C.A.R.(2)E.S. NEWSLETTER
(Creating A Respectful and Responsive Educational System)
Dr. Duane Hodgin, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Support Services
Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township
"National School District of Character"
April 18, 2008
(No. 8)
“We should strive to live our lives so that when we look back, we have no regrets.”
TEACHERS ARE HEROES
“Where are the heroes of today?” a radio talk show host thundered. He blames society’s shortcomings on public education. Too many young people are looking for heroes in the wrong places. Movie stars and rock musicians, athletes and models aren’t heroes; they’re celebrities. Heroes abound in public and private schools, a fact that doesn’t make the news. There is no precedent for the level of violence, drugs, broken homes, child abuse, and crime in today’s America. Public Education didn’t create these problems but they deal with them every day.
What is it that kids really need? What do they really want? Math, science, history and social studies are important, but children also need love, confidence, encouragement someone to talk to, someone to listen, and standards (moral values) to live by. Most teachers strive to provide these positive these positive examples while helping to teach civility and civic responsibility. Are you a “teacher hero?”
(“As a teacher, I did not choose the wrong profession; society has chosen the wrong heroes.”)
BEWARE OF YOUR GUNLESS FRIENDS!
The dangerous people are not always
Who hit you with clubs and rob you with guns.
The thief won’t attack your character traits
Or belittle your abilities to your face!
It likely will be a well-meaning friend
Who merely crushes your will to win.
No, he doesn’t rob you, at point of gun.
He simply says, “It can’t be done.”
When pointed to thousands who already are
He smiles and says, “They’re superior!”
Personality-wise, and abilities, too,
They’re way ahead of what others can do!”
It matters not that his words are untrue
For, you feel “others” must know you too!
So, you’re robbed of your hopes, your dreams to succeed.
Robbed of the material blessing received,
Robbed of your faith that says, “I can,”
And robbed by an ignorant, gunless friend.
So the deadliest of men are not necessarily the one with a gun,
But the one who tells you, ‘It can’t be done!”
For that taken by burglars can be gotten again,
But, what can replace your will to win?
-- Anonymous
(As teachers and administrators we must be “Merchants of Hope” for the students who walk through our doors each day.)
SHOWING RESPECT – 10 WAYS OF GETTING ALONG BETTER WITH YOUR STUDENTS, COLLEAGUES AND FAMILY
A constant theme throughout many of my “Character Education Newsletters” over the past nine years has focused on “Respect and Relationships.” Following is a list of good practices of which we all need to be reminded from time to time.
1. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind word.
2. Guard your tongue. Say less than you think.
3. Keep promises faithfully.
4. Be interested in others, their interests, work and families.
5. Be cheerful.
6. Keep an open mind. Discuss, do not argue. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable.
7. Discourage gossip.
8. Be sensitive to other people’s feelings.
9. Pay no attention to ill-natured or untrue remarks about you. Live so that nobody will believe them.
10. Do not be too anxious about getting credit, just do your best and be patient.
-- Mary Aranha
TIPS ON IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS
A big part of establishing and maintaining relationships is demonstrating respect for others at all times. The following are some specific suggestions that can be taught and discussed with students to help them form and keep good relationships. Discuss one “tip” per day with your class(es). Ask how they feel this can be accomplished. Have them give examples.
1. Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
2. Always try to see the other person’s point of view. Avoid sarcastic remarks.
3. Seek out the good in people.
4. Be a good listener; try not to interrupt.
5. Accept suggestions for improvement.
6. Admit your mistakes.
7. Don’t lose your temper.
8. Speak positively of others or not at all.
9. Be loyal to others.
10. Treat people fairly.
11. Help others.
12. Concentrate on the relationship, not the person’s personality.
13. Ignore the minor irritations.
14. Don’t look for faults or shortcomings in others.
15. Use genuine praise and sincere appreciation.
16. Smile.
17. Create “win-win” relationships.
18. Avoid arguing: nobody wins.
-- Character Connection Newsletter
(Suggestion: Beginning next fall, discuss one “tip” per day with your class(es). Ask how they feel this can be accomplished. Have them give examples.)
In our “Character Education Resource Library” we have the WiseSkills Resources books that are full of great ideas for teachers (K-12). Contact me if you are interested.
WHAT IS CHARACTER?
Character never runs scared. It can handle whatever comes along.
Character never makes excuses. It learns from past mistakes.
Character is about using good manners and showing respect for others.
Character is not about power or position. It is about doing the right thing when the right thing is sometimes hard to do.
Character is real. You can’t fake it.
If you have character, you’ve got it made. If you don’t have character, no matter what else you have, it doesn’t make any difference.
-- Edited words of Ann Landers
“Tell me your friends, and I will tell you your character.” -- Anonymous
FTTLA (Funny Things To Laugh About)
The following was sent to me by Mary Starkey, nurse at LCHS. After many of this past winter’s weather forecasts, I think we can relate to this!
No Forecasts Left Behind
In response to the number of failures of weather forecasts, the federal government is implementing a new program, “No Forecast Left Behind.” This initiative will require all weather forecasters to be accurate 7 out of every 10 forecasts in the 1st year with a future goal of 100% accuracy in 5 years. The government feels that while all variables in forecasting do not remain constant, wind patterns shift as atmospheric conditions change, and temperature variances can alter types of precipitation; however, all outcomes of the forecast should produce the same results.
And, after 3 years, if forecasters show no improvement, they will be put on probation. After 5 yeas, if all forecasts are not perfect, forecasters will be fired; the new forecasters with less knowledge and experience will replace them; the government will take control, and results will again be scrutinized.
Calling the demands of the government idiotic, the forecaster’s organization has issued a statement:
From now on, all forecasts will be predicted after the resulted storm and will now be called a Postcast!
The government is thrilled with this change in weather postdictions and predict their initiative will produce the improved results they demand.
What if the weather forecasters, politicians, lawyers, doctors, plumbers and other professions had an “accountability” similar to No Child Left Behind (ex: As a doctor, “All of my patients will be disease free within three years after I treat them.)?
-- Written by Craig McCoffey, Principal, Franklin Community High School
Continue to “make a difference” (most of you will never know how), in the many ways you do, for your students who are privileged to have and to know you as their teacher, administrator, administrative assistant, instructional assistant, custodian, cafeteria worker, bus driver or other school employee.
What we say and do and how we say and do it can give hope and encouragement to students or it can discourage them or even cause them to lose respect for us.
Next “Character Rocks Newsletter” in October 2008
If you don’t have one, lost yours or gave it to one of your students, you can request a “Character Rock” or a “gold Character pin.” The first 50 responders will receive the one of your choice. (Do not hit reply!) Email me directly with your name, school and preference – “CR” or “CP”. The recipient will receive them through interschool mail.
KEEP A SMILE ON YOUR FACE,
CARING IN YOUR HEART AND
STRENGTH IN YOUR FAITH.