2-26-2016

Mary’s Minute

“Everybody is a genius.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”    

                     ~Albert Einstein

 

It seems in society we spend a lot of time, energy, and money trying to decide how smart people are.  This is a deficient model, looking at what is missing instead of what is present.  Instead of asking, “How smart are you?”  We should be asking, “How are you smart?”  One of our goals with classes like STEAM, Power Hour, and Genius Hour is to build on students’ strengths.  We call these efforts passion-based learning, as we seek opportunities to help all students become the geniuses Einstein describes.   It is important to create experiences that allow students to be put in situations where they can be judged by their strengths.  One important part of this is to nurture all talents and abilities, including visual arts, music, emotional intelligences, athletics, as well as traditional subjects.  It isn’t always easy in today’s world, but Einstein’s words are an important reminder to be cautious about how we sort and label students.  Our students are full of wonderful strengths, and our goal is to nurture their strengths as we lessen their weaknesses. 

                                                            Thanks for all you do! 

                                                                    Mary

2-19-2016

Mary’s Minute

 

“What is art but a way of seeing?”

                                                                                                            ~Saul Bellow

 

I have always enjoyed “art” but never considered myself very good “at art.”  I love the notion of thinking of art as a way of seeing the world.  During my graduate school years, I spent time exploring semiotics, which is the study of sign systems or ways in which we “see the world.”  In our world and therefore in school, we value verbal and mathematical way of knowing.  Maybe society downplays the value of art and music because they are more difficult to test.  My comments are not meant as a political commentary on testing, although I do have opinions.  My purpose today is simply to reflect on the role of the arts not just in school, but in our lives.  They provide a powerful lens to see and know our world.  I love words, so I like to read and listen to the spoken word to learn.  I need to remember that music, theater, and visual arts also provide a way to express ourselves and to learn.  My daughter, Zoe, loves to read and write, but she also loves to draw.  (Thank you, Mrs. Poehlein, for encouraging her!)  I especially love to see Zoe combine visual art with words as she sketches to accompany the written word.  These places where “ways of knowing’ intersect are inspiring and uplifting.  I suspect there are a lot of people who do not feel they are good “at” art, but if we can see art as a way of knowing our world – both by observing and creating, I think we can see it as more accessible.  We don’t have to be Picasso to reflect on a painting or to doodle as a way of expressing our feelings.  Try seeing yourself as an “artist” not in a traditional sense, but as someone who uses art to communicate and know our wonderful world.

 

                                            Thanks for all you do! 

                                                          Mary

2-5-2016

Mary’s Minute

 

“Control what you can control. Don't lose sleep worrying about things that you don't have control over because, at the end of the day, you still won't have any control over them.”

                                                                        ~ Cam Newton

“Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.”

                                                                        ~ Swedish Proverb

“A day of worry is more exhausting than a day of work.”

                                                                        ~John Lubbock

 

“Don’t worry,” is one of those phrases that we probably catch ourselves saying to people several times a day.  We all know intellectually that worry is not productive, but we all do it.  When I think about things that cause me worry, I would put them in three categories:  things within my control that I need to accomplish; things outside of my control; and things that I have not taken time to categorize to know whether I can control them or not.  What I mean about the third category is that sometimes I just worry without even taking time to know why.  Sometimes I find myself fretting without even knowing why, but once I stop and think I feel better.  For me, it is important to consciously define what is causing me grief.  Then I can take action if it is within my control or do my best to let it go if it is something out of my control.  Procrastination can not only delay action, but also enhance worry.  I have found myself putting things off that I dread, only to realize that once I jump in and get it done, it really wasn’t that bad.  And so, I will end with how I began with some simple advice, “Don’t worry!”

               Thanks for all you do! 

                                                Mary

2-12-2016

Mary's Minute

"People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude."

                                                                                ~ John C. Maxwell

Words are powerful, and we need to use them wisely, but words alone can be misunderstood.  In today's world where emails and texts outnumber personal conversations, we all have learned the lesson of how words alone can fail us.  Spoken words may convey our message better, but as Maxwell reminds us they also communicate our attitude.  I have respect and appreciation for our students, staff, and community.  In fact, my goal in life is to have love in my heart for all people.  This quote reminds me that I need to be careful so that I leave people knowing I care wth words and subtle actions that communicate my attitude.  I think of how important our office staffs are in this regard.  When they answer the phone or greet students or visitors, they express words and share an attitude.  Simple things, like a smile are powerful communicators, and I love when call one of our offices and can tell through the phone line that the person on the other end is smiling.  I am not sure if there is a scientific study to prove it, but I am confident that a smile can be "heard" through a telephone line!   I could give countless examples of how people communicate their attitudes at PC.   Have you ever met Dave Reese in the hallway when he wasn't smiling?   The spring in Jeremy Edwards' step says that he loves Perry Central, no matter how overwhelming his workload may be.  Visitors to Perry Central comment about the culture.  It is not just words spoken that leave visitors with this impression; it is the communication of positive attitudes that come through in subtle, yet powerful, ways.  Thank you for letting people know that Perry Central cares!  

Have a great week!

Mary

1-29-2016

Mary’s Minute

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

                                                                                      ~ Nelson Mandela

 

Last night several Perry Central students triumphed over their fears by getting up on stage to share their talents.  I heard several of them comment about how nervous they were, but I also could see how empowered they were after conquering their fear.  When we think about courage and conquering fear we often think of it as an individual thing, and the burden certainly does fall to the individual, but as a school community I think it is also important for us to think about how we encourage students and each other to be courageous.  In addition to enjoying the talent shared at “Coffee and Conversation,” I marveled at the power of creating a safe place for sharing.  The atmosphere created by the experience thanks to Jennifer Ball, as well as our supportive students, allowed students to take risks without the worry of being ridiculed.  As terrific as the performances were, they were not perfect.  Students made mistakes, but their peers in the audience encouraged them.  I am so impressed by the talent of our students, by their courage to perform, and most of all, proud of the atmosphere that allowed them to take risks among supportive peers.  Thanks to Mrs. Ball and all who made the night a celebration of courage and support.

                                                                              Have a great week!

                                                                               Mary

1-15-2016

Mary’s Minute

“For one minute, walk outside, stand there in silence. Look up at the sky, and contemplate how amazing life is.”

                         ~ Anonymous

Sometimes we get too busy to see take time to be reflective.  It is about time, but it is also about taking time to think reflectively in order to see things clearly.  Sometimes the best way to see things from an outside perspective is to see ourselves from other people’s eyes.  I want to thank School Board Member, Glenn Etienne, for being observant and sharing this story with me.  Glenn was a Perry Central basketball game, where he overheard a couple of mothers from another team commenting on how clean Perry Central was.  They also commented on the nice lounge area in the commons, and ended the conversation by saying, “You can just tell this is a good school.”  Although we strive to let our people know that they are doing a good job and are appreciated, it is nice to see that “outsiders” see Perry Central in a positive way. 

I like the quote above because it is good for us to reflect on life, in general, and to take time to ponder its wonder.  I also think that it is helpful for us to think of our daily life and work in the same way.  Sometimes it is good to consider different perspectives in order to appreciate what we have, as well as to continually improve.

                Thanks for all you do! 

                                                Mary

1-8-2016

Mary’s Minute

“There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad.  ’Good pride' represents our dignity and self-respect. 'Bad pride' is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance.”

                                                                                                ~ John C. Maxwell

I have to admit that I am so proud of Perry Central and the good things that our staff and students are doing, but I often worry about being too proud.  This Maxwell quote helps me understand this feeling.  We just need to be careful that the pride we feel at Perry Central is rooted in dignity and self-respect.  We are proud of the good work of our students, but we never can let that reek of conceit and arrogance.  There must be a careful balance in celebrating success and making sure our students, parents, and staff feel good about their accomplishments without crossing the line into “bad pride.”  I think part of what makes Perry Central special is our sense of humility and “good pride.”  As the state publishes test scores and letter grades we are proud of the work of our students and staff, but we are also humble knowing that another year could create other results, and that our only competition is ourselves as we strive each day to outdo the prior.  I am very proud of our students, staff, and community (read “good pride”!)

                                                            Have a great week!

                                                            Mary