Remembering 2010...

Looking back on the last 365 days, I have learned so much from so many people. Some of these people are my family, most are my friends and colleagues, but some of my most memorable moments come from the students. So, before 2011 comes I want to just say some things; some of these things are directed at myself and some are directed at others.

Take 'em or leave 'em but hopefully think about them...

(1) You can't have everything in life. No ones life is perfect and that is alright. I want you to realize that it is okay to lead an imperfect life...just keep trying to make it perfect for you because after all, it's your life.

(2) We are all pretty darn lucky. Yes, shit happens and each of us undergo tough times but at the end of the day, we have a place to call home, food on the table, friends and family that tell us they love us and are healthy enough to live another day. All of that equates to being lucky.

(3) Laughs are important. Have fun in 2011-go out when someone asks you, volunteer more, call your friends and family more, remember the good times, work is not everything and it will be there the next day, continue to be a better person each and everyday.

(4) Find love in everything you do. You have found love in your job-continue to nurture and dedicate yourself. Find love in others-in different people, in different environments, and in different places. Love needs to be in every area of your life.

(5) Mistakes are okay. Just own up to them and be honest. Learn from them and then move on.

(6) Practice good communication each and everyday. This is crucial to forming and sustaining good relationships. Share not only with your family but with close friends. People want to know, they really do.

(7) Celebrate. Celebrate the little victories and the big victories. Enjoy yourself and reward yourself.

(8) Don't forget where you came from.

(9) Explore. Whether that means in the town you live, the county, the state, the country or the world---keep exploring.

(10) Love yourself. No matter what, love yourself.

Community Principles

There is an organization called To Write Love on her Arms that is dedicated to depression, anxiety, self-infliction and ultimately suicide. These are all things that my students and their families encounter on a daily basis. This organization has a set of community principles that I shared with my students as I think they apply no matter the situation.

I hope to come back to these week after week in hopes of continuing to transform the classroom to a community full of love and support for one another.

• Community is essential, people need other people, we were never meant to do life alone
• You were created to love and be loved. You were meant to live life in relationship with other people, to know and be known. You need to know that your story is important and that you’re part of a bigger story. You need to know that your life matters.
• Community and hope would replace secrets and silence
• The vision is people becoming incredible parents, people breaking cycles, making change.
• The vision is hope, and hope is real.

Dream Big

“Dream Big”

If there were ever a time to dare,

To make a difference

To embark on something worth doing

It is now.

Not for any grand cause, necessarily –

But for something that tugs at your heart

Something that is worth your aspiration

Something that is your dream.

You owe it to yourself

To make your days count.

Have fun. Dig deep. Stretch.

Dream big.

Know, though,

That things worth doing

Seldom come easy,

There will be times when you want to

Turn around

Pack it up and call it quits

Those times tell you

That you are pushing yourself

And that you are not afraid to learn by trying.

Persist.

Because with an idea,

Determination and the right tools,

You can do great things.

Let your instincts, your intellect

And let your heart guide you.

Trust.

Believe in the incredible power

Of the human mind

Of doing something that makes a difference

Of working hard

Of laughing and hoping

Of lasting friends

Of all the things that will cross your path

Next year

The start of something new

Brings the hope of something great.

Anything is possible

There is only one you

And you will pass this way but once.

Do it right

To remember...

Amount the state of California spent last year on each minor in its juvenile-detention system: $224,712

Amount spent on each student in the Oakland public school system: $4,945

(January issue of Harper's Index)

Words to remember...

You are a great teacher, a true advocate for students. The proof is in maurtrell killing the chem quiz. The proof is in your classroom being a safe space for students during lunch time. The proof is in the difficult conversations that you engage in with people who don't treat students with an IEP as they deserve to be treated. You do great work everyday. Keep you head up and carry on. With love and respect....

Necessity of Teamwork

Excerpt from Pulling Together by John Murphy:

As geese flap their wings, they create an uplift for the bird following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if any bird were to fly alone.

If we share a common direction and a sense of community, we can get where we are going more quickly and easily because we are traveling on the thrust of one another! Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.

If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go, and we will be willing to accept their help as well as give ours to others.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the point position.

If we take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership as with the geese, we become interdependent with one another.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. If we “honk,” we need to make sure it is positive and encouraging.

When a goose gets sick or wounded or is shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies. They then launch out on their own, with another formation or catch up with the flock.

If we have as much sense as geese, we too will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong. Let us all try to fly in formation and remember to drop back to help those who might need it!

I can honestly admit that there are a lot of times I feel alone in my teaching, with my students. I am constantly told to not bear the brunt of responsibility for the students I teach especially the African-American boys who are not on track to graduate yet alone make progress in school. This passage is a great reminder that it does take teamwork especially in the community I work in, to make progress with these young men. I need others to help me in this good fight because I can't do it alone.

It's all about Learning...

I had a really good day at school today. The students were willing to work hard, engage in the material and I had well prepared, engaging lessons. I love that I can connect with my students so much easier than last year-we can have fun, but also get stuff done.

But, during History today I reminded myself of the dire reality-these students CANNOT afford to lose a day of their education. They MUST take advantage of every moment in school and every moment out of school in order to even attempt to catch up on their reading and math levels.

I want to teach them how to read. It is all about their learning...and once they see progress, they will engage in the process EVEN more....

I have to learn to teach reading-it is necessary. I see hope in my students as do others around the school and we have to be able to provide the resources and instruction to raise their reading level.

Time to get busy. Time to work hard. Time to inspire change.