Mary’s Minute
“80% of success is showing
up.”
~ Woody Allen
We can define success in
many different ways, but I think that Woody Allen’s advice works regardless of
your definition. Attendance
matters. We know that for our students
and for ourselves. Just showing up makes
a difference.
I received a letter this
week from former Perry Central teacher and life-long PC fan, Charles Schnell. He said that when he taught at Perry Central
he wanted Perry Central to be the best, so he maintained a 21 and ½ year record
of perfect attendance. My jaw dropped at
the thought of that feat. First of all,
it is simply amazing, but I also thought what it said about how he feels about
Perry Central and how he cared about his students.
When we “show up” –
whether that means going to class for college students, going to work for us
adults, hopping on the school bus every morning for students, attending not for
profit meetings, or simply being present when we are talking to someone – we will
find success. Research shows that being
present leads to happiness, and educational research points to the link between
school attendance and grades. I have not
seen the research, but I am willing to bet that students perform better when
their teachers have great attendance.
And the story of Mr.
Schnell reminds me of one more thing “showing up” illustrates. It shows we care. Thanks for showing for up for our students!
Have a great week!
Mary
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