Month: July 2016

I guess that’s it! Summer is over!  Tomorrow we report back to school.  We officially start preparing for the new school year.  I remember, way back in the twentieth century, summer lasted a good three months.  Out as Memorial Day weekend started, back in the Tuesday after Labor Day! The two holidays were summer’s bookends. By the end of the century, however, that summer break had been cut by at least thirty days.  More in some cases.

There are all kinds of reasons for the dwindling summer.  Data showing students would retain more if they had a shorter break.  Parents weary of having kids home, needing to find an alternate “baby-sitter.”  Facing economic hardship, families eliminated expenses by cutting back on summer camps and trips to amusement parks.  No trips, no need to stay home, might as well be in school.  But, I think there is another reason!

When I joined the profession, the oft repeated refrain were the three reasons for teaching, “June, July, and August.” The summer was a time to read, relax, refresh, and recreate. Time for teachers to rebuild relationships with family and loved ones and friends outside of school. (There is a life outside of school.)  The three months were a built in sabbatical.  In truth, summer had nothing to do with teacher’s mental health.  More importantly, it was time to get the kids back on the farm.

However, agricultural technology changed everything. Companies like Deere, Case IH, and Caterpillar made improvements in farm equipment.  More efficient machinery incorporating new technology.  No need for school-aged kids to work the farms.  No need to keep schools closed.  Teachers, back to work!  John Deere, I blame you for the short summer!

Regardless, the Chew’s short summer was packed full.  We made time to “recharge the batteries.”  Here are a few highlights from the past few weeks!

 

 

 

 

Can’t wait to meet the new students.  Fall break can’t be far behind, can it?

Dear Seniors-

The summer of 2016 has been a tough summer.  We have lived through excessive heat, flooding, fire, and more heat.  As you’ve looked forward to the last year of high school you have encountered stories of domestic terrorism, serial killers, bad cops, ambushed police officers, and protests with good intentions gone awry.

This summer Cleveland and Philadelphia host the Republican and Democrat National nominating conventions.  There is no telling how people will react to each party’s presidential nominee.  There will be an election in November and a new president will take office in January.  Will our 45th President bring more division than cohesion to our nation?

 

 

 

 

I wouldn’t blame you for wondering, “What is up with the real world?”  Truth is, as a long time resident of the real world, I am more than a little concerned, too.  So, here are a few things I recommend keeping in mind as we move forward:

First, “keep the faith.”  Somehow, a strong positive leader has come to the forefront when our nation was most in need of CPR.  George Washington stepped up to help manage the creation of the Constitution after retiring to Mount Vernon following the War for Independence.  An untested Abraham Lincoln was there when the wedge was driven deeply into the heart of our union.  Franklin D. Roosevelt kept America from drowning under the floodwaters of the Great Depression.  Ronald Reagan helped pull America back together following Watergate, the Iranian Hostage Crisis, the decades long Cold War, and stagflation.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  Other than Washington, these presidents all had haters.  But, if the USA’s vital signs become critical, I have faith the right person will be there to lead the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second, “stay curious.”  Many of you are wondering how you may fit in.  That is one of the cool things about being young.  Be open to new ideas and new fields of study and new people that come into your lives.  Don’t think you aren’t capable or that you don’t matter.  You are and you do!  Discover your comparative advantage.  Keep your eyes open and your heads up and you will blaze a path that leads to happiness and fulfillment.  Cold hard cash and fame aren’t everything, just ask your first hour teacher next month.

Third, remember “love,” “hope,” and “dignity.”  I believe these are keys to unlocking the door on a world less harsh and more livable.  Opening our hearts to one another leads to greater self-esteem, more loving relationships, and a more positive view of the challenges we will encounter.  If we respect one another’s dignity, if we hold hands and walk side-by-side, if we strive to support one another despite our differences, the world you graduate into will continue to be a better place.

Graduates of 2017 please, be your best you and don’t leave it up to others to make the difference.