Why do we end it this way?

Here in East Central Illinois many school districts are in the final days of the 2008-09 school year. Here at PHS we are actually making up for five weather related emergency days we had to take during the winter months. I would like to say that what we are doing these last days is educationally sound and we are making the best of the tax payers money being spent on salaries, supplies, and utilities. We hold finals during the last three days of the year so there are some high stakes evaluations for students, but I am sure that the anticipation of nearly 80 days off from school is negatively affecting attitudes and efforts! (I saw a letter come home announcing the countdown to the end of the year in LATE FEBRUARY! grrrrr!) Next year we will open the doors to a fresh new year and spend at least three or four weeks getting the school term up to speed. A lot of crucial review will be done, making up for lost ground over the summer. (or is it that school, the way it is done, slows down the learning processes that occur at work and at play in summer?) School does not have to end this way. A full year calendar that adds several weeks to the now outdated agrarian calendar should be considered. Let's spend some of this stimulus money (if we have to do it) on modern school buildings that are air conditioned and equipped for 21st Century learning. Let's revolutionize schools and make everyday meaningful and engaging for both teachers and students by integrating technology and modern skill sets into every corner of our curriculum.....well better get back to my stimulus shopping catalogue....only so many days to spend it, then I need a few months off!

Just Plain Wrong!

The other day I received a catalogue filled with the regular education fare. It was filled with supplies that were not essential, some of the items would be useful around PHS, but for the most part a typical catalogue that would find the circular file after a quick glance (poor environment!) What was just plain wrong about this catalogue was the subtitle, "Your Stimulus Spending Issue!" This blog is not about whether the American Recovery Act is right or wrong by the way (it is here whether we support it or not), it is about spending our children's and grandchildren's tax dollars wisely. Spending the "stimulus" money on what amounts to educational trinkets is JUST PLAIN WRONG! When the recovery act passed and I found out that a good sum of money would be spent on education, I started thinking that the money would and should be used to update the educational infrastructure across the nation. Building new schools, funding innovative programs, providing incentive for change.....using the stimulus money for making lasting change in education was how I envisioned the use of the funding, not just throwing the money into the revenue gaps in each state and spending it in such a way that it supports the status quo in education. As educational leaders we must endeavor to use this money in the most responsible ways. To make education better for our students and make lasting change in a system that begs for it.

What we need more of............

.........is to say thanks to those who do things that truly make an impact. People need feedback and so many times in education, the feedback we give or receive is usually corrective in nature. It is easy to fall into the trap of pointing out what is wrong and taking for granted those things that go according to plan and simply not take the time to recognize those individuals who made it happen. This past weekend I went to the Paris High School prom and the after prom activities. I must say that I was thoroughly impressed by both events. Our students were treated to a fantastic evening of events that included a dinner and dance at the Ohio Building in Terre Haute. Following the dance the students were treated with an all night party at Parisian Lanes (A huge thanks to Bud and Michelle Hissem!). The students were able to bowl, dance, eat, play pool, and socialize in a safe environment and best of all, they were eligible to win approximately $8,000 in prizes. There were many people who took time to make these events happen. To you folks who helped these young men and women have a safe night for their prom and after prom activities, THANK YOU! You helped create a memory that our students will carry all of their lives! For those of you who are still reading this post, yes that means you mom, I want you to take the time to thank someone who has made a difference in your life.

The following is a thank you to some of the many who have made a big difference for me:

My third grade teacher Mrs. Eicher and her game of scrabble, Mrs. Gardner and a great Spanish class, Mr. Pigg, my 7th grade math teacher and coach for many different sports and his cousins in a blanket, Mr. Tyndle, one of my high school science teachers and his undying love of science, and Dr. Bev Findley and her unequalled enthusiasm for teaching and challenging her students. Who should you thank today!