wFDVuHOrgzo8aQxxrn7vPM2ZkM5ZLiFblcRuk0pNAIXdqd6mWpEKXMFXE1DyATg0y1Y67SzmIQ-jgkP3x8E4NbwhOXcI1dSr_1BQAleZUt2Ykvb7nVnwXmn5yYPeMir96sbUgHw/s1600/Orientation+Handout.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">To conclude…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In the end we all need to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Be Purposeful</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Make
decisions for your future<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Be present,
be on time, study, set goals<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Act with Integrity</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Do what is
right, the right way<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Help
others, be gracious, walk the talk<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Build our Character</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Continue to
succeed through failure<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Thrive in
the face of hardship</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><u><b>What are you doing to orient students
and parents to the culture you desire? </b> </u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy8nKHCOeSwD6c5Al_cERJGe3jUxAeUUd_crzHgKjGr8xYXqicHHGaOl_o0RF7ibcQNLGO63qYNSDm5n6tkXcpNcMZaf9Io1xHpH3GiWifLi7cRVu7NQlJJ1mSycfLFpf4J4wdvFS8XQ/s1600/Tips+for+Transition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy8nKHCOeSwD6c5Al_cERJGe3jUxAeUUd_crzHgKjGr8xYXqicHHGaOl_o0RF7ibcQNLGO63qYNSDm5n6tkXcpNcMZaf9Io1xHpH3GiWifLi7cRVu7NQlJJ1mSycfLFpf4J4wdvFS8XQ/s1600/Tips+for+Transition.jpg" height="245" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Please share ideas and thoughts…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-90377709840104382882014-07-02T22:12:00.000-04:002014-07-02T22:12:21.910-04:00We Need Character<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I decided to write this post as I review
data, prepare materials, and consider programs for another school year. Those of you who know me understand my stance
on ethics and character and therefore the main thrust here. Those of you who don’t…well, I hope you
enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I am confronted on a regular basis with
bullying and behavioral issues that ultimately stem from two issues:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Individuals’
inability to take responsibility for the consequences (both good and bad) of
their actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A basic
misunderstanding of the premise stating if you want to be better; do it by
making yourself better and not dragging someone else down to just feel
better. Don’t just look good, be good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Many people ask:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Why do we have so much bullying?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Why do we have an increasing amount of
behavioral issues?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In my opinion the answer is easy…<b>as a society, we are not teaching character
in a clear, non-negotiable manner.
Instead we are focusing on moral relativism and overprotecting our youth
from their shortcomings.</b> How are we
expected to grow from our mistakes, learn right from wrong, and lead successful
lives if we experience no hardship and lack the ability to find our moral
center?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We
have problems because we have not learned how to properly deal with them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">To be successful in this character (or
lack thereof) issue, we must all admit to the problem, acknowledge its
existence, and address it rather than placing blame at the feet of parents,
media, school, or politicians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We arrived in this situation by slow,
deliberate, small steps that eroded the character we knew through the
generations. This didn’t jump up on us,
rather; it was a gradual process in which small transgressions led to larger
ones. <b>Creating grey areas out of ethics, morals, and character is like
dancing with the devil: You don’t change
him. He changes you.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The only way to rectify this situation
is through the same way we got here; one step at a time. Only these steps are more difficult because
they are neither easy nor comfortable and require, at times, some personal
suffering. That is why we must practice and
model what I call; being purposeful, acting with integrity, and building your
character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Being
purposeful:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">No goal was ever attained without
purposeful movement towards it. Make
decisions based on where you want to be; not where you are or have been. This is only possible by being present in
everyday decisions. You must weigh how
each action fits into your larger plan.
Holding this knowledge close will help you respond instead of react to
any situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Acting
with integrity:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Do what is right, the right way, simply
because it is right. You are part of a
larger organism called the human race. Help
others when needed, be gracious and walk the talk. You never know the struggles the other person
is going through. Ignore groupthink and
perceptions that are not borne of your own experience. Create your personal set of values and ethics
and always make decisions and act according to them. In the end, all you have control over is your
values. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Building
character<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Continue to succeed through the failures
you will surely encounter. Thrive in the
face of hardship because that is the only thing standing between you and
success. <b>Accept yourself as you are. Determine who you want to be. Realize that goal no matter the hardship.</b> Sometimes you will be alone…everyone needs
support to make the road easier, but there will be times you must walk alone to
get what you want. If building and
maintaining a strong character were easy, we would not have many of the
problems we do today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">My message about purposefully building character
rooted in strong ethics and integrity…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember that we are unique individuals
who are solely responsible for increasing our own value. We must not be afraid to improve when others
around us do not. <b>All fear is based on stress
created by indecision and uncertainty. We
must…be certain…be determined…be purposeful.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Our goal, our personal greatness lies on
the other side of all our doubts and fears…ignore personal gratification and
settle only for personal growth. Not
matter the outcome; continue to push forward.
<b>I failed is 100 times better than
I might have…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Be tough, be proud, and stand out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">How do we fix these issues?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">By building character through the reinforcement
and modeling of integrity, accepting responsibility, rejecting moral relativism,
and being better rather than just looking better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We
do this one person at a time…starting with ourselves rather than excuses.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-58333764908730070322014-06-13T17:13:00.001-04:002014-06-13T17:13:28.940-04:00Taking the Next Step After Athletics<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was not
going to originally post anything about this, but I have been asked by a few
individuals (parents and students) if there was a way I could get more people
to hear it.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They liked the message I had
delivered to their students.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, here it
is…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was put on
the program to give a speech to the graduating seniors at their end of the year
banquet this past Thursday (6/12/14) night.
After not being sure what to say, I decided to go with what I believe
based on my experience moving from high school athletics into college athletics
and then life. <b>I am a firm believer in
the power of character.</b> By that, I mean
the word as an umbrella for all those other words that really fall under
it. The only trick was (as it is here)
not to get too wordy with the multiple personal examples I could give. Suffice it to say, I kept it vague (but to
the point) as I used to when presenting the sportsmanship award at my previous
high school. The speech in its entirety,
went as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First I want to thank you for the
opportunity to speak. I have a message I
want you to take with you after the awards are passed out and graduation is
over.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You
see, these nights are special to me for a few reasons, but mainly because of
the role sports played in my own life. Some of you know and some of you
don't...that I was lucky enough to participate in sports at a fairly
high level throughout high school and college. I learned many lessons
from my participation in sports that have helped me succeed in life. Among them were the ideas of
<b>effort, character, how to win, and how to lose.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What I
consider to be the most important one is what I would like to see you all take
with you as you move on to whatever comes next in life. You have all
heard the saying, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the
game." Well, I want to add a little something more to that idea that
is more relevant in life. <b>"It's not whether you win or
lose...ultimately; it's about acting with pride, integrity, and then what you
do with that win or loss.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
athletes, you possess a distinct difference from those who have never had the
experiences you have on the field of competition. Personally, I remember
working through hot August days and late into the winter nights just to win
that important game or match. That feeling...that irreplaceable feeling
when you win. I also remember the other
side. That awful feeling of defeat. After working so hard to be
overwhelmed with that feeling of failure.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>I came
to discover that in the end, whether you have won or lost is not really the
issue or even lesson. You have never been assured victory; so all you could do
is go out on your field and leave everything you had there.</b> You know the
saying...blood, sweat and tears, but more importantly...heart.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whether
or not you honestly gave your all is something only you truly know
and therefore, need to live with. I see it as the difference between losing and
being beat.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Close
your eyes for a minute. Think back to a
time when victory was not yours, but you poured every ounce of yourself into
the contest. While defeat is never easy, it was easier to get back up and
get back on track knowing you had done all you could. It just wasn't your time.
Maybe you hadn't prepared hard enough.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Now
think about that time defeat was expected.
You were losing and loss was inevitable.
Until you found you had more to give, didn’t quit, dug down and did just
that, and because of that...you won. Certainly, either way...you end up
winning if you learn the lesson provided.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm
not saying anything new….just trying for a different application as you
transition from the field to life. Teddy Roosevelt explained it by saying...
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man
stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit
belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust
and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and
again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does
actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great
devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the
end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at
least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those
cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
I’m saying as we honor you tonight is this...your participation in athletics
has given you an edge if you choose. You are moving on in life and no matter
your course, are going to experience wins and losses, but that is old hat for
you. There is a new world out there for you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Use
what your experiences here as athletes at Seekonk High School have taught you.
Pick a dream, "dare greatly," and go after it. You may not
succeed, but who knows, you may surprise yourself. Either way, leave it all out
there every time and never quit. You may not always come out on top, but
whatever you do... don't lose... make them beat you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One
last thought…as Mr. Forbes put it… <b>“History has demonstrated that the most
notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they
triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their
defeats.” </b> Take that lesson with you and
I promise you will be successful.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
offer my most sincere congratulations to you.
I truly wish you the best of luck. You have made all those around
you, but most importantly yourselves proud. Now go out and continue to do just that.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What’s
important is this…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Education,
all of it, is about creating and taking advantage of opportunities. Sometimes they are presented in the fashion
of a win; other times they come at what feels like the darkest hour. No matter which doesn’t matter if we are
mentally unavailable to recognize them.
<b>As adults it is our responsibility to teach students the character,
mental toughness, and ability to go beyond their expectations, push through the
losses, and properly celebrate the wins.</b>
There is a lot of personal background in this for me, which comprises
who I am today. But that is for another
post…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your
comments on the importance of this subject are always welcome...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-52305077791730589412014-05-17T15:51:00.000-04:002017-02-13T16:41:47.748-05:00Media That Isn’t So Social?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This post may be somewhat controversial being
that it is a blog and I have shared the link through Twitter, Facebook,
Linkedin, and Google+. Given that, I
hope to at least stir as much reflection on the topic of being as “plugged in
as possible” that I have had over the past three weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many of you may have seen the recent Utube
video titled “</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1rZKOxY">Look Up</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.” It was circulated on
Facebook and quite possibly Twitter as well.
It is, in its own description; "</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt;">A spoken word film for an online
generation. 'Look Up' is a lesson taught to us through a love story, in a
world where we continue to find ways to make it easier for us to connect with
one another, but always results in us spending more time alone."</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
video is powerful</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. It continues to give a strong message each
time you play it. Powerful enough that I
decided to show it to our entire school for advisory. Now, I had previously posted a blog about the
effect of phones on student attentiveness.
It was titled </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“<a href="http://bit.ly/2kMAksf" target="_blank">Texting, tweeting, and media: What ishappening to our students ability to focus and write?”</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It was well enough received
that I did an episode of “</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1n1U5IU">The Dr. Is In</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” for the students. Clearly
this topic of cell phones and social media has caught my attention. This is obviously in part to my position, but
also due to the fact that I am an avid fan.
Social media and a cell phone can be so helpful concerning the
acquisition of knowledge and ability to connect. If they are used appropriately that is…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Which
brings me to this…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am a big supporter of technology and its
implementation in education and life. I
am also of the viewpoint that trying to stop students from using technology is
not only impossible, but detrimental to education and a waste of valuable
resources spent better on improving the quality of education. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
being said…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Technology is having an effect on
students. There is growing research
indicating that it is having a detrimental effect on executive
functioning. More research has surfaced
concerning its effects on students’ ability to successfully interact
socially. I would also argue the same
for some adults as well. <b>However this post is ultimately about our reflecting
on our behavior and its inherent consequences. </b> After all, the older we get the more we
realize (sadly at times) that life becomes a “zero sum” experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
my question is this…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How do we educate not just our children, but
ourselves as well concerning the balance between good and bad use of
technology? <b> That is quite the test of
our own character because in doing so, we find (at least I have) that we are
battling this wave of other children and adults who do not quite see it the
same way.</b> The film clip takes a strong
stance that argues</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we are slowly shutting ourselves off from our surroundings and
therefore, missing out. If we are falling victim to this as adults, how
can we expect children to free themselves?
<b>Many teachers out there (at least
those I have spoken to or read) have (at some point) made the comment that more
and more students are lacking in the ability to properly communicate or use the
appropriate emotions when doing so.</b>
Have we thought this through? Do
we reflect on how to guide our children to appropriate decisions? Remember (and this is scary) that we will
never be able to protect our children from being exposed to most things. <b>We
will only be able to instill the character, morals, and ethics to make good
decisions when they are exposed.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, watch the clip with an open mind, read my
post (if you wish), and watch my clip (maybe), but <b>most of all be honest with
yourself and reflect.</b> I must admit, the
students liked the clip, but struggled with the discussion afterwards. I set the stage for them with a few
instructions and nothing but a poem about putting the script down and just
engaging in some authentic human interaction (If you would like any of the
materials or a further explanation just let me know).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
point is…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When it comes to technology and even students
in general we must remember a few things:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The more control we try to
exert, the less we actually have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If we don’t understand
change, we can’t grow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Implementation without pure intention
or complete explanation always equals failure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We all know what we must do as change is
inevitable. Seek to understand; strike a
healthy balance between what’s important and what isn’t; and teach and lead by
modeling purposeful thought and action.
<b>After all, we tend to forget that inanimate objects are not inherently “good”
and “bad,” rather decisions and actions are…thankfully they can be taught and
learned.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6268748116429273549.post-84608778885882042562014-05-13T15:43:00.002-04:002014-05-13T15:44:32.163-04:00Finish Successfully: Support, Trust, and Understanding<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the year
draws to a close and we all start reflecting on the successes and failures of
the year, I just wanted to share a thought I had to teachers, students, and
parents alike…STOP! <b>The truth is that the year is not over yet. Take a step back; pull your heads from the
overwhelming cyclone that is the end of a school year; and focus.</b> I know that there are students who are giving
up on the year; celebrating a good year; or hoping beyond hope that they can
pass all their classes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My point is
this…do not finish until you cross the finish line. I was taught two (of many) critical lessons if I wanted to be successful in sports:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hit to the whistle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It doesn’t matter if only one person
is out of bounds, keep wrestling until you are both out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So the
question remains…how do we instill this in the students now? The short answer is this: <b>we
instill it by modeling the urgency of the situation and staying with what we
all know creates a successful educational experience.</b> When I say we, I mean the only three that
have a major impact on student success: students,
families, and teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First are
the <b>students; because it is their
responsibility to be successful.</b>
Yes, the journey, during which there are many individuals responsible
for supporting them, is important, but eventually when all is said and done;
they are the individuals who must live with the result.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Second are
the <b>families; because they have and will
spend the majority of time during the formative years with the students.</b> It is easy to say; “But the schools are
supposed to be teaching them everything they need to be prepared for the
future.” In reality, most of what they
will need is non-academic and while schools do teach some of that, the family
has a much greater impact on a student’s morals, character, and values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lastly are
the <b>teachers; because they are charged
with everything in between the previous two.</b> They need to support the student by
reinforcing the positive values necessary to continue the existence of and productively
contribute to a civil society by opening student minds for learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, here is
the issue. This winning mixture is
successful only when all three groups are working together. How is that done?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>The
answer is through trust, understanding, and involvement.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For example:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Students<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Take
advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow.
<b>Accept responsibility.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ask
for and accept support from teachers and parents. <b>Seek
help through openness and honesty.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Parents<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Understand
that teachers are trained to do their job.
Just like you. <b>Treat them as professionals.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Realize
learning and growing is painful and requires mistakes and at times,
failure. <b>Help your students learn by fostering grit and not catching them every
time.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Teachers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Engage
students in meaningful content. <b>No mailing it in.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bring
parents into the process so they understand.
<b>Do not ignore the most powerful
influence on the student.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The key that
holds for all three categories is support.
<b>If each one supports the other in
an open, honest manner, trust will form to the benefit of all involved. </b> We live in a time when students are labeled
entitled, parents have moved from “helicopter” status to “snow plow” status,
and teachers are degraded as being lazy and overpaid. Couple this with the common idea that we
should not keep score, everyone gets a trophy, and it hurts someone too much
emotionally to fail at something and we have a bad mixture that does not equate
with life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Education is
about preparing students for life.</b>
Instead of labeling and blaming people, we need to take stock of how
powerful we have been, can be, and could continue to be if we solve the
problems by focusing our energy on the issues and acting responsibly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After all, there
are winners and losers in every facet of life.
So, do we quit and hope to be successful next time? Or <b>do
we realize and accept that success doesn’t wait. It starts now; with or without us.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I equate accountability with what you
do when being watched and responsibility with your character when you are not
watched.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Observations/evaluations are almost done,
grades for seniors are almost closed, and parents are making graduation/summer
plans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So the
question remains…is the year over? You tell me. Is it too late to get better or do we start
something now? <b>Ultimately, it is up to all of us.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
Chris Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13571280423409948764noreply@blogger.com0