Sunday, February 9, 2014

TOMMIE SAYLOR: Chicken soup remedies for the dog days of the school year



“Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.”  
-- Karl Barth

By Tommie Saylor
Kennedy High School Principal

I have always said that the most difficult time of the school year is February.

Why? Consider the following …
  • It is difficult because the days are short
  • Everything is masked is shades of gloom because the weather is awful
  • The Michigan Merit Examinations are on the horizon
  • Evaluations are in full dose
  • Next year’s schedule is being debated
  • Tempers are short and moods sour
  • We just passed the halfway point in the school year
  • And the end is not yet in sight.  

When you add it all up, it is just hard to remain focused and on task and joyous of spirit. So, what is the solution?  

There is none!  This time of the school year is like suffering through a bad cold.  We may be able to address some of the symptoms, but there is no cure; we must just simply endure.

Consider the following educational “chicken soup” remedies. They are inexpensive:
  • 1 part routine
  • 2 parts adherence to procedures
  • A dash of kindness
  • A healthy dose of planning
  • A casual smile (faking it is OK)
  • Lots of understanding
  • And an abundance of caring

Be not afraid. In just a few short weeks the weather will improve, the sun will return and the gloom will give way to happier times.

Stay the course and remain vigilant. Together we will make it through this time of melancholy, and emerge from the other side stronger and wiser.

Remember, their future is in our hands. Making Kennedy the school of  choice. Excellence by design.

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