Longing for perceptions of the past is likely a past-time our students tire of. Just as above, a reflection of eras that seemed more tame and more solid and easier to decipher, catches us yearning at times. The reality is that we have moved on, to times of instantaneous communication and gratification. It has deeply changed us, and some of that change is influencing the disappearance of the civil rituals of the past. Many other items of institution and custom also are departing with the increasing speed of our iPods and cell phone. It is inevitable. There will always be a trade. We have increased efficiency, lifespan, health and care, transportation, information and incredible possibility. But it does not come without cost as we continually lament the rate at which our days and years fly. We can't stop it, nor should we. We are built to progress or wither. And we must keep up....Contemplating this week, a series of events that seemed to take much more time than it should, led me to the deliberations above of societal etiquette and societal general character. There is no doubt, we have become exceedingly transient - not just in our ability to migrate, but in personality. Most parents recall a time when the social stigma attached to "quitting" or not completing anything so dominated our culture, that it was completely atypical. No one would ever think of starting a task, activity, etc. and not staying with it to the end. No one would think of beginning a relationship with an organization and ending that relationship prematurely. Never. But times have changed. There is so much opportunity, and it is so easy to pick up and find grass greener. That is how we live today, and we just need to adapt. In fact, we reward such thinking and action now. We look up to those who quickly move up the ladder of business or industry. We shower praise on those who further their education to terminal degrees. We look with favor on those who find service niches that may take them around the world....So I wonder, this past week of the gnashing of teeth, and the same gnashing this summer around students making decisions to attend other high schools?? In communications related to both of these situations, I found the families had went through a painful and difficult thought process to finally arrive at a decision that they felt clearly will benefit the young men involved. They have the resource to make the change. They did not cavalierly make these choices. And yet the immaturity of students and parents alike, is startling. Using this situation to indict schools, staff, parents...are you kidding?? Why? What is the purpose of disparaging others for your gain? There were t-shirts made, there are false rumors floated for who knows what reason, misinformation in all forms. The time and energy consumed on this matter, which in the scheme of our 456 students' lives, is incredibly inconsequential, is both frightening and contemptuous. I guess I have the fortune of not living through whatever turbulent times Harrisburg District had in its past. And I don't care. I care about the students and staff and community in front of me today, right now. Whatever ill will is still held for whatever reason, whatever personality flaw that keeps an ember of vitriol bottled up in some, whatever pleasure some take in stirring up insignificant theater - I can just tell you it won't deter my focus - which is on those in my care at this school. There is so much good here to focus upon. There is so much potential to explore. There are so many kids who need our concentration to be on their future, not the future of our basketball and football teams. Which are pleasant diversions, but the inordinate amount of time we spend lavishing our attention on athletics...instead of anatomy, and calculus and literature...it is incomprehensible. These instances only reaffirm my fight to help our students see the real priorities of becoming contributing citizens of this world. And to do that, they don't need a jump shot or a 4.4 40-yard time. And for our school to shine and be the beacon that lights their way to happiness, we don't need crunching Friday night victories or tarnished trophies and mis-directed passion. What does it say about our real priorities when this dominates our thoughts? Mid-terms are next week - what if mid-terms received as much attention as two transferring basketball players? Think how that changes everything.
One last comment on this situation. For those who do not know, at the Sioux Falls Christian volleyball match, a few SFC boys, unthinking, made a mistake. They produced shirts which I am sure they believed were a clever attempt at furthering our rivalry. However, they were in very poor taste and inconsiderate. The SFC administration took care of it. Friday afternoon, I addressed our students, letting them know that this was just a mistake of a few. Certainly not representative of SFC. And we will NOT, in any way reciprocate now or in the future with some sort of "pay back." Any sort of recompense from our students or community will result in the severest of consequences at my disposal. Harrisburg High School will always simply forgive and forget and understand the sport arenas and fields are simply classrooms where learning takes all forms. In this situation, the lesson is to move on and focus on the positive aspects of the activity and take pride in the work and toil of our athletes and not worry about the misguided actions of the few. We will always take the high road of sportsmanship, integrity and ethical behavior. And we will treat our opponents with utmost respect. Always.
Teachers are magnificent. I can't hide my affection for those who wear this mantle. This past week Mr. Rollinger and I had the pleasure of beginning our first round of classroom visits and observations. Teachers are so talented. So compassionate. So ready to help and so insightful. firm and yet optimistic. I watched students preparing trips across the United States, cooperating on traits that will make them better communicators, examining their id and ego, answering questions about bovine breeding and showing off their artistic skills. Students on stage, in labs, hovering over computers - and there was one common denominator - a teacher directing traffic, playing counselor and nurse and advisor and parent and expert and....they are so talented - they are golden. I have almost thirty years in this profession - I never tire of watching these amazing souls do this job with so much energy and passion. Be assured, you have the best here.
Fire drills, Bus Evacuation drills, Lock Down drill and Disaster drills are all a part of school life. Last week we had successful bus and fire drills. Another testament to our superb students who handled each with speed and attention. Generally we will have two fire drills, one lock down and one disaster drill per semester.
Parent/Principal Connection will be held at 7:00 PM in the high school commons on Wednesday, September 29th. I am trying to find a time when no other activities are occurring. Church night is over for me by 7:00. I know this will not be the case for many of you. I will look for other nights as the year progresses. I hope many of you can attend. This office can only meet your needs with the good information you supply of your sons' and daughters' needs. I hope you can make it.
Many teachers and staff are part of a professional development opportunity which is entitled, "Project Integrate". The gist of the program is to assist teachers, tech personnel and administrators to find ways to make certain our students are developing 21st Century Skills. Skills that will allow them to be successful in their future careers and lives. Harrisburg has more staff involved than any other school in the state. It is unique developmental process as it lasts this entire year with tasks, assignments and research provided every week. These events stimulate change in thinking and processes to improve school culture and strategies. The program is directed by our Education Service Agency in Sioux Falls.
Ssr(Sustained Silent Reading) takes place once or twice per week. This week, students will be held accountable for the reading they have been doing as they will be reporting out to their TAP(Teacher/Advisor Program) advisors. Ask your son or daughter what they have been reading. Take an interest and they may continue to advance that most important cognitive skill: reading. Reading is directly related to thinking success. An unsuccessful reader becomes a victim of the "Matthew Effect." This effect, described by educational researchers, takes place when a student is below reading level. Because of the frustration in lower thinking skills, a student cannot maintain or achieve any type of success, hence, they fall further and further behind and grow an even larger distaste for the habit of reading. The lack of motivation and subsequent lack of reading makes the gap in their development grow. As they mature they learn some coping skills without reading, they developmentally fall even further behind by choosing other ways to reach expectations but never attain any depth due to lesser thinking skills associated with lower literacy. Unless this circle is broken, most are destined to lives that never come close to potential. Basically, not reading leads to less reading, less reached thinking potential, less possible use of ability. Read. Encourage reading. Reward reading. It is too important.
Mid-terms will be posted on the parent portals Thursday morning. If you would like a paper copy please call the office and it will be sent home. Dakota Step scores will also be sent home this week. You can find the Parent Fact Sheet at: http://doe.sd.gov/octa/assessment/docs/DakotaSTEP_FactSheet82508.pdf
This sheet will lead you to the State Report Card if you wish to view how Harrisburg High School did. This will also explain our testing procedure. This year's ninth graders and seniors will have Dakota Step scores.
Extra help begins this week. Students with poor grades and those recommended by teachers will be obligated to remain after school from 3-3:30 on Thursday. If the problem persists they may be asked to remain Friday from 3:00-3:30 and possibly Saturday from 8-11. Students will be informed Wednesday of this obligation and then communication will continue for the next two days. If students are to remain they must find adequate transportation. A quick check last week identified 54 students in need of extra help. Please check your son or daughters' grades on the parent portal.
FFA was selected as one of 11 schools from South Dakota to represent the state at the national convention. Harrisburg FFA was one of eight schools to receive a "3" indicating superior performance. For more information contact Mr. Marks.
Events this week at Harrisburg High School:
Monday - Sept. 20 - 4:15 - JV football at Washington
Tuesday - Sept. 21 - 10:00 - Bg 8 Conference Golf at Madison
Noon - FFA at Parker
4:15 - Cross Country at Siuox Falls
5:00 - Volleyball home vs. Madison
- Girls' Soccer at Mitchell
Wednesday - Sept. 22 - 2:00 - Extra Help students identified
Thursday - Sept. 23 - 8:00 AM - Mid-Terms posted
2:30 - SSR Book reviews
3:00 - Extra Help
3:30 - Boys' Golf at Elk Point
4:30 - 9th Football at Tea
5:00 - Volleyball home vs. Canton
Friday - Sept. 24 - 2:30 - SSR Book reviews
3:00 Extra Help
5:00 - Girls' Soccer at Groton
7:00(MST) - Football at Douglas
Saturday - Sept. 25 - 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Extra Help Saturday School
9:00 - Varsity Volleyball at Milbank
STILL SMILIN'
KEVIN
No comments:
Post a Comment