I am home today in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King’s contributions and sacrifices. I stress the word “observance” because today is not Dr. King’s birthday, nor is it the date of his assassination. Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929 and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. His contributions are beyond noteworthy and speak volumes to those who believe in equality for ALL people. The “believers”, I included, are likely to have a repertoire of Dr. King’s quotes. His colloquial words have served to motivate and inspire those who are charged with the responsibility of preparing children to be Leaders of Tomorrow. As Dr. King elegantly professed, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
While mantras may simply motivate and spark action when they are recited, quotes that transcend time serve as the catalyst for forward thinking and action. I share with you, how our awesome teachers are discovering our Masterpieces and are living proof of Dr. King’s vision. We value education, it’s in our DNA!
On any given day, at any given time, our teachers are challenging our Masterpieces to think outside of the box and to embrace challenges as rewards that lead to expanded knowledge. Students are required to explain their thinking and to express their thoughts with clarity. Students bravely tackle new objectives knowing that if they persevere, success is guaranteed! By merely, hearing the word “yet”, students reboot and continue with passion! Working as a team and respecting the thoughts of others is highly emphasized. I am delighted when I enter classrooms and find students collaboratively working. Students are patient, considerate, supportive, and confident. They are eager to complete problems at the board and anxious to share their written products with peers. When I see and hear our students “show off”, I am elated! I am equally as impressed with our students who persevere and demonstrate grit! The determination displayed by EL students learning the fundamentals of the English language is immeasurable. When struggling writers come to my office to share their works of art, I am ecstatic. I visited a classroom and challenged a group of students to a “math off.” I was tickled to death when a student told his peers, “Dr. Walker-Hood’s graph is wrong; it’s supposed to be 9 not 8.5.” I am proud when our students hold the doors for each other, say “thank you” when they receive compliments, and wait patiently in the lunch line. I was astonished when a student thanked me for issuing a lunch detention and teaching him a lesson.
With each action, spoken and unspoken, our teachers are accentuating Dr. King’s vision. I am happy to see our teachers smile when students have tackled hurtles with determination and have won! I know our teachers are proud of their students!
I am proud of our students and teachers!
Hooves Up for Perseverance and Determination!
