One year ago...

One year ago today was the last day of in person learning for the 2019-2020 school year.  Our last concerts were Tuesday, March 10th.  Our last Wednesday assembly was March 11th.  The NJHS induction ceremony, with students and guests in attendance was Thursday, March 12th, one year ago.  Little did we know that we wouldn't be able to say goodbye to our students on Friday, March 13th.  We thought we'd be out of school for two weeks, and then it became longer and didn't stop until the last school day.  You have done amazing things with and for our kids, and one another, over the last calendar year.  Some of you shared those with me when you turned in your staff picture guess sheets.  I've put those in your mailboxes this morning so that you can have those memories as a keepsake.  I bet some of you even have a new one from this week.  Imagine if you started a little journal to write down the best "kid thing" from the week.  That would make a pretty awesome book, don't you think?

Calendar

March 15th-21st    PTO Culver's Week

Wednesday, March 17th    All staff meeting (Chapter 10 of Onward) in the Intermediate gym

Thursday, March 18th    Network Photography group photos (NJHS, Student Senate, volleyball), new student photos and classroom candids 9AM/ 8th grade Spanish placement test 10:00-11:30AM in the gym/ Insurance meeting  4:15PM in the Little Theater

Monday, March 22nd    School board meeting 6PM

Wednesday, March 24th    Team and personal planning

Friday, March 26th    End of third quarter

Saturday, March 27th-Monday, April 5th    Spring Break

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"It's knowing what to do with things that counts."-

Robert Frost, poet

"Don't stir all of the warmth out of your coffee; drink it."-

Kate Chopin, writer

"To be or not to be is not a question of compromise.  Either you be or you don't be."-

Golda Meir, stateswoman, politician, fourth Prime Minister of Israel

"Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view.  Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you."-

David McCullogh, historian, writer, Pulitzer Prize winner

Beyond "Voice" to Contribution (from George Couros)

(from George Couros' blog)

"There's no such thing as a foreseeable futuer."-

David McCullogh, historian, writer, Pulitzer Prize winner

"Never interrupt someone doing something you said couldn't be done."-

Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer, writer, first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity."-

Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer, writer, first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean

"What we do is more important than what we say or what we say we believe."-

bell hooks, writer, professor, feminist, social activist

"Expect everything, I always say, and the unexpected never happens."-

Norton Juster, academic, architect, writer

I received an email from Mike Teofilo that he is ready to come back as a guest teacher.  Feel free to reach out to him (I can provide you his email if you're interested.) for any of your upcoming absences.  Don't forget that Tom is up first for you, but if Tom is already guest teaching, Mike is a great choice.

Today is a day that most of you have been anticipating with nervous energy.  I know because a few of you have tried to trick me into letting you know about what you'll be doing next year.  I honestly don't know how each of you will feel or the questions you might have or the relief or pain you might feel.  You may remember that Jen and I like to watch New Amsterdam.  We watched the season's first two episodes Wednesday night.  There were some twists and turns, including a number of references to the pandemic.  One line that always finds its way into the show is one I've shared with you before- How can I help?  Please know that I am here for you and will help you in any way that I can as we finish this school year strong and look forward to next year.

Have a great Friday, make sure to say goodbye to the kids after your classes today, and have an awesome weekend!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell