LEADING THROUGH LISTENING

It's hard to believe that we are entering the month of December already and that three months of school have passed. From all of the turbulence that was experienced to start the year in September to all of the unknowns as we move into winter when it comes to dealing with COVID. All members of our school community have gone above and beyond to keep things moving forward and work to get back to an environment where everyone is comfortable. Unfortunately, as we navigate this stressful world that is charged with strong opinions, we have noticed a diminishment in the way in which people treat each other. Adults speaking to adults, students speaking to students, students speaking to adults, and adults speaking to students. Any way you slice it, we have lost sight of the basic principles of manners. If the challenges that we have all faced this year were a reason for that, I could accept the way in which people treat each other at times. However, that is not the case. Despite all of the s

As we are set to enter into the traditional American holiday season, it seems that it is a prudent time to mention the two words that when used, can have a dramatic impact on another person's day, "thank you." Unfortunately, the pandemic has brought out the worst in a lot of things in our society, but perhaps the most concerning development of the last 18 months has been the deterioration of human interaction, kindness, and respect. Throughout this time people from all walks of life have justifiably developed strong opinions, ideas, and concerns. However, in the midst of developing these feelings, some have lost the ability to acknowledge that there can be an opposing viewpoint that may be valid and that we can coexist in a world of differing thoughts and respect each other despite a difference. A part of this diminishment is the reduction of helping others and the utilization of the words "thank you", for even the most minor forms of assistance. As we enter the

There are escalators for all walks of life. Like anything else in the modern era, the wheel of escalators continues to be reinvented. There are up escalators, down escalators, long escalators, short escalators, and even flat escalators for those that are in more of a hurry. As a side note, have you ever noticed that many young children are afraid of the down escalator? They only want to ride up. Regardless, most often, escalators are devices that help an individual get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ in a manner that requires less effort than normal. However, what about the other escalator? What about the escalator that relates to emotions and human management of stress? It’s funny how even in these situations, most humans choose the ‘up escalator’ as well. Given the opportunity to step back from a situation, think about the options logically, and make a conscious choice to de-escalate a situation; most human beings will choose the opposite. They will choose to escalate something and cause

This upcoming Thursday is one of the most underappreciated days of recognition in our country, however, is quickly growing in the correct direction. Next Thursday, 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 every 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 harm's 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 st