8-24-2018

Mary’s Minute

“Come in and try the worst coffee one woman on Tripadvisor had in her life.”

                                                                                 ~ Coffee shop sign

This made me chuckle, but then it made me think.  Apparently social media and trip site posts can make or break businesses, so a comment on Tripadvisor citing the “worst coffee” could be a real problem for a coffee shop.  The owners decided to embrace the criticism and use it for a laugh and a sort of publicity.  In other words, they took a negative and did their best to turn it into a positive. 

There are bad things that happen in life that are tough to turn around and see any good.  Some things in life are just unexplainable and bad/sad!  Even in those situations, we attempt to find the silver lining.  We strive to use the experience for strength or learning.

In the case of the sign, the coffee shop owners, may have used the criticism to look at their quality control, as well as the impetus for a humorous sign.

In the case of tragedies (and please do not think I am making light of tragedy by comparing it to a coffee shop sign) we gain courage or the motivation to help those in need.  It is tough to see any good in sadness.  The hope is that by pulling together for the good of all, we can make the world better even in (especially in) dark times. 

     

                                                                     Thanks for all you do!

                                                                                     Mary

8-17-2018

Mary’s Minute

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”

                                                                      ~ Denis Waitley

As humans we are social creatures, naturally dependent on one another.  Our notions of independence are called into question at this time of year when many parents send their children off to college.  Independence is an interesting topic, whether we are talking about our own children, children in our classrooms, or within our own relationships. 

As parents we strive to give our children a strong foundation so that they can become independent adults.  As teachers we work to create students who can think for themselves and tackle new learning tasks on their own.  Psychology tells us that the healthiest relationships exist when individuals balance independence with their dependence on one another. 

Being dependent on others by providing healthy support is human nature.  We are social beings, who need each other.  Like all things, there needs to be a balance. 

As we send our children off to college, we may struggle with where that healthy balance lies.  Helicopter parenting goes too far one way, yet we also know that our children always need our unconditional love.  The same is true for the children in our care. 

                                                           Have a great week!

                                                                       Mary

8-10-2018

Mary’s Minute

“If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.”

           

When you find out that the Governor of the State of Indiana is going to visit your school three days after the opening day, there isn’t much time to get ready.  Sure, people sprang into action.  Jeremy and Chris made the place shine, Josh Craney and the Commodore Manufacturing team spruced up their facility, Commodore Manufacturing team leaders rehearsed their presentation, and Jody French meticulously worked through the details of the visit.  These adjustments were just icing on the cake.

The Governor and his team liked what they saw and were very complimentary of the work of Perry Central and our business partners, Jasper Engines and Waupaca Foundry.  Our students spoke eloquently about their student-run business that incorporates hands-on production, along with other important skills like, problem solving, safety and team work.  This work didn’t happen in three days.  Our students were ready; they didn’t have to get ready. 

Our students deserve to the best learning opportunities every single day.  We all deserve to live life to its fullest every day.  Don’t wait!  When we do the right things for the right reasons – both in our lives and in our jobs, we will be ready.  We never know the day the Governor is going to visit.  There may not be time to get ready; we need to be ready! 

                                                                Have a great week!

                                                                                  Mary

5-25-2018

Mary’s Minute

“Confidence comes not from always being right but not fearing to be wrong.”

                                                                  ~ Peter McIntyre

 

Yesterday I enjoyed the many photos that parents posted of their children contrasting the first and last days of school.  I was astonished as the difference a school year makes.  Yes, you could see the physical growth, but what stood out to me was the level of confidence that visibly showed on the last day pictures.  Students on the first day of school seemed noticeably reserved, while on the last day of school they looked eager and self-assured.

 

You can laugh at me and say that they are just excited because they are almost done with a school year, but I truly believe there is much more to it.  It makes me proud to think that students gained confidence over the school year because they were given opportunities to be wrong, and to know that being wrong is not a bad thing, but a step towards growth.  They are confident because they do not fear being wrong, like perhaps they did on the first day of school before they knew what to expect from their new environment. 

 

It makes me smile to think that on the last day of school, our students carry themselves with poise because they have been nurtured as learners to know that true learning is not about always being right, but about always growing and questioning.  Thank you for giving our students confidence to face the world, or at least summer vacation with confidence!

                                                              Have a great summer!

                                                                            Mary

5-18-2018

Mary’s Minute

“With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.  Be cheerful.  Strive to be happy.”

                                                                      ~ Max Ehrmann

I give credit to Levi Clark for this quote.  These were his closing words in his beautiful eulogy for his brother.  We have had our share of sadness, but when we look around at the physical beauty in the world and all the goodness in people, we must strive to be happy even through tough times.  When things are rough it may be hard to remember, but there is more to celebrate than to condemn; there is more good than evil. 

In life we face obstacles that seem overwhelming, and working with students we sometimes see negativity that creates a feeling of defeat.  Fortunately, even in our lowest moments we can look around and see the goodness in others.  We can see the splendor of nature.  We can recognize the wonder of discovery.

Yes, there is sadness in our world, but there is also the laughter of children.  There is joy in learning new things.  There are rainbows, green grass, blue oceans, and colorful flowers.  Life truly is beautiful!  Strive to be happy.

                                                                  Have a good week!

                                                                                      Mary

5-11-2018

Mary’s Minute

“Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

                                                  ~ Plato

In some form of another, most of us have probably referenced this quote in the last few days.  We never know what people are going through.  We never know what internal battles they are fighting.  We never know when the last time we will see someone might be.  We never know the impact of one small act of kindness. 

Being kind may not matter to someone, but why risk it?  Being kind doesn’t cost anything, and it doesn’t take anything away from us.  In fact, the act of being kind, leaves the giver of kindness feeling better. 

Even I am not naïve enough to think that kindness alone can stop terrible things from happening.  It cannot stop the inner-torment that some people face, but it sure cannot hurt.

Life is not always easy.  There are struggles that we cannot comprehend.  Being kind won’t change that, but if our act of kindness can bring one smile or one glimmer of positivity to someone fighting a hard battle, it would be worth it.

Life is complicated, and the only way that I can tackle the complexity is to make it as simple as possible, and for me that is simply to strive for kindness.

                                                          

                                                                 Peace and love,

                                                                                 Mary

5-4-2018

Mary’s Minute

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

                                                                          ~ Harry Truman

My goal is to use “we” when taking credit, and “I” when taking blame.  When we work towards goals there are undoubtedly individuals who carry more of the burden, but if we put aside credit and think of in terms of “we”, we will  accomplish more. 

I work hard to consciously use “we” instead of “I”. I have to tell on myself when it has gotten me in a bit of trouble.  I have been known to use the term “we” with Jeremy and the maintenance staff when describing work that needs to be done, when obviously they are the ones doing the work!  In that case, I think I need to expand my use of pronouns:  “We” when taking credit.  “I” when taking responsibility,   “You” when expressing gratitude. 

The simple use of pronouns can change the complete tone of a conversation. 

Accomplishments of Perry Central are always those of a team.  Good things happen here because of “we” not “I”.  And like Harry Truman reminds us, when we don’t care who gets credit, even with the subtle use of pronouns, amazing things can happen!

                                                                     Have a great week!

                                                                                       Mary