Tonight's discussion about what we collectively and individually want to be at the heart of who we--Somerset County Public Schools are to our students, our staff, our families, our community, and to one another was so affirming. The place you, the Central Office Team--described is the place I want to work. Regardless of differences of opinion or perspective, disappointment or frustrations, and setbacks or new challenges, if we can live a commitment of consistently being a place where everyone matters every day in every way, oh the places we can go! Our task now is urgency--how can we help others see the need for change and the importance of acting immediately. I'm looking forward to your thoughts and even more forward to our collective and individual actions.
If for even a moment you doubt we can do this, think about that new building just around the corner from this office. We said clearly we wanted a brand new high tech learning environment--there was no lapse or confusion in our vision--we were consistent, and in spite or hurdles here and there and still wanting/needed to go further (technology isn't worth much if we aren't constantly learning and applying. wow, look how far we've come!
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7 comments:
SCPS-Where People Come First
Where Education is Personal
Where Caring Brings Growth
People are Our Greatest Resource
Gee, it is hard to come up with something orginal.
It is my belief that we, as a society, must change radically and quickly, we need to communicate better, and most important we have to see this ALL THE WAY THROUGH!
Everybody in our organization, at every level, must get (buy-in) why change is necessary, what the strategy is, and why radical and urgent change is imperative.
Key Persuasive Points for Motivation
-Discipline referrals are up and behaviors are starting in grades earlier than the past.
-Can't just TELL kids what to do- Need to show them. Model and guide.
-Society is in moral crisis. break down of family- TV/Movies portrayal of acceptance - Musical lyrics
-deterioration of civility in everyday life
MAJOR ONE_
1992 report of the National Research Council that says the United States is now the most violent of all industrialized nations.
I had little to say during your discussion yesterday for many reasons not the least of which was that I'm having trouble figuring out how this relates to my world. I agree with what everyone said and believe that it is true; but can't make the connection to what my role would be. The other thought I kept having was that this is a noble thing to aspire to, but very difficult to achieve. In fact, I kept thinking that we've been here before, it all sounded very familiar, except we have called it other things in the past (Culture of Respect; School Climate; etc.) What will we do this time to get buy in from people and ensure that they foloow our lead?
I too will love working for a system where everyone is cared for as though they were family. We are taking on a huge initiative that will make quite a difference. Can we stay the course? What will be the first steps we will take for we must put actions to our words. The penguins picked something to start with that had guaranteed success so everyone would want to be a part of the change.
I don't believe building a new school can measure up to this task. That was at the hands of a few. This will require ALL. That was things.....this is feelings, emotions, affect. It will be much harder than a building, new furniture, new technology. When will we make our first move?
I can help others see the need for change by making a daily effort to model the vision of "where everyone matters". There are numerous ways I can do this. It is important that I specifically plan to make this a priority in a tangible way on a daily basis.
SCPS a place where EVERYONE matters EVERY DAY in EVERY WAY....Powerful!!!! It has to be genuine and I believe it becomes evident in the example we set as leaders and the decisions we make("actions speak louder than words").
I believe change is evitable and we are living in an era where people in Somerset and the Country at large are looking for, hoping and dreaming of that change. We can't afford to do what we've always done and expect different results. With that said, we have had many discussions and workshops on respect, relationship building, etc. and we seem to revert back to what is comfortable. My questions are: What are we willing to do different this time? Are we willing to go the distance at any cost? Do we have the Character, Commitment and Courage to do what it takes?
I have worked in a variety of settings, most recently was a part of a group of people that came together from 40 different States and Japan to complete a common mission. We became a family and like with all families we had our issues; however, they were handled with care and a great deal of consideration as far as the impact on others and the mission.
I am committed to doing my part to genuinely communicate and to show through my actions that everyone does matter, everyday and in every way because at the end of the day it's what we do in the lives of people that will last.
I am intrigued with the range of comments and pleased that people took the time to read and respond with honesty. My mind raced with responses and I will be back at the keyboard as soon as possible.
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