LEADING THROUGH LISTENING

The other week, a colleague sent me an amazing article from a current researcher, Tim Elmore, who specializes in raising our next generation of children. The article is about parenting and being adults relative to today's society and what is real vs. what we feel. In a complete sense of irony, the research he has conducted demonstrates that the world is safer than ever for our children, yet our parenting style has become increasingly protective. The research show that child mortality is down nearly 50% and missing children are down 40% since the 1980's, however adults worry more than ever about their children. This concept of feel vs. real is the reason. Negative news spreads much faster today than positive news, and often times we are so flooded with all the bad that is happening, it makes us feel like our environment is unsafe. As parents, we spend more time than ever doing things for our children, making decisions for them, that the research is starting to show that we ma...

It's becoming cliche to say, "I can't believe how fast the year is going" or "I can't believe it's ...."; but, it is hard to believe that we are approaching the end of November already. With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, it is time to reflect and say thank you for everything that we are afforded in life. Regardless of your situation, there is plenty to be thankful for and each different individual has their unique perspective on the world based on the lens that they live through. Whether it be family, friends, your job, your opportunities, talents, possessions, or your character; be thankful. These characteristics are what allow us to be thankful for other elements of our lives and certainly to be thankful to have the opportunity to enjoy life. Beyond the soft stuff, I am thankful for the Rome family. The entire community, and specifically the educational community, is the most giving and caring community for children that I have had the honor...

In the fast-paced world of technology innovation, it is becoming more and more prevalent to find an abundance of technology in schools everywhere. As the cost of devices decreases, technology is becoming more and more accessible to school systems. On top of that, it won't be much longer before almost every elementary aged student owns their own device of some kind and is more fluent with technology than their adult acquaintances. The tech generation is upon us, so now what? I have been spending a lot of time researching and watching school districts that have implemented technology into their mainstream to get a better understanding of where we need to go. Almost every school that struggles is struggling for one reason: they dropped the 'A'. The word 'tech' is essentially the most important word in our world, minus the 'A'. Due to the technology influx, people are forgetting to teach. Technology itself is a tool, it's not a program. It can't repla...

This upcoming weekend is one of the most under appreciated days of recognition in our country. Next Saturday our nation recognizes Veteran's Day for all of our women and men who have dedicated their service to our country in one way, shape, or form. As we all know, not ever individual is cut out to do everything; and there are certain things that individuals simply cannot do that others can. That is a fact of life. Having the fortitude, mental stamina, and courage to serve in our nation's military is one of life's paths that not everyone can follow. The women and men of our military forces are constantly in harms way to provide security for the rest of us. They perform their duties courageously knowing that the ultimate sacrifice is always a possibility. One of the most inspiring features that I have grown to admire of the veterans that I know is the humbleness with which they live their lives. Walking down the street every day are thousands of veterans who bring the qua...