Sunday, May 31, 2015
We Made It!
Wow! What a great year we've had. Thank you for loaning us your student. As summer approaches, encourage your kids to continue reading and working on math. Help them to keep their skills sharp. If you get the opportunity this summer, visit a college or two. Check out careers and what skills are needed to be successful in that field. Most of all catch your breath and find time to relax. Next school year will be here sooner than we think.
Monday, May 25, 2015
May We Never Forget and May We Always Teach Our Children
May We Never Forget and May We Always Teach Our Children
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Graduation on the Horizon
In just a few short weeks, 3 to be exact, we will gather to honor our students who have completed 12 years of school. It is such an exciting time in their lives! High school begins with us at the 9th Grade. I love watching these young adults mature and grow. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be sharing motivational graduation speeches. When you're in the ceremony, you have so many emotions and feelings, it's hard to remember what the speaker shared. Hopefully, the class of 2015 will be able to replay the words of wisdom which will be delivered. Until then.... enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtz7sVBH2uI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtz7sVBH2uI
Deaf Valedictorian Delivers Inspirational Speech
“Who could ever have imagined someone like me would make it this far?” asked Evan Mercer last week during his high school graduation speech as class valedictorian.
Mercer offered classic advice to his fellow classmates to never give up -- except the words meant much more coming from him. That's because Mercer is deaf, and he told the story of the serious setbacks he faced to graduate first in his class at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Mercer didn’t start to speak until he was 5, according to his mother, Pam Mercer. Despite her son being at a disadvantage, though, she was determined to not treat him any differently.
“I’ve expected him to do everything every other kid does, and I saw no reason why he couldn’t,” she told ABC News. “And if he struggled the first time, we just tried again.”
Mercer, 18, worked hard throughout school, receiving no special treatment other than sitting at the front of the class and using a special audio system so he could hear the teacher.
All his hard work paid off: He received full tuition to Vanderbilt University.
“Deafness had taught me a lesson to never give up,” he said in the speech. “Not when the experts tell you it cannot be done. Not when you have fallen so far behind that quitting seems the only way out. Not when achieving your dreams seems an absolute impossibility.”
Mercer spoke for about four minutes, after which he received a standing ovation from the class and supportive messages from family, friends and strangers.
“They’ve been sending me messages on Facebook, email, they’ve been talking to me in person telling me how it had an impact on their lives and how they’re really inspired by it,” Mercer told ABC News. “It feels amazing. Seeing that my words actually have an impact on someone and that they want to do more stuff because of my words makes me feel wonderful.”
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Education Commissioner Dr. Holiday
The following is from Dr. Holiday:
http://kyedcommissioner.blogspot.com/
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015
http://kyedcommissioner.blogspot.com/
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015
The truth about teaching
Teacher Appreciation Week is drawing to a close. But I didn’t want it to pass without a nod to our state’s great educators. In my travels around the country, I often brag on our teachers. They are the ones on the front lines of learning day in and day out and are primarily responsible for the progress we have seen in recent years.
Coach John Wooden once said that the teaching profession contributes more to the future of our society than any other single profession. I agree. Regular readers of my blog know that I often cite the importance that other countries place on the teaching profession. We should follow their lead. As businessman Lee Iacocca once noted, in a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else.
Most of us think we know what it means to teach, and by extension, to be a teacher.
But, the truth is, most people don't really know much about teaching. Their memories and perceptions come from being students — not teachers who spent hours, days and months preparing for them to arrive in their classrooms.
Most people have no knowledge of hours-long curriculum planning meetings, weekends spent correcting students' work or the time spent on professional learning seeking out new teaching strategies to help students master critical concepts.
Most people have never managed a classroom of 25 or more students, some of whom come to school angry or neglected, leery that another adult will let them down, but at the same time craving someone who will listen to them, see them, believe in them and help them.
Most people don't know what it is like to stress over learning new, more in-depth standards, master yet another new technology, or feel like a failure when all their hard work results in barely a percentage blip on state assessments.
In the public eye, teachers often swing between being revered and reviled. They are either members of the noblest profession or they are viewed as incompetent and ineffective.
These are simplistic, one-dimensional characterizations. Neither offers a true portrait of what it means to teach. In fact, the two extremes allow the realities of those who teach our children to be glossed over, unsaid and unshared.
Our preconceived notions and assumptions stop us from really knowing the first-year high school special education teacher who deals with students who cannot control their emotions and act out by swearing, throwing things, and sometimes physically harming themselves.
We don't get to meet the teachers who keep snacks in their desks so students don't go hungry, who buy winter coats, hats and mittens for children who come to school cold, or who purchase new shoes for those who can't afford them. Then there are the teachers who often work summers to raise money to help send students on field trips and to sporting events — experiences these students wouldn't otherwise have, if not for the teacher's selfless acts.
We seldom hear about teachers who help students afford the medications they need or who, often anonymously, pay to have heat, electricity or water turned back on for struggling families so their students will have the basics at home.
We miss out on learning about the teacher who regularly helps students' families read their mail because they cannot read well enough to understand it.
Or the teacher who logs 50 hours in one nine-week period volunteering time after school so that students can have the experience of being part of a drama production.
Yet, all of these teachers are real — dedicated, compassionate professionals who want the best for their students.
Few, however, take the time to learn what teachers really do and what is happening in their classrooms. Teachers ignite the spark of learning in children. They inspire, encourage and support our children. Great teachers don’t see students for what they can’t do, but help them discover what they can do.
If all the current critics of public education spent just one day with a teacher in a classroom, they would learn the truth about our public education system, the progress our students are making and the dedication and professionalism of our teachers.
Too often we think we know what teachers do and what they need to do better. But we don't really know unless we listen to those who know — those who teach.
Teachers educate our children, but they also have much to teach all of us about what is happening in our schools. Let's take the time to not only thank them, but also talk with them and to listen to what they have to say.
Coach John Wooden once said that the teaching profession contributes more to the future of our society than any other single profession. I agree. Regular readers of my blog know that I often cite the importance that other countries place on the teaching profession. We should follow their lead. As businessman Lee Iacocca once noted, in a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else.
Most of us think we know what it means to teach, and by extension, to be a teacher.
But, the truth is, most people don't really know much about teaching. Their memories and perceptions come from being students — not teachers who spent hours, days and months preparing for them to arrive in their classrooms.
Most people have no knowledge of hours-long curriculum planning meetings, weekends spent correcting students' work or the time spent on professional learning seeking out new teaching strategies to help students master critical concepts.
Most people have never managed a classroom of 25 or more students, some of whom come to school angry or neglected, leery that another adult will let them down, but at the same time craving someone who will listen to them, see them, believe in them and help them.
Most people don't know what it is like to stress over learning new, more in-depth standards, master yet another new technology, or feel like a failure when all their hard work results in barely a percentage blip on state assessments.
In the public eye, teachers often swing between being revered and reviled. They are either members of the noblest profession or they are viewed as incompetent and ineffective.
These are simplistic, one-dimensional characterizations. Neither offers a true portrait of what it means to teach. In fact, the two extremes allow the realities of those who teach our children to be glossed over, unsaid and unshared.
Our preconceived notions and assumptions stop us from really knowing the first-year high school special education teacher who deals with students who cannot control their emotions and act out by swearing, throwing things, and sometimes physically harming themselves.
We don't get to meet the teachers who keep snacks in their desks so students don't go hungry, who buy winter coats, hats and mittens for children who come to school cold, or who purchase new shoes for those who can't afford them. Then there are the teachers who often work summers to raise money to help send students on field trips and to sporting events — experiences these students wouldn't otherwise have, if not for the teacher's selfless acts.
We seldom hear about teachers who help students afford the medications they need or who, often anonymously, pay to have heat, electricity or water turned back on for struggling families so their students will have the basics at home.
We miss out on learning about the teacher who regularly helps students' families read their mail because they cannot read well enough to understand it.
Or the teacher who logs 50 hours in one nine-week period volunteering time after school so that students can have the experience of being part of a drama production.
Yet, all of these teachers are real — dedicated, compassionate professionals who want the best for their students.
Few, however, take the time to learn what teachers really do and what is happening in their classrooms. Teachers ignite the spark of learning in children. They inspire, encourage and support our children. Great teachers don’t see students for what they can’t do, but help them discover what they can do.
If all the current critics of public education spent just one day with a teacher in a classroom, they would learn the truth about our public education system, the progress our students are making and the dedication and professionalism of our teachers.
Too often we think we know what teachers do and what they need to do better. But we don't really know unless we listen to those who know — those who teach.
Teachers educate our children, but they also have much to teach all of us about what is happening in our schools. Let's take the time to not only thank them, but also talk with them and to listen to what they have to say.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
I LOVE TEACHERS!
I love this week!
This is the week we take time to say thank you to our teachers. Teachers are the backbone of our
existence. We would not be where we are
today without great caring teachers.
When asked who has influenced us, made a difference in our lives, or has
left a lasting impression, the name/face of a teacher probably comes to
mind. I’m not sure we realize how
dedicated, giving, and hard-working educators are. Take time this week to say thanks to one of
your teachers or to one of your student’s teachers.
If you would like to share your appreciation in a tangible
way, Pinterest is the best.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
The Time Is Here
Several months ago I mentioned the
opportunity to help one of our custodians build a house through Habitat. Well the time is here.
Lester and Sue Brewer are raising their 2 year
old grandson and are
anxious to own their own home.
This will be an AWESOME opportunity for us to give back to a Scott County 9th
Grade School family member.
Lester has worked alongside us for 17 years. He helps
to keep our school clean. He literally handles
some of the dirtiest jobs yet continues to stay positive.
DT Wells is helping to organize
volunteers.
If you are interested in helping please email DT.
***A few guidelines:
Workers need to be 18+
If parent is present
workers can be 16+
No children are
allowed on the construction site unless one of the guidelines above has been met.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
What would you like for us to know?
One of the news stories which caught my attention this week
was “I wish my teacher knew….” The Colorado
teacher who gave the assignment was floored by some of the responses she
received. In fact, it changed the way
she saw her students.
I began to Google some the sentence and variations of
it. I too was amazed at some of the
responses I found. One variation was “I
wish the parents knew…..” from a teacher.
Here were some of the responses.
1. Your kids can do
much more than you think they can do.
2. It’s not healthy
to give your child constant feedback.
3. We
promise not to believe everything your child says happens at home if you
promise not to believe everything your child says happens in our classrooms.
4.
Your
children learn and act according to what you do, not what you say.
5. Teach
your children that mistakes aren’t signs of weakness but a vital part of growth
and learning.
Interesting. There
were many other sites.
What would you like for us to know?
On a side note Mr. Ellison successfully aged into the 40's. Doesn't he look happy to be here?
Sunday, April 12, 2015
“Nothing is certain except death and taxes”
Ben Franklin
coined the phrase, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes”. Last week we were reminded how precious life
is with the death of Lauren Hill. This week
the calendar, April 15th to be exact, reminds us of what we owe to
our government.
By: Greg Noble
CINCINNATI-- Lauren Hill's motto was
"Never Give Up." She hoped to inspire kids suffering from her deadly
brain cancer - and everyone, really - to follow her message, find hope in her
example and live their lives to the fullest.
Devon Still from the Bengals shared, “When you die it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You
beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you
leave." Lauren never let this terrible disease define her. She didn't let
it control whether she lived out her dream of playing college ball and she
fought to live pass what doctors originally told her she would. Lauren left her
mark on this world by showing people what it really meant to NEVER GIVE UP.”
We will miss her for the good she spread
and for the lessons she re-taught us.
Care for others.
Cherish each moment.
Never give up. Never.
Hopefully, you have finished your
taxes. If not, Wednesday is the
deadline. Your students learn in social
studies class paying taxes is a civic duty.
Our tax dollars support government workers, police officers, firefighters,
roads, and schools. Thank you for paying
taxes! Our kids benefit.
We want to wish Principal Dwayne Ellison a
happy 40th birthday Wednesday.
Yes, he was a tax baby!
Sunday, April 5, 2015
It’s time to finish what we started.
I wish I was starting this paragraph writing about UK
beating Duke in the Finals, but………..
Congrats to Wisconsin.
As we enter the last 9 weeks of school (can you believe it?),
it’s time to finish the year strong. It’s
time for our kids to kick it in high gear.
It’s time to finish what they started.
Your student will receive his report card this week. Look carefully at the Q3 grade. This is the average of the first three 9
weeks of grades. If the grade in the Q3
is 67 or less, contact me Jonda.tippins@scott.kyschools.us
or 502-863-4635 to discuss summer school
options.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
Spring Break Alert
Next week is spring break.
It feels like we’ve just got started.
Many families will be travelling this week. If you have the opportunity, be sure and work
in a college visit. My niece and I
stopped by University of Alabama on our way to the Gulf Shores one year. She is a BIG Bama football fan. As much as we loved the beach, I think she
would say taking those few hours to visit the college were pretty awesome. She eventually chose to attend a college
closer to home. Taking the trip
alleviated any question of “what if?” for her.
Our son knew he wanted to be an engineer. He had picked out colleges, Purdue, MIT, and
Georgia Tech, which he wanted to attend.
We supported his decision, but also made him visit in-state schools in case he was not admitted into one of those. My
husband’s family is from Georgia. On a
trip to their house we stopped at Georgia Tech.
I was wowed. Here was a small
college feel (it reminded me of Berea College), nestled in one of the busiest
cities in our country. If you are
planning a trip to Atlanta, be sure and eat at The Varsity.
If you are not travelling out of state next week, take some
time and visit some local colleges.
Start with Georgetown. KY State,
UK, Transy, EKU, and Berea are all very close.
Did you know Berea College is FREE?
You must be below a certain income level in order to attend. It is work based meaning all their students
work on campus. If you travel to Berea,
be sure and have lunch at Papaleno’s.
YUM!
If you can’t squeeze in a college visit this next week, be
sure and have your student grab a good book.
Let’s keep reading!
As we finish the 3rd nine weeks grading period
this week, I’ll leave you with a John Wooden quote.
“Don't be content with
average because average is just as close to the bottom as it is to the top”. -
John Wooden
Let’s finish this week
closer to the top!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
MARCH MADNESS
I love this time of year.
Spring is just around the corner and UK is on its quest to have an
undefeated season. Do you participate in
the NCAA brackets? This would be a great
opportunity for you and your student to research different colleges. All colleges will have a web-site. Have your student explore it. Does it have a major which fits his/her
interests? How far away from home is
it? How many of its students receive financial
aid? What does the admission application
look like? What types of
extra-curricular activities are offered?
How are their sports teams? I had
never heard of Gonzaga until the year they entered the tournament. Gonzaga, by the way, is located in Spokane,
Washington and their basketball team is 32-2 going into the tournament. We have some great colleges in KY. The next couple of weeks can provide you and
your student an opportunity to learn and research some other schools. Use these next couple of weeks not just to
focus on basketball, but on the colleges they represent. GO CATS!
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Taking Care of the Little Things
As we prepare to tackle the last third of the school year, I came across a blog by John Maxwell on success.
Help us teach your kids it's the little things in life which make a big difference.
How would you describe your life? Are you achieving what you desire? Are you accomplishing the things that are important to you? Do you consider yourself a success? How do your prospects look for the future?
From Today Matters
Help us teach your kids it's the little things in life which make a big difference.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO WHAT YOU DO DAILY
How would you describe your life? Are you achieving what you desire? Are you accomplishing the things that are important to you? Do you consider yourself a success? How do your prospects look for the future?
If I could come to your house and spend just one day with you, I would be able to tell whether or not you will be successful. You could pick the day. If I got up with you in the morning and went through the day with you, watching you for 24 hours, I could tell in what direction your life is headed.
When I tell this to people at conferences, there's always a strong reaction. Some people are surprised. Some get defensive because they think I would be making a snap judgment about them. A few get ticked off because they think my claim sounds arrogant. Others are intrigued and desire to know why I make such a statement.
Here is why: I believe that the secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda. If you make a few key decisions and then manage them well in your daily agenda, you will succeed. You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. You see, success, doesn't just suddenly occur one day in someone's life. For that matter, neither does failure. Each is a process. Every day of your life is merely preparation for the next. What you become is the result of what you do today. In other words... You are preparing for something.
The question is, What are you preparing for? Are you grooming yourself for success or failure? As my father used to tell me when I was growing up, "You can pay now, and play later, or you can play now and pay later. But either way, you are going to pay." The idea was that you can play and take it easy and do what you want today, but if you do, your life will be harder later. However, if you work hard now, on the front end, then you will reap rewards in the future.
Think about it: What are you preparing for today? Success or failure? Does your daily agenda indicate that you make a habit of paying before you play? Answering these questions is a good predictor of what you will become tomorrow and in the future.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
We are two-thirds through the school year!
Beginning Monday, your student will receive a schedule
request for next year. Can you believe
it is time to start planning for the sophomore year?
Please read the request form carefully. Your student has the opportunity to take an
early morning class. The class begins at
7:30 and ends in time for 1st period. It is often referred to as zero hour. Transportation is not provided so if you are
interested you must bring your student to school. Class choices for zero hour are AP World History,
Geometry, Spanish 2, and World Civilization.
By taking a zero hour course your student has the option of leaving
school after sixth period. Once again,
transportation is not provided. Several
students take advantage of this in order to work after school.
If your student does not score on or above grade level on the MAP
test, he/she may be scheduled for a study skills class. This class is not an option. It is a class geared toward helping your
student grow in the areas of math or reading.
The most important test your student will ever take is the ACT as a
junior. Learning strategies to be successful
on it is a good thing. Your student may
be pre-scheduled for a study skills class now; however, that could change depending on how he/she will do on the spring
MAP test.
The other neat thing about scheduling is all the electives
your student can choose. Scott County
High School offers anything from computer science to environmental science, from
strength and conditioning to the arts, from money skills and relationships to
world languages, from agriculture and ROTC to business and journalism, just tons of
options!
Schedule request forms are due next Monday, March 9th
to the 1st period teacher.
This is a great week to discuss career options with your student. What does your student want to do? What classes will help him/her to achieve
that goal?
If it looks like your student may fail a 9th
grade class, contact me soon – jonda.tippins@scott.kyschools.us
or 502-863-4635. Allow me to share some
options with you.
I hope you will join me in doing some 70 degree dancingJ. Spring is just around the corner!
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Is What We’re Doing Hurting Our Kids?
This is a tough one to write because I have to be totally
honest. I’m guilty.
This past week-end I was thumbing through the TV channels
and came across a segment of the comedian, Steve Harvey, and his mentoring program. Steve Harvey runs a summer camp for teen boys
who have no father figure in their home.
His program’s focus is teaching young men to be men. He shared when they first started the program
the boys would participate during the day then stay with their moms in the
hotel at night. The next morning the
moms would tell him “their baby” didn't feel like participating in the exercise
portion or didn't want to do this or that.
Simply, the moms were enabling their kids. What they thought was “helping” was really
hurting their success in the program.
He learned quickly not to have that arrangement next year. The boys would stay in a cabin and the moms
would stay in the hotel. They would see
each other at the end of the week.
Are you like me? Are
you guilty of enabling rather than letting them tough it out?
There were times I dealt with situations my kids were
involved in rather than allowing them to do it – and learn from it. As your student begins to transition on to
high school and beyond, you can’t be everywhere with them. You can’t solve their problems or fight their
battles. You can, however, teach them
the skills they need and push them to handle the situation. For example, if your student has a poor grade
in a class, instead of YOU contacting
the teacher, have him/her do so. Teach
him/her how to do it respectfully, how to inquire, how to compromise, and how
to handle “no” when it occurs. Other
principles we want our kids to possess include:
Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Honesty, Patience,
Discipline, Service, and Courage.
Let’s be honest. We don’t want them still living with us when
they’re 40. J Let’s help them build the confidence to
handle what they perceive is adversity.
Let’s no longer enable them.
P.S. I would be
remiss if I didn’t put a plug in for our mentoring program. If you would like to be involved, please
contact tina.bentley@scott.kyschools.us.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Snow Day or Week????
2/16/15 Scott County High School taken by Georgetown Police Dept.
Hope you are safe and warm! The snow is beautiful yet I was hoping for spring. Use these days off to read and work on math. The Khan Academy is a great resource. Hope to see your students before the end of the week.
www.khanacademy.org
No more snow dancing!
Sunday, February 8, 2015
A Story of Grit
The following are excerpts from an article which appeared in
the Richmond Register Feb. 2, 2015:
By Bob Flynn/Register Sports Writer
Most little boys who play youth sports
dream that one day they too will be playing professionally like the stars they
idolize and watch on TV every day. For
most, it’s just that. A dream.
But a fortunate few, through God-given
talent, untold hours of hard work and getting the right opportunities and
taking advantage of them, do indeed make their childhood dreams become reality
and don a professional uniform.
On Friday in Berea, Madison Southern
High School recognized one of its own, Luke Stocker, who achieved his dream of
playing in the National Football League, for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, by retiring
his high school jersey during a ceremony at halftime of the Eagles’ basketball
game.
“It’s an honor to have your jersey
retired by your high school and I’m very appreciative of them doing this for
me,” Stocker said. “This is my first time back in three years. It’s great to be
back and to have my family and my wife come and visit with me, along with the
rest of my family. I’ve seen a lot of old friends and a lot of old faces. It’s
nice being back.”
He was an honor student at MSHS while
excelling in both basketball and football for the Eagles.
During his four-year career as a tight end for
Tennessee, he caught 85 passes for 956 yards.
Stocker was selected by Tampa Bay in the 2011 NFL
draft and he just completed his third year as a tight end for the Buccaneers.
Stocker said he always felt like he had the
talent to play in the NFL, he just needed to work hard to make it happen.
“I always thought that I could do it if the
opportunities came, and they did come,” Stocker said. “I always had my mindset
that every time I stepped on the field that I was going to do everything I
could to capitalize on those opportunities. And I was fortunate enough to do
that.”
While he’s now doing what he’s always dreamed of
doing, Stocker said he’s not taking playing in the NFL for granted, and he’s
going to enjoy every minute of it and do everything he can to make it last as
long as possible.
“It’s such a blessing to play a sport as my
profession. But in the NFL, they always say the letters stand for ‘Not For
Long’,” Stocker said. “So I’m just trying to make the most of my time while I’m
there. It’s a lot of fun and I’m going to do it as long as my body holds up and
allows me to do it.”
As far as the advice he had for the kids about
achieving their dreams like he has, Stocker said simply, don’t waste one
opportunity to put forth your best effort.
“The opportunities are there for everyone, no
matter how small a town you come from. It’s just a matter of making the most of
the opportunities when you get one,” Stocker said. “And that’s just through
hard work, determination and dedication and always giving your best effort
every time you get the opportunity.”
I love this story because it says what we say everyday. The opportunities for our kids are there for them to be successful. However, it takes hard work. It's never given nor guaranteed. It's all about GRIT. How much grit does your student have?
Grit self-assessment – This link http://bit.ly/EHGritTest has the University
of Pennsylvania’s survey of determination, tenacity, and long-range thinking.
Check it out! And here’s the TED Talk by Penn professor Angela Lee Duckworth http://bit.ly/DuckworthTED that put
“grit” on the map.
The following quote sums up the story of Luke Stocker. "The definition of successful people is
simply ordinary people with extraordinary determination." - Mary Kay Ash.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
We've heard the above saying about kindness, but sometimes I
think we need to be reminded of it. One
area we as parents try to teach our kids is to be kind to others. Our daughter is often heard saying “Share, you need to share” while talking to our
granddaughter.
Working with teenagers, we realize they are very egocentric
and are not always kind to each other.
However, it’s important we teach them when things don’t go their way,
they still can practice kindness. In
order to teach our kids, we need to model it for them. The students who succeed are those who see adults modeling positive values.
Be a good role model. Let your kids see you practice kindness this week. It really does go a long way.
Goodness is about character -
integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More
than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.
No act of kindness, no matter
how small, is ever wasted.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Do you know Monday, January 26th, is known as Blue Monday? It's considered by some to be the most depressing day of the year. This is the day when the credit card bills come due from Christmas, the weather is cold, etc. This week I'm thinking about encouragement. I found the following ways to encourage your teens. Although they won't tell you, they are seeking your approval and encouragement.
Read more: http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/how-to-be-a-parent/communication/#ixzz3PrcYK66S
Follow us: @ParentingWeb on Twitter | ParentingTodayCDI on Facebook
Words of Encouragement and Praise
Children thrive on positive attention. Children need to feel loved and appreciated. Most parents find that it is easier to provide negative feedback rather than positive feedback. By selecting and using some of the phrases below on a daily basis with your child, you will find that he will start paying more attention to you and will try harder to please.
Yes Good Fine Very good Very fine Excellent Marvelous At-a-boy Right
That’s right Correct Wonderful I like the way you do that I’m pleased with (proud of ) you
That’s good Wow Oh boy Very nice Good work Great going Good for you That’s the way
Much better O.K. You’re doing better That’s perfect Good idea What a cleaver idea
That’s it Good job Great job controlling yourself I like the way you ______
I noticed that you ____ Keep it up I had fun ______ with you
You are improving at ______ more and more You showed a lot of responsibility when you ______
Way to go I appreciate the way you ______ You are great at that You’re the best
Good remembering That’s beautiful I like your______
I like the way you ______ with out having to be asked (reminded)
I’m sure glad you are my son/daughter Now you've got it I love you
You can SHOW them how you feel as well as tell them:
Smile Nod Part on shoulder, head, knee Wink
Signal or gesture to signify approval High five Touch cheek
Tickle Laugh (with, not at) Pat on the back Hug
One Final Touch
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement he learns to be confident.
If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love.
If a child lives with recognition, he learns it is good to have a goal.
If a child lives with honesty he learns what truth is.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and those about him.
If a child lives with friendliness, he learns the world is a nice place in which to live to love and be loved.
(Anonymous)
Read more: http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/how-to-be-a-parent/communication/#ixzz3PrcYK66S
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Sunday, January 18, 2015
A Man and His Dream
When I was teaching, I would tell my students you are here
for a purpose. You are here to make a
difference in our world. I would often
get the “Yeah, right” look. That would
lead us in discussion of how one person can make a difference. Think about Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks,
Martin Luther King Jr. each changing the world for the better.
I ended the class by showing MLK giving his I Have A Dream speech in Washington DC
then asking the students what is your dream for our country? For our community?
For our school? For yourself?
How can you, “Be the change you want to see in the world”? —
Mahatma
Gandhi
To me Martin Luther King Day is not just a day off. Instead it’s a day to reflect. Change is hard. Making a difference is hard. Changing the world (community, school,
ourselves) is hard. Those people who
persevered are the ones we look up to today.
They made a difference in order to give me a chance to make a
difference.
“Always remember, you have within you the strength, the
patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world”. – Harriet Tubman
Use this week to reflect and plan how to change a small part of
our world!
A march and special program is
planned to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January
19, in downtown Georgetown. The MLK, Jr. Day march is scheduled to begin at 4
p.m. at Georgetown College. A memorial program will then be held starting at 5
p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 317 East Main Street.
Marchers are to assemble outside
of Cralle Student Center on College Street. They will walk to Military Street,
turn left to Main Street, then go on Main Street to Broadway, left on South
Broadway to College Street, and left on College Street ending up at the Student
Center.
The Scott County High School
Chorus Ensemble and the Gospel music group “Unashamed” from Frankfort will join
others for the program at First Presbyterian Church. A student from each of the
6th, 7th and 8th grades in Scott County will
read an essay in remembrance of Dr. King entitled “My Dream of Tomorrow:
Equality & Fairness.”
A reception is planned
immediately following in First Presbyterian’s Fellowship Hall.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day Program is sponsored by Georgetown/Scott County NAACP’s MLK Committee in
conjunction with the Georgetown College Office of Diversity and Inclusion,
First Presbyterian Church and the local Georgetown and Scott County
governments.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
First week back
This week we will be finishing MAP testing. We test students in reading and math three
times a year looking for growth. After
our first testing session, teachers helped students set goals. This midyear assessment lets us know how
close we are in reaching our goals. Be
sure and ask your student how she/he did.
If you have any questions about MAP, feel free to contact Jonda.tippins@scott.kyschools.us.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Welcome to 2015!
I just love a new year.
It’s a time for a “do over”. I
love how we can start anew; set goals, decide how to have a better year, how to
lose weight J,
and how to be successful. For many of us
that means writing our goals down and keeping it in front of us as a reminder.
Mr. Ellison has asked our students to list their college
choice and any extra activities they are involved in. We will put those on posters and hang them
around our school. We want to keep the
ultimate goal, college and career ready, in front of us.
My personal goal/New Year’s resolution is to Be Active. I want to Be Active in mind, body, and
spirit. I love to read, but have gotten
out of the habit. Over the break I
picked up a book on my shelf titled Write Better, Speak Better. Now who can’t benefit from that? Look out, this blog my experience a ‘better
written’ message as we go throughout the year.
I ALWAYS want to improve my body.
What female doesn’t? I say this
every year, but I want to write it down and plan to be intentional. As far as being active in spirit, I always
strive to be closer to God. This year I
want to be intentional serving others. More
details will follow, but I’m so excited to hopefully serve on a Habitat
build. One of our custodians will be
receiving a Habitat house. They are
supposed to start breaking ground in March.
I’m hoping we can have a 9th Grade School Day to help.
If you haven’t asked your student what his/her goals are, be
sure and do that. Over the next few weeks,
I will be inviting parents to meet with me to develop a plan on how to help
their student reach their goals. Feel
free to contact me if I can be of help to you and your student.
Happy New Year! Let’s
make this a great one!
Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.
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