Thank you.

A couple of people lately have thanked me for doing this blog. I appreciated it, as I often wonder if there's anyone out there. And tonight while finally cleaning my classroom, I came across my file of thank you notes and positive comments from students. It was really nice to read through them and remember the kids.

Being as independent on the job as we are, we don't have a manger nearby monitoring what we do and giving us positive feedback when we do well. Of course there are advantages to being relatively unmonitored, but still, we are in a fairly "thankless" profession. And, thanks from the students? Occasionally, yes; but to them, school is "kid jail," and we are the Overlords, not fellow beings who need thanks and kindness as much (or more) as anyone.

So, allow me to thank you, though I don't know who you are. I trust you are an educator, if you're reading this blog, and that's enough for me to know: you do an important job helping prepare young people to be good, competent, positive adults. Think about that grand purpose, and the progress you've made this year so far!

This one sentence from Dr. Wayne Dyer can change the way you interact with every single person.

I am remiss. I was searching this blog to find this quote, and I discovered I hadn't passed it on yet! I truly thought I had, because it has really helped my outlook, keeping love near the center of what I'm about as an instructor and encourager. I hope it helps you, too: 

"See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see."

~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

Thank you, music and art teachers.

It's been a very discouraging couple of days, reading of our district's potential $2 million deficit, which, of course, can't be allowed to happen. On top of that, with report cards in the mail Saturday came a survey to parents with a whole host of things asking us to rate how much or little we'd like to cut them. One was "replace staff with online courses." YIKES!

HOWEVER . . .
on Saturday I did get to spend the day at solo and ensemble festival held at our school. I heard the fruits of talent and hard work. I heard judges patiently giving words of instruction and encouragement. I saw parents volunteering to make it happen. I saw lots of kids enjoying music and being around others of like mind and spirit. It's one of those days that gives me hope for the human race. So - here's a special thank you to music and art teachers. Knowledge is what they measure on the ACT, but you address the soul. Thank you.