A student recently told me that there was some boring quote at the beginning of the blog. Ouch! Really? How can something from the 80’s be boring? Since I am writing this on Halloween, I guess I need a spooky song, other than Thriller and yet still from the 80’s:
“There’s something strange in your neighborhood
Who you gonna call?
Ghostbusters!
Seeing things running through your head
Who can you call?
Ghostbusters
I ain’t afraid of no ghost”
Well, I figure most of you know what movie that is from!
And on to the blog:
So November is upon us and the first day of the month begins with conference day. By the time you read this, it is likely that you will have already engaged in short meetings with your child’s teachers. The second interim grades are out and are a much better reflection on student performance as we have had some consistent teaching time in October. Middle School programs such as Tikkun Olam and crEWS recently enjoyed successful kick-offs and the winter sports teams begin their competitive schedules this coming week. In Havurah and advisory we taught a lesson on asking respectfully. As we work to give our students a voice, we are also working to develop that voice in a respectful manner. Students are more likely to get what they want – extended lunch for example – if they ask teachers, administrators, and staff respectfully.
When Dr. Bishop says “ask for what you want and you might just get it,” she means it. Some of the many changes this year have been generated from discussions that Dr. Portnoy, Dr. Bishop, or other members of the administration have had with you, the parents. When students, parents, or staff members ask for something, it is considered within the full scope of the school. There are 190 students and 30 faculty members that all need to be taken into account in any single decision. Just because someone asks nicely, it does not mean that the wish will be granted. It reminds me of a scene from “My Cousin Vinny.” When Joe Pesci, who is a rookie lawyer objects one of the prosecution’s arguments, he provides good reasons for his objection, he states the law in Alabama that supports his objection, and he does it professionally – something he has struggled with to this point in the movie. The judge looks down from the bench, says something along the lines of what a great objection, how eloquent it was asked for, and how impressed he is that Joe Pesci objected so professionally. He then says, “over ruled.” Point is that no matter how strong the case, how well thought out the ideas, and how much you think it should happen, it does not always mean you will get that for which you ask.
However, there is another component of that little story that may be the most important. Joe Pesci asked nicely. It is a lot easier for a teacher or an administrator to consider your question or address your concern if it presented politely. We are people who care very deeply about what we do and expect the best from ourselves and those around us every single period of every day. We care very deeply about your children and about what we do professionally. However, with this comes sensitivity to criticism even if it well-placed. We are willing to listen and we are willing to change. When confronted with aggressive behavior and directives we do not always want to though. Please, when you call for something or you have an issue you would like addressed, ask nicely. We have proven many times already that we are willing listen, so please, ask respectfully and politely. You bring great points to the issues and on occasion it is in an area in which we have not considered. Thank you for your courteous and respectful input.
Athletic Events November 1-5:
• Tuesday –
MS Boys 7 Basketball v. Trafton @ 4pm
MS Boys 8 Basketball v. Trafton @5pm
• Thursday –
MS Girls Basketball v. Grace Presbyterian @ 4pm
MS Girls Soccer v. Grace Presbyterian @ 4pm
No students are celebrating birthdays this week. That is crazy!
Mazel Tov to the following students who will celebrate their Bar Mitzvah’s on November 6th:
• Cole Caress, Cole Introligator, and Jon Jon Moulton
Calendar Events:
• Conference Day – Monday, November 1st
• 6th Grade Parent Event – Wednesday, November 3rd – 6:30-7:30
Kallah/Advisory:
Monday –
• None due to Conference Day
Tuesday –
• MS Kallah
Wednesday -
• Opera-on-the-Go Special Kallah
Thursday –
• Torah Service – Cole Caress, Cole Introligator, Jon Jon Moulton
Friday –
• Kallah
Looking ahead:
• 7th Grade Tikkun Olam – Tuesday, November 9th
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