I was speaking with a friend the other day and we were rehashing the familiar challenges that come with the end of a school year. At the same time, there was a great change on the horizon for her work and she referenced that when learning about what may be coming, she found herself defaulting to the truth. This is an idea I first heard when reading Talking to Strangers, by Malcolm Gladwell. In short, the notion is that when meeting someone new or hearing something for the first time, most of us default to truth and the idea that what we are being told is honest. And possible.
Today marks 55 years since Bobby Kennedy was assassinated. And while I didn’t emerge on the scene until just over 12 months later, I have always heard of the promise that he brought to so many during an incredibly tumultuous time. He had his flaws and the scars he had earned certainly could have left him jaded, yet, from what I understand, he remained steadfast that our best days were still ahead.
While education and politics have certainly become more entangled, I remain optimistic that better days lay in front of us. I believe that the better argument in support of public education exists and it is our duty to find it and make it compelling to others. While I don’t know the full path forward, I do know that there are many people smarter than me out there grinding through all the noise, continuing to inquire and learn, and depending on all of us to sustain the needed effort.
For many years my default has been toward optimism and I’m grateful for the reminder of how buoyant we can become when offered hope.
This year I have established the Mad Cool Awards. Focused on recognizing innovative work that is happening on campus, adults have the chance to recognize really cool stuff that is happening on their campus. Realizing that innovation is simply taking something that already exists and making it better, I ask them to complete a Google Form that asks just a few simple questions. And I consistently include the link to this form at the beginning of meetings and as an extra piece every so often within an email.
Christmas Day begins with the normal stockings and presents. And as the morning nears end, we prepare for lunch. However, with deliberate intent, there is no stress in preparation for this meal. Cold cuts, fresh rolls, chips and queso lead the way. Instead of a ham or turkey with tasty sides, we choose melted cheese rolling over perfectly salted tortilla chips; mayo on a fresh roll layered with salami, ham or roast beef. The prep time is minimal and we all appreciate that. Reminiscing, joking around, and warm smiles are the currency.
Which of your traditions best reflect you?
There’s a whole lot of stuff happening in my school district right now. We’ve lost 17 school days on my campus this year to Hurricane Harvey, Ice, and an Astros Championship Parade. The stress on everyone has been palpable. Toss in that our school community was particularly impacted with more than 600 families displaced, and you can get a sense of how we’ve all arrived at the description of “it’s just a crazy year.”
Remembering what we love brings the needed calm that leads to thought. Yeah, I think my trip to the movies with a large popcorn, SnoCaps, and a Cherry Coke just brought me my plan.
A challenge I had to overcome was allowing myself to simply receive the compliment. Too often we deflect and say something like: “oh, it was my pleasure”, or “no, you are the one I should thank.” When we do that we steal from them a small piece of the joy they have for us. We rob them just a bit of the power that comes with recognizing another. I would recommend that, instead, we simply say, “Your words mean a lot. Thank you for taking the time to share them with me.” I know this is easier said than done however I have learned that those few words carry more power.
So as you sustain your effort through this fall semester and look toward the grind of the early spring, I hope that you will remember the power you have each day to positively impact a young person. Regardless of whether or not they find the right words to thank you, I am certain they appreciate what you do each day. Perhaps they will write a nice card or draw you a picture. Or maybe they will come in one morning to share something amazing their family did over the weekend. Or it will be a simple smile they offer, a “thanks” on the way out of class, or a nod in the hall. Regardless of the form it takes, work hard to not miss it. Because you are significant and they want you to know it.
The sentiment I always share is that it is a chance to see many elements of our school together in one place, at one time, with one focus. Perhaps it is the 50 players on the field flanked by 10 student trainers and managers, or the 18 cheerleaders leading the crowd. Maybe it’s the 45 member drill team or the near 100 piece marching band that pumps up the halftime show. Possibly the 8 Birdkeepers that are assigned to guard our mascot – a tradition nearly 50 years old – or the 12 elected Booster Club officers that run the flags after each score is what ties it together. Regardless of the group that brings you out that night, we are talking about more than 250 students united. Each of them with a role to support our school and show their pride in our school colors.
So as I wrapped up this week and watched others head to their cars with smiles yet exhausted shoulders, I found it easy to feel pepped up as it was game night. And as I parked at the stadium and exited my car, I could hear the band playing a familiar tune and the PA announcer declaring a first down. As I greeted the familiar faces at security and spoke to our ticket takers, I felt a peace come over me. Grabbing my hot dog, popcorn, and bottle of water, I smiled at parents, said hello to students, and found my usual seat. The first week of school was over and I was in my happy place.
Exploring Leadership 