'Tis the Season!!

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'Tis the season where students and staff alike enjoy a nice night out, maybe a nice dinner, and an evening of sharing laughs and smiles dancing. This is also the season where our traditional model of schooling has forever promoted the "cool" and "not cool" groups in our schools. Recently, our school had the opportunity to listen to former NFL and Syracuse University quarterback Don McPherson speak of this topic. The concept that our schools have a box of popularity and that if we don't fit into that box, or that perception, then we are an outcast.

I would like to take this opportunity to promote the concept of togetherness and support for all members of our communities. Each of us has a story to tell, none of us have anyone that knows 100% of our story. Too often we make judgments of others based on their appearance, maybe past history, or worse yet a rumor. While we have made great strides in public schools to reduce bullying, it still occurs and it still hurts our students and communities. As the leaders of our schools, all adults need to step up and remember that all of our students and co-workers have their own stories and stresses impacting their lives. We need to take time to UNDERSTAND each other, not infer meaning based on partial or bias information. We all deserve the opportunity to enjoy our school environments, whether we choose to be there for our job or if we have to be there for our education.

So, during this prom season, I ask all adults in schools to step up and applaud the students that are making strides to bring your school community together. Recognize the students whose names you may not know but say "hi" to you every day. Encourage students to break down those barriers of hierarchy that have long been established in our schools. Finally, support your students. Get out and chaperone their events and visit them on their memorable nights. Be a part of their positive memories of high school, be the influence that we all desire to be in our students and who knows, you may even enjoy the night out yourself!!

Worth the Read...


West Genesee Community Movie Night is Coming...


Take a Moment to Self Reflect and Grow...

Have you ever worked in a small school or small community where everyone knew everyone's name? Can you name all of your co-workers? If so, can you introduce them to someone new and offer some information about that person? In many cases we can not, the hustle and bustle of the work week is too much for socialization as well. Take a moment to get to know a co-worker that you may say "hi" to every day but never took the time to stop and have a conversation. We are one in the same, adults caring about kids... Let's do it together!!

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