National SAM Innovation Project Conference 2016

"Mindfulness" was the theme weaving it's way through the conference this year.  The idea of focusing whole heartedly on the task at hand.  The philosophy promotes the concept presence, to be in sync with the moment in order to enhance performance.  The meditative exercises, inter active workshops and valid discussions certainly created motivation and purpose for the work we do as educators striving to improve instruction and enhance student achievement.

Arizona was a perfect venue to "sharpen the saw."  Surrounded by mountians and desert the conference provided nourishment for the mind and body.

Wow! Thank you LinkedIn!

This acknowledgement was sent to me for my publication contribution, "Effective Classrooms" to LinkedIn, on October 9. 2014. Thank you Daniel Roth, Executive Editor at LinkedIn!

Thank you! Because of your contributions, we've reached 1 million posters on LinkedIn. To celebrate this milestone, we're tipping our hats to members like you and their successes. Read more

My Job Giving Me Life!

2015 National Conference : National SAM Innovation Project

Blogging!

The other day I heard the most perfect definition for "blog" while watching the movie Julie & Julia. The character playing Julie is trying to explain to her mother the fact that she is now a blogger. She says, "Blogging is a regiment like exercising, writing one day at a time."

I'm still trying to find a way to perfect both of these activities.  Maybe I can roll of the chair from blogging to on the floor exercising. I may be on to something!  Wish me luck.

   

How has the Shutdown Affected Your State?

This is an interesting piece of information relating to the effects of the "Government Shutdown" and it's impact on New York's economy.  Yikes!  How has it affected your state?

Bomb Scare

On Thursday, April 5, 2012, I was caught in a "bomb scare" directed toward a public school. I truly understand the intensity of such matters and applaud the administrators who on a daily basis must make judgement calls of monumental levels of importance.  The reactions today are much more intense then Pre 911.  Post 911 has elevated our reactions to threats and enhanced our security level.

The days' event made me ponder and my concerns are two fold:
 

     1.  As Americas we need to raise our consciousness to a level of respect for the people who put their lives on the line everyday protecting our children.

     

     2.   The callousness by which someone can call in a life threatening scare without concern for the safety of others is intolerable.

When the police, bomb sniffing dogs, firemen, transportation,and central office departments cleared the premises all was good and safe.  At the end of the day all 600 students and 50 plus employees were sent home unscathed and safe from an horrendous event which in one sick mind could have been made unbearable.  To the administrator and teachers of that school I say, "Thank you!"

Have you thanked your child's principal and teacher today?

Character Education

RESPECT

Lately, I have been thinking a lot  about "Respect" and what this word means in our society.  In the schools it is taught as a character trait having to do with one's self worth as a contributor to the community. A constant evaluation of self is essential to the growth process no matter your age or status.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The life of a man is a self-evolving circle, which from a ring imperceptibly small, rushes on all sides outwards to new and larger circles, and that without end."

Ernest Boyer, the guru of "Character Education" defines respect as the following:  "Each person responds sensitively to the ideas and needs of others without dismissing or degrading them.  Differences among people are celebrated and all members of the community are able to accept both praise and criticism from others.  While affirming individual freedom, the rights of the group are also fully honored. "

The one thing I know for sure is that it starts with "self!"

    Rational

    Evolving

      Synergism

    Peaceful
Equal

 Caring

   Tenacity

December 8, 2011