March 2022
They say it takes a village to raise a child. I say it takes a Township to educate them all. We educators have been working hard all year to promote respect and positivity in our school but we are up against seemingly insurmountable odds – the Covid 19 pandemic, pressures of social media, and ongoing war/conflict just to name a few. On March 20th I sent a letter to our school community which I’m sharing below. In it I attempted to frankly address some of the fundamental issues we’re dealing with in school. I am now calling on you, the Burt Township School District community, for your support. These kids live amongst you so when you see them out, don’t just ask them how they’re doing, but instead ask them what they’re doing to affect positive change in their school and community. The more we all work together the higher the likelihood we see mutual respect and positivity in action and the better off our community is as a result.
Message to BTSD students, March 20, 2022
“Why do I have to be here to learn this stuff I’ll never use?”
We are all in school so that we can learn. We learn the content that is being taught like the science, math, foreign language, social studies, art, technology, health, etc. but we’re also learning how to learn. This learning how to learn will be for many of you the most critical component of your education. When you learn how to learn, you are capable of learning multiple things in whatever you choose to do with your life.
The back wall of Ms. Paul’s room is too cool.
English is important so you are able to express yourself efficiently and effectively. Social studies is important because you need to understand how society works in order to be able to live a fulfilled life. Science is important because you’ll definitely want to apply scientific concepts to things you encounter. Math is important and will absolutely get you out of tough jams when you are capable of calculating things properly. Foreign language is important because every culture is unique and understanding people through language helps us better make sense of our world. Art is important because it breeds creativity and promotes the individual ways of thinking that make us unique. Technology is important because it’s fun and, though ridiculously addicting, extraordinarily engaging, not to mention an essential component of 21st century society. Health is important because we need to be able to understand how to live long comfortable lives. Your subjects all include important content but it is the process by which you exercise your mind wherein the true value lies.
The ability to fly drones is absolutely a 21st century skill.
It’s honorable to work hard. Don’t put down, build up. Don’t knock down, put up.
Don’t put down, build up. There’s no need to overtly insult someone. Be positive and assume that people are good or at least want to be good. Look for opportunities where you can make someone’s life better. Build people up. We all have at least some power to control the attitude of those around us. We can absolutely make the world a better place if we choose to build each other up.
Proud Polar Bear cheering on the team to victory.
Don’t knock down, put up. Don’t let your initial reaction or impression of something allow that to determine your future. Take multiple perspectives into consideration. Closing yourself off from opportunities restricts you considerably in life. The more you fight change, the harder it will be for you to find personal happiness. Certainly find your voice, but when it’s time to work, there’s no substitute for hard work.
