Friday, May 1, 2015

5-1-2015


Mary’s Minute

“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

~Pablo Picasso

“Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise. “

~Author Unknown

Unless risk taking involves personal safety or high financial stakes, I would always encourage people to take a chance!  When it comes to personal growth I have never heard anyone regret taking a risk.  I was reminded of the value of risk taking as I attended Coffee and Conversation here at Perry Central this week.  The event invited students to share their love of the arts and talents.  Students displayed visual arts, read poetry, sang songs, presented synthesized music, and more.  Several things stood out to me.  First, it was wonderful to see the talents of our students.  Second, I was so proud of them for taking the risk to perform.  Some of them were especially nervous, but they made themselves vulnerable and performed!  What I noticed most was the value of a supportive climate.  These students were able to take a risk because they were surrounded by people who supported them.  Although they were nervous, they didn’t need to fear being ridiculed.  They knew they were among friends – not necessarily buddies, but friends of the arts and supporters of vulnerability. 

I am so excited about the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) class that is being offered this year and will be expanded next year at Perry Central.  The class offers a supportive environment for students to pursue their passions, learning and taking risks.  The class brings together students with unique interests who support each other’s learning.  What the kids are learning is exciting, but for me what is even more exciting is how the class supports positive relations. 

As the quotes above remind us, taking risks for learning sake will pay off, so we must continue to create environments that nurture risk taking.  Thanks for all the people at Perry Central who do this for our students.

                                                                                Have a great week!

                                                                                Mary

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