The Day-to-Day Grind

Russian writer Anton Chekov once observed, “Any idiot can face a crisis – it’s day to day living that wears you out.” As teachers, we all understand the mid-year, mid-winter slump, the winter “blahs.” Since our vocation is cyclical, we always have a change of pace just over the horizon: a long weekend, spring break, summer vacation, and, now and then, an unexpected change in the CPS calendar! However, the real solution to the day-to-day grind is not making it to the next break, but making the most of each day life provides us. Our lives can be treadmills or they can be adventures; it all depends on how we approach the challenges presented us. Every hour of every day, we are given opportunities to change the lives of young people and help, through them, to build a better future for all of us. We are blessed with amazing colleagues with whom we can share these adventures. In the immortal words of Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes), “There’s adventure around every corner!”

"A child is a person who is going to carry on what you have started. He is going to sit where you are sitting and when you are gone, attend to those things which you think are important. You may adopt all of the policies you please, but how they are carried out depends on him. He will assume control of your cities, states, and nations. He is going to move in and take over your churches, schools, universities, and corporations. The fate of humanity is in his hands." Abraham Lincoln

The Power of Ideas

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was at the center of history for decades, from the Great Depression through the early 1960s. While surrounded by men of action, Mrs. Roosevelt dealt more in ideas. She once observed, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” While ideas, events, and people are inextricably linked, action must be preceded by thought. We often tell our kids to think before they speak or act. The same holds true for adults. At Jones College Prep our words and actions are predicated on the fundamental goal of what is good for our students. Our decisions are driven by what will help our students learn and grow; this is the essential idea that informs the ethos of our school. The work of our faculty and staff members, both individually and through our Leadership Team, Transition Team, and other collaborations, demonstrate where our focus is and should be. Our new block schedule and Academic Lab program are the fruition of years of discussion and many months of action, all based on that one essential idea: doing what is best for our kids. We have many challenges ahead as we move into our new building and expand our community of learners. Let us never forget why we are here. I think Mrs. Roosevelt would be very proud of what you all do for our kids.

Persistence

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” Calvin Coolidge President Coolidge was not noted for his loquaciousness, but when he did speak it was with a cogency from which modern politicians could learn. While our leaders craft “sound bites” self-consciously intended to be memorable, Coolidge’s truisms are as fresh today as they were ninety years ago. Which brings us to persistence; we are at that time of year when the finish line is almost within sight, with the far turn and the home stretch left to go. Our students need us during this time, and we must remain persistent and determined to see them successfully through to the finish. Hang in there!

"The Nicest Kids in Town"

Jones students often remind me of the exuberant and fair-minded kids in the movie musical Hairspray. Although something of an early-1960s fantasy, much of it rings true. Even without penny loafers, plaid skirts, and crew cuts, sometimes Jones students do break into song and dance, and they sometimes do their homework on the morning bus, as in the song, “The Nicest Kids in Town.” The theme of the show, however, is the effort of kids to do what they know instinctively is right – albeit set to music! Although it took me a while, I am no longer surprised at our kids’ capacity for knowing and doing what is right; I am impressed and gratified, but not surprised. When you have an opportunity, watch the film, pause and reflect on our kids at Jones – the nicest kids in town.