Dear Blake Families:
I hope that everyone had a nice weekend. We enjoyed a relatively quiet Sunday after a busy couple of days - Friday night dance, Holliston's youth soccer 'Spookerfest' for both Maggie and Owen, and Maggie's performance in The Wizard of Oz on Saturday evening. The first 7th/8th grade dance this past Friday was a great success and I would like to thank all of the staff who chaperoned the event to help provide a safe and positive experience for the students: Elise M., Travis T., Eileen H., Kelly D., Cori J., Tracy A., Jeff C., Amanda S., Jen D., and Cynthia M.
As I shared a couple of weeks ago, following a workshop with Robert Kegan on the 'change process', a goal that I have for myself this year (and years ahead, I am sure) is that of 'balance'. I am trying to take a 'measured' step with a 'somewhat' abbreviated blog update this week. Keeping my love of reading and passion for education in mind, while also trying to create some room for 'down time' this weekend, I am simply highlighting three articles along with a brief descriptor/quote that tie in with some of the mindset work and themes (happiness, technology integration, lifelong learning) we are exploring as a community this year...
Why Social Media Matters by Peter DeWitt
"The truth is, on many different levels, social media matters. Whether it's two teenagers who are eating lunch and staying connected with other friends, or adults who use it to spread the word about something important. Social networking, through the use of Twitter, Facebook, blogging and other media are changing the face of how we interact and communicate."
It May Be a Good Job, but Is It 'Good Work'? by Daniel Goleman
In this article Goleman references the work of Howard Garner and his views on 'good work' -- "...a calling that combines excellent performance, expresses one's ethics and offers a pleasing sense of engagement. That is, the kind of job we'd all love to hold. Lacking any of these three ingredients, a job or profession may be great in other ways, but it does not make the cut for good work."
Teachers, Don't Forget Joy by Judy Wallis
"So this school year, let's take time to reflect on the difference joy could make. Let's consider classrooms where everyone is both teacher and learner. Let's dream of places where expertness and smartness grow out of inquiry and talk and wonder. Let's find energy and hope. Let's express joy and name it what it is: a feeling of great pleasure and happiness."
I know this goal of 'balance' is a hard one for me as I do believe that the work we do is indeed 'good work' and I am fortunate to find joy every day in this endeavor. That said, I will keep chipping away and hope you will continue to help keep me honest as well, pushing me to stay open to change. I will be sure to do the same for everyone as well.
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Take care.
Nat Vaughn