Experiences mold the child

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the high school when the Twins Caravan stopped by. I won't bore you with all of the details, but Tony Oliva was part of the entourage that stopped by. Now if you don't know Tony it doesn't matter because what he is famous for is not important. What is important is what I saw. Tony is from Cuba. Tony is dark skinned. Tony has a heavy accent that can be hard to follow. I realized as I listened to him speak that this may very well be the first time any of the students in grades 7-12 have seen a Cuban. This also may be the first time they have had to concentrate on what was being said as to not miss a word. Tony only answered a few questions, but he had me hanging on every word. He is such an interesting person and has so much life experiences to share. I am glad that the students of CHS were able to experience this moment even if it was brief. I am sure that Tony will left a lasting impression. I would like to think that he spawned enough interest that some students went home that night and did a little research on this man and his home country. It is experiences like this that spawn imagination and help children develop dreams and imagine places outside of home. Never miss an opportunity to try new experiences, they may just have a lasting effect on you.

No Name Calling Week

January 26th - 30th has been designated No Name Calling Week. More information can be found at www.nonamecallingweek.org

Words hurt. More than that, they have the power to make students feel unsafe to the point where they are no longer able to perform in school or conduct normal lives.

"No sticks. No stones. NO DISSING!"

Out to Lunch Readers

Out to Lunch Readers is a reading incentive program to promote reading in school. All students are eligible to take part in the program, all they need is to have a teacher drop their name in the fishbowl. Students that are drawn are invited too have lunch with Principal Wilkins on the last Friday of the month.

Historic Day

"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you make progress."

--Barack Obama, 2005

PTO

Tonight we had our third PTO meeting of the school year. We had a great showing from the teachers, and a not so great showing from the parents. In recent months I have played with the times and tried to recruit parents through various modes. Now I am adding my blogspot to the list. I am pleading for parental support. The PTO needs parental support to make the organization flow. The work that needs to be done is minimal and the meetings rarely last more than a half hour. If anyone has suggestions on how I can get more parental support I am all ears.

I am looking for a few good parents that are willing to work with me and the outstanding teachers of CES to make this place a great envrionment for our kids. Please contact me if you would like to be a part of this important group.

LIVESTRONG

WHATEVER YOUR 100% LOOKS LIKE, GIVE IT.

New Year's Resolution

It's 2009!!! What are you going to change? Here is a few items on my list:



1. Drink more water and less soda.

2. Continue to find the motivation to get up each morning and put on those running shoes.

3. Eat less fast food.

4. Be a better person in all aspects of my life.



My list, like most people's, centers on improvements in the areas of health and wellness.



Here's to a great new year.

Why Blog?

If you go to the following link you will find a great article on blogging and how it is forging new links with students and parents.

http://www.star-telegram.com/arlington_news/v-print/story/1114745.html

Maybe it is time to jump on the latest bandwagon and see where it leads.