January 2007
January 2007
C.A.R.(2)E.S. NEWSLETTER
(Creating A Respectful and Responsive Educational System)
Dr. Duane Hodgin, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Support Services
Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township
"National School District of Character"
January 22, 2007
(No. 5)
“Character is about the things we say and do.”
· Over 90 colleagues will receive the new “2007 Character Rocks” long sleeve shirt by the end of January. You will receive them through the school mail or by personal delivery. Everyone who responded to the December newsletter will receive one. Wear them with pride, and help spread the message that Character does Rock!
· The following essay was recently written by Laura Kuhn, 8th grade student at CMS. She won the “State VFW Essay Contest. Thanks to Ben Hauser, CMS social studies teacher for involving his students in this activity!
Citizenship in America
January 2, 2007
According to the dictionary, citizenship is the state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen. Truthfully, it means much more than that. I believe that the best definition of citizenship was made by President John F. Kennedy, who said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
Citizenship is a responsibility, an honor, and a virtue. It is not a burden or a task, and there are many ways to express good citizenship. People could choose to volunteer to clean up a local neighborhood, work at the local food bank, or to serve our country in the military. “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone,” was Ronald Reagan’s way of saying citizens can make a difference by working together. Citizens have a responsibility to show concern for the success and safety of others and their country. The simple art of voting is a good example of contribution to our nation.
There are many different characteristics of a good and caring citizen. Taking responsibility for your actions is a very important one. Treating fellow citizens with respect and dignity should come naturally with being a good citizen. Always being kind and honest is also very important. Citizens should always show concern and compassion for the environment around them. We should always take pride in our community and nation, and show patriotism!
In today’s world, it is easy to get caught up in greed and selfishness, but a true citizen realizes their responsibility and doesn’t let that distract them. Citizenship is not a fad, but a lifelong commitment. Doing the right thing even when it is difficult or when no one is looking is an example of good citizenship.
We owe it to the men and women of our great nation who contributed and sacrificed so much by serving through the military to live as the best citizens we can be everyday. I pledge to be a good citizen throughout my life. I consider it my obligation and I am willing to take the responsibility of being a caring citizen. I truly believe that as my peers and I practice good citizenship throughout our lives, it will help to shape a strong and honest nation for the generations to come.
· A Great Message for the New Year and Anytime
(Sent to me by an MSDLT colleague.) Please remember, these readings are good to read to students or make copies for them. One of our secondary teachers copies an inspirational message (collections from the “CARES Newsletters” or ones she has collected) and gives it to her students each Friday to have them read over the weekend. This is their only homework. They keep a journal and write what the message means to them. At the end of the year, she collects them and reads their 36 journal entries. If all we completed, it counts as an A test grade. (Just an idea.)
Attitude and Gratitude
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?" So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "Hmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?" So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything. Let us remember to…Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting, or will be fighting, some kind of battle. (Yes, many of our students, as well.)
Live simply…Love generously…Care deeply…Speak kindly… Leave the rest to God.
-- Anonymous
· The Weight of Our Burdens
When asked how she coped with all the burdens she had to carry, Lena Horne, one of the first popular black female entertainers, said, “It’s not the load that breaks you down; it’s the way you carry it.” Her point is made powerfully by a parable currently circulating on the Internet.
“How heavy is this glass of water?” a teacher asks. After students guess the weight, the teacher says, “It’s not the weight that matters; it’s how and how long you carry it.” Hold a glass of water with your arm straight out, and it will get heavier and heavier by the second. In a short time, most of us will find the load unbearable. If you hold the glass of water with two hands, against your chest, you will be able to hold it much longer.
The lesson is, we all can live happier and more successful lives if we learn to “take a break” and put down our burdens for a while. It often takes a conscious act of will, but it’s important to find a place or activity where we can let go of stress and burdens caused by work demands, relationship problems, debts or disappointments. Add to this the hopeful wisdom of “This too shall pass” and life can become not only manageable, but enjoyable.
-- Michael Josephson
· The Importance of Being Vulnerable
To allow oneself to be vulnerable to others, especially our students, takes courage; however, when we are able to do this, our students see us as believable and caring human beings. When we do this appropriately, it helps to build relationships with our students. Not everyone is comfortable in doing this.” (If you want some “special character education posters” for your room—appropriate elementary and secondary—email me by typing CEP, name, school and grade. (DO NOT HIT “REPLY” TO THIS EMAIL!) Names will be drawn and sets of 3 character posters will be sent or delivered to 15 teachers.)
Back to the subject of being vulnerable, one has to decide what they are willing to share with their students about their personal life. Elaine Agather wrote, “I believe in order to teach the youth of today, one must be open to understand their “world;” non-judgmental of their culture; share your life experiences (good/bad); model the kind of conduct/behavior you are asking of them; show compassion, love, sensitivity; demand high expectations; reward positive conduct/behavior; fairly administrator consequences; teach in a “real” world concept; and, LISTEN AT ALL TIMES and all ways to what our youth are saying. Most importantly, respect the student. I have come to understand that all students, hunger for this teaching philosophy no matter who or what their race, male or female, rich or poor.
Finally, encourage them that they are never too young or too old to change for the better. This is where you may be able to “share” some of your life experiences (remember that “vulnerability”). Life is about choices; we all make good ones and bad ones; learn from the bad ones and build upon the good ones. Accept responsibility for your choices; don’t blame others, and learn to see yourself for who you are, but more importantly, See Yourself As Who You Want To Become. Perhaps, Shakespeare said it best, “To thine ownself be true.”
· FUNNY THINGS TO LAUGH ABOUT (FTTLA)
- “I have strong opinions of my own, but I don’t always agree with them.” --President George W. Bush.
- “Why do we really need to give a ‘word to the wise’?” It’s the stupid ones that need the advice.” --Bill Crosby
- “Know yourself. Don’t assume your dog’s admiration is conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.” -- Ann Landers
- “If everything seems to be going well, you obviously overlooked something.” -- Murphy’s Law
- “Life is like a dog sled team. If you are not the lead dog, the scenery never changes.” -- Will Rogers
“The purpose of life is to live a life of purposes.” -- Robert Byrne