This past month I had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. as part of a grant writing project for a Drug Free grant. While meeting to discuss the Drug Free grant was interesting and enlightening, the true excitement for me came when my wife and I booked a night tour of Washington D.C.  The history/government teacher in me appreciates the history our country has to offer. The next day my wife and I went to the National Archives and Smithsonian of Natural History and American History.  I have been to Washington D.C. before, but I had never been to the monuments at night or to the National Archives.

Stamped throughout many of the monuments and sites are quotes about the people to whom the memorials were dedicated.  We were able to go to my two favorite memorials:  The Jefferson Memorial and Lincoln Memorial.  While it is debatable, I think that these were two of the most influential people in American history.  Other sites we were able to visit were the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Capital, The White House, Iwo Jima, Air Force Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

The underlying theme at many of these sites was simple.  They were men and women of character who were courageous and diligent in their drive to do what was right for a particular cause – to better our country.  In every difficult situation they saw an opportunity.  They saw the need to take action and to take a stand against those who were oppressing them.  They had the foresight to know what the right thing to do was and they took action.  Many of these influential people had the option to turn the tables in the name of what was right and what was fair.  Now, centuries later we are still able to view these magnificent documents and lives based upon the framework these leaders created and changed.

As I relate this to school, each and every day presents an opportunity to make a decision or choice that can positively affect others.  Our fore fathers realized that the best indicator of future results is past performance.  I once had a college professor that said, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get the same results.”  Therefore, everyone has the opportunity each day to get better or stay complacent and keep the status quo.  Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others could have chosen to take no action and to let the chips fall where they may in their plight.  Instead, they prepared, anticipated and did not back down.  They were okay with the heavy lifting and understood the mental toughness and resolve it would take to begin a nation, unite a nation, and change a nation.  Above all, they dealt with the ills that were present and chose to take action.        

When there is a void in communication, negativity will fill it…

Our school recently began the process of exploring the 40 Developmental Assets and how they pertain to us as adults impacting students at school.  One of the first discussions we had as a staff was exploring what the staff did well (strengths) and what we needed to work on (weaknesses).  Part of the process of implementing the Assets is to know who you are as a person.  Our staff shared many different things that we are doing well and shared areas that we need to improve.  One of the main concerns of our staff was communication.  Being the reflective person that I am, I have sought out how to remedy this situation knowing that communication is a two way street.

The first thing I did was compile a list of the different types of communication throughout the years.  And by throughout, I mean ancient to present.

This list is not all encompassing.  For me it was a reminder about how communication has changed the way we interact.  Communication sometimes had to be deciphered and other times took days to reach its recipient.  I would say that there probably is some theory that says with the advancement in technology that communication improved.  But did it really?  Communication might have become more efficient, but did it improve? After all, at each end of the communication line there are humans operating the flow of information.

Despite all the advances in communication the world still has many problems directed associated with lack of communication.  Can the same thing be said about schools?  In an age where communication is paramount, it befuddles me as to how things are not communicated, or better yet, are not heard by others.

Growing up in a small community in rural Nebraska there seems to be less negative stories because people communicate in a positive manner.  People take pride in their community and school.  People want to hear about how well the Play Production team did at state or how the football team played Friday night.  They do not want to get Facebook updates about student discipline.

My challenge to you is, “are you communicating with your kids the only way THEY know how, or the only way YOU know how?”  Face to face communication hasn’t gone by the wayside…yet.

The Reverend Bob Richards, Olympic Gold Medalist pole-vaulter once said, “Everyday ordinary people do extraordinary things.”

I recently re-watched an ESPN film entitled, “Survive and Advance.”  The film was roughly two hours and it followed the 1983 North Carolina State men’s basketball team on their journey to winning an NCAA championship under then coach Jim Valvano.  Coach Valvano described listening to the Reverend Bob Richards when he was 16 and feeling let down that Mr. Richards told all the students he was speaking to that they were ordinary.  After saying this, Mr. Richards then said, “everyday, ordinary people do extraordinary things.”  Coach Valvano remembered this as he became a coach and reminded his players they could do extraordinary things as long as they stayed together as a team and believed in their dreams.

Before I became an administrator I was a History teacher.  Over the course of the school year I would discuss various figures of history with my classes.  Students would study famous Greeks and Romans and explore their early childhood and how they rose to where they did.  Some figures in history were privileged while many came from poor families.  My question to my class was always, “What made those people different from everyone else in their town?”  Sometimes students would answer Socrates was a mentor to Plato and Plato to Aristotle and Aristotle to Alexander the Great.  I would then ask, “Are any of them ordinary?”  Responses almost always included that while they may have been ordinary, they possessed the wherewithal and fortitude to learn from each other.  Students would often point out many individuals had a mentor or a leader that helped them succeed at what they were setting out to accomplish.

As the years go by I always think about what people have had an impact in my life and how many of them deserve credit for where I have been and what I have accomplished.  For those of us that are ordinary, and there are a few of us, make sure to take time out of your day to thank those people who have had a positive impact in your life.  It is my hope that our teachers and staff are challenging our students to not only be extraordinary in the classroom, but in all aspects of their life.

Picture is credited to the following webpage:  http://www.quota.org/we-share-foundation/cops-n-kids-literacy-program/how-quota-supports-cops-n-kids.

I’ve always been suspicious of these people that say, we shot this picture in such a short time because we planned it completely and we rehearsed it for five weeks and we knew exactly what we were doing, and we came in and everyone knew what they were doing, so we breezed through this picture and it was no problem, and it’s so simple.  It’s not that simple (emphasis added).  John Ford always said that the best things that have ever happened in film, in American film, have happened by accident.  He’s rather an outspoken fellow. I’m sort of inclined to agree with him.

– Jimmy Stewart

Side Note:  The Western Channel is on a continuous loop at my parents house.  John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart are what I grew up watching.

What Jimmy Stewart said about film can be applied to all aspects life.  For example, some would argue that we are teaching kids to become robots in regards to testing (NeSA, ACT, MAPs) at school.  What people fail to see is that learning to adapt and be spontaneous are two traits that bode well in all areas of one’s life.  I may sound like Bo Pelini when I say that much can be learned from “the process.”

When students graduate and begin life in “the real world,” they will be met with deadlines and grumpy bosses and/or coworkers.  Students and athletes in particular have been taught to prepare for all that life presents.  What students need to understand is that they must be adaptable to the circumstances.  Sometimes the best-laid plans get scrapped and new ones need to be made. When working with my dad, we always seem to discuss “Murphy’s Law,” at least once a day.

As an adult you are probably reading this and wondering how it pertains to you.  I ask, “do people oftentimes see you as inflexible or not willing to change?”  Sometimes the older we get the more set in our ways we become.  Actually, that is exactly how it is…for most of you.  You don’t want to change because you have been there before and have went through the pain and experience to get to where you are today.

This time of year Thanksgiving and Christmas bring many family traditions to the forefront of many relationships.  During the holiday season everyone wants time with their kids, grandkids, and significant others.  Many traditions that people have when they are younger change when they have their own kids.  It is not that we want them to change, it is just part of the process of getting older.  It is sometimes difficult for everyone to be flexible and cognizant of the fact that new families and kids start new traditions.  Sometimes in the haste of getting things in order for the holidays we forget about the kids.  During this holiday season I challenge you to be adaptable and spontaneous.  Remember, the discovery of penicillin was not planned, it just happened.  Who would have thought pizza would be such a great alternative to the turkey?  I bet the kids will remember it and think, “remember that time we ate pizza at Christmas?  It was so cool that mom and dad asked us what we wanted!”  You will remember those memories much like when you saw Pelini bring a cat onto the field.  Long live @fauxpelini!

Over the course of the next month one of the many debates we all will have centers on the current state of Nebraska football.  After the Minnesota game last week a few of my friends and I had a “friendly” discussion as to what type of coach Nebraska should hire if Shawn Eichorst decides to fire Bo Pelini.  And then the Iowa game happened.

Side Note:  One of my favorite movies is Dumb and Dumber.  In it there is a line where Harry says, “just when I thought you couldn’t possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this…and totally redeem yourself!  This was the tale of the first three quarters compared to the last quarter for me.

Before you get all worked up about what should be done, heed the warning that this article is not about who the next coach SHOULD be.  This article is about something different…I think.

While I don’t envy Shawn Eichorst’s dilemma, I feel like Nebraskan’s have supported their university enough they feel like they are a part of its brand and should have a say in the next hire.  Heck, sometimes I hear people, myself included, talk about the former coach and athletic director, Dr. Tom like we have coffee every morning with him at Superior-Deshler in Davenport or at Betty’s in Bruning or at ________(insert your hometown cafe here).  Regardless, Nebraska is a brand name that most, if not all, recognize to be an honorable institution.  This can be debated as well based on our past reputation.  If we were not an honorable institution, then why would the Big Ten want us, right?  Is it all about Academics???

Back to the discussion.  What type of coach should Nebraska hire if Bo gets fired?  Should the coach be able to recruit ethically unlike other teams?  Should the coach have ties to HS programs in Texas?  Florida? Should the coach recruit players that will graduate or go to class (the next starting QB for Ohio State next weekend – http://goo.gl/Lp78EG)?  These questions, while valid, all tie into the brand that Nebraska is trying to maintain or accomplish.  The problem is, Shawn Eichorst gets the say if nine wins a year and running a tight ship is what he wants Nebraska Football to be all about.

Which gets us to our discussion.  Brands can be good or bad.  Apple vs. Microsoft, Nike vs. Adidas, Dodge vs. Ford.  In my current role as building principal, I have been fortunate enough to learn about the brand that Bruning-Davenport has.  We are the Storm.  Many years have been spent debating school mascots, where games will be played, what is the best class schedule, etc.  As time has evolved, Bruning-Davenport has evolved into the BDS Eagles for athletic competitions.  We are, however, the Bruning-Davenport Storm in Drama, Speech, and the Fine Arts.

At Bruning-Davenport, much like at Nebraska, we must ask the following questions:  Are we offering students a quality education?  Are we providing staff with opportunities to grow as teachers?  Do we allow and encourage students to be involved in all aspects of school such as the fine arts and sports?   From my perspective, we are providing our students with a quality education and providing our staff with opportunities to grow as teachers.  The students’ of Bruning-Davenport schools represent their patrons and school beyond athletics, and because of this, they should be proud.

As time passes leadership changes (principals/ADs), students graduate, and teachers/coaches retire/get fired.  The brand of your school evolves as well.  Bruning-Davenport will continue to offer our students a quality education by allowing our staff to grow as teachers and encourage our students to be involved in the brand that has become known as the “Storm.”  If, for some reason Shawn Eichorst decides to go in a different direction, then the brand of the Nebraska Huskers will evolve with his vision and leadership as well…for better…or worse…

Often times throughout the day I hear teachers saying phrases to students such as: “try your best; I know if you put your mind to it you will succeed; and take your time.”  As adults, we don’t have anyone reminding us of those things.  Your words and actions define who you are.  As you go through your day, be the best you.  As you reflect on your past, think about how you would describe yourself?

Reflecting upon my childhood, I always wanted to be the wallflower in conversations and oftentimes felt like I was privileged when I heard something that I was not supposed to. Through guidance from my parents and grandparents, I was taught to be respectful of other people and to not spread rumors.  The power of listening is very valuable.  By meddling in places I was not wanted often got me in trouble with my parents and sister.  Adults sometimes meddle when accountability and being respectful is probably the route to go. The same can be said about gossip.  Oftentimes, the person listening to conversations and then spreading gossip damages not only the person they are presumably trying to support, but themselves as well.

As adults, we need to remember to be kind and respectful.  Far too often adults connive, complain and add to the dysfunction of their workplace and homes.  In essence, adults sometimes behave like grown children.  I am sure you have all heard that at one time or another.  Adults sometimes see the need to complain and make excuses when being kind and respectful to someone oftentimes makes all the difference.  Investing in others will always pay out with a better return.

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons upon us, I challenge each and every one of you to be who you are and to be role models for younger generations.  You may be surprised to find that you have a knack for solving problems.  You may find that you are great at investing in students.  Or, you may find that you are more productive when you give back to your community and family.

The past month I have read a lot about Ameer Abdullah and something this young man said struck a chord with me.  Ameer Abdullah said, “Be who you are all the time.”  What a great life lesson.  When my wife taught she had three rules for her classroom.  Be Kind.  Be Safe.  Be Respectful.  This is who she is as a person.  She is kind, she provides a safe home for our kids, and she is respectful of her peers and elders.  Ameer was very philosophical when he said that basically many people act and don’t act like who they really are.  I challenge you to all be who you are all the time, and in doing so – be the best you!

If one were to ask their spouse, boss, or neighbor who influenced them the most in their life, they would probably get a heartfelt honest answer back.  Some may answer that someone said something negative and that person motivated them their entire life (see Michael Jordan’s Junior Varsity Coach), while others will say that the person that influenced them the most was their mother, father, grandparent, coach, or teacher.  Whether we like it or not, we (adults) have an influence on younger generations today.

If I were to ask you, personally, while you are sitting in your recliner, who influenced you the most, you would be able to tell me without thinking twice.  The values and lessons learned many years ago still hold strong today.  Your Boy Scout leader may have taught you how to make a fire, your father may have taught you how to irrigate, your mother may have taught you patience and planning, your Pastor may have taught you forgiveness.  Whether you know it or not, many people have molded you to who you are today.  This past year our staff has went to training on the 40 Developmental Assets and how they affect the youth of today.

The following is an excerpt from www.parentfurther.com that explains the 40 Developmental Assets and why they are needed today in schools and our communities.  Some of these assets are natural and easy, while others are hard and demand attention.

What are Developmental Assets?

When you think about the word “assets,” what comes to mind? For many people, their first thought is financial resources, the kind of “assets” the bank looks at when you apply for a loan. In our context here, assets means valuable resources of another kind.

The researchers at Search Institute, a nonprofit organization in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have named the valuable resources that young people need “Developmental Assets.” These assets are 40 values, experiences, relationships, and qualities that bring many benefits to the young people who have them.

Why do Assets Matter?

Studies have shown that when young people have more of those 40 assets, they are more likely to be leaders, to be careful of their health, and to do well in school. And when young people have more of those 40 assets, they are also less likely to use drugs, become involved in violence, or participate in underage drinking. In short, the more of the assets a young person has, the more likely he or she is to succeed in many aspects of life.

(The following information is based on surveys of almost 150,000 6th- to 12th-grade youth in 202 communities across the United States in calendar year 2003.¹)

One analogy that is often used for the Developmental Assets is that they are like the building blocks of healthy youth development. Just as you need quite a few blocks stacked up to build a solid tower, you need quite a few of the assets to “build” a healthy, sturdy, stable young person. To carry the analogy further, when adults intentionally help young people gain more of the assets, we call that “asset building.”

The Developmental Assets form the basis for all of ParentFurther.com, the only parenting site founded on assets. By building assets with and for your children, you can ensure that they will have the skills, tools, and experiences they need to grow into successful adults who make good decisions for themselves and positively influence those around them. Assets have power for all young people, regardless of gender, economic status, and race or ethnicity.

—————

1. Developmental Assets: A Profile of Your Youth (Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute, 2005), 2003 weighted aggregate dataset, unpublished report.

The late Dr. Steven Covey was instrumental in explaining what he called the 90/10 principle.  Covey explained that you have no control of 10% of everything that happens to you in your life.  Covey explains that 90% of your life is determined by how you react to the 10% you cannot control.  This seems logical and easy to explain.  I challenge you to try and reflect sometime how you react to the 10% that is happening in your life.  You might be amazed at how calm or lack thereof you are in certain circumstances.

Over the course of my life I have heard about people asking others if their glass is half full or half empty.  My question is, “shouldn’t we all be thankful we have a glass?”  Further, I have read other books about personalities and if you are a person who gives energy to people or if you are a person who takes energy from other people.  Hence the terms “Energy Giver and Energy Taker.”

More recently, I had the opportunity and honor to listen to Kevin Kush of Boys Town speak with our faculty.  Mr. Kush spoke to our teachers and staff about their importance in being a piece of the puzzle in the lives of our students.  Mr. Kush wrote a book called, A Piece of the Puzzle:  Eight Traits of a Quality Teammate.  In the book Mr. Kush hit on many points that parents, teachers and children can all learn from.  Mr. Kush spoke about eight points and many subpoints.  They are as follows:

1. Believe in the Team Concept
   1. Nothing was Ever Accomplished Alone
   2. There is Power in Numbers
   3. Have a Firefighter Efficiency to Doing Things

2. Exhibit Selfless Behavior
   1. Do the Grunt Work
   2. It’s Not About You
   3. Don’t Worry Who Gets Credit

3. Respect Everyone
   1. Everyone Affects Team Morale
   2. You Fight Harder for a Friend
   3. Develop Unity

4. Handle Adversity
   1. What an Opportunity!
   2. Control What You Can Control
   3. Get Back to Basics

5. Adapt to Change
   1. Leaders Must Manage Change
   2. Team Members Must Embrace Change

6. Accept Feedback
   1. Feedback Is Your Friend
   2. Say “Okay” and Implement Feedback
   3. Have Rhino Skin

7. Demonstrate High Efficiency
   1. Have Labrador Enthusiasm
   2. Avoid Moodiness
   3. Fake It

8. Be Accountable
   1. Do Your Job
   2. Don’t Make Excuses
   3. Don’t Blame Others

Many times in life one is at a crossroads either in their job or personal life.  Students can be at a crossroads in regards to school, sports and relationships with others.  It is difficult sometimes to reflect on our reactions to circumstances surrounding our lives.  After listening to Mr. Kush I reflected about this past school year and evaluated how I could become a better father, husband and leader.  Sometimes it is difficult to know that our reactions have a ripple effect to those around us.  Mr. Kush said it best when he said,  “never underestimate the impact you have on others.”

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. – Oscar Wilde

The definition of technology is the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area.  Because I was a teacher many years ago I sometimes related technology to history.

Water.  Rome.  Aqueducts.

At its core aqueducts were a feat in engineering.  Technology at its beginning (minus the pyramids and a few other useful items like bronze and writing).

When Rome was at its height there was a great need for water that was not contaminated.  The Tiber River provided Rome with water that was filthy, contaminated, and not suitable for a growing population.  Rome knew that in order to survive, it needed to have an adequate water source and supply.  Over the course of the next century Rome set out to find ways to bring water to the city.  Rome had a series of natural springs outsides its hills and eventually began to find ways to bring that water to the city.  Rome decided to build a water supply route near their famous road, The Appian Way.  Rome first began to build these aqueducts out of stone, brick, and ceramic.  As Rome grew, so did the repairs on the aqueducts.  As a result, Rome used lead and ceramic pipes.  Rome built underwater canals and found ways to keep their water supply from contamination.  In essence, Rome was applying a practical application of their knowledge.  What does this have to do with today you might ask?

I think of indoor plumbing in the United States and think about how many advances have been made.  From cast iron to steel to copper to plastic, the technology is always improving.  Oftentimes, I only think of the word technology as some term associated with my computer or cell phone.  When in reality, technology can apply to fabricating a new launching mechanism on a science project, to finding a new way to fire pottery, to finding a new way to create food.

We have the capability to push ourselves to make advances and look in depth at issues that are of interest.  As I think about the coming year, I often wonder how staff and students are going to apply the practical knowledge they are learning.  Some teachers will let students explore via the Internet while others encourage students to explore via a newspaper and a pencil and paper.  Both equally valuable skills to learn.

Too often in education we take a “one size fits all” approach.  This can relate to curriculum, health and fitness, and a myriad of other possibilities.  I remember in math classes when I was younger and the teacher would say, “you may find another way to come up with the same answer.”  Whoa!  Check please.  Are you saying that I don’t have to necessarily complete the task exactly as described?  I can be an individual?

So as the years go by and advances are made in the word, just remember that there are more ways that one to get to your end goal.

Remember, “be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” -Oscar Wilde