Principally Speaking

Happy New Year! Our North Country family wishes you a healthy and promising 2014.  Recently, teachers  watched a  short  Franklin Covey video which proved to be both inspirational and thought provoking. It was called,   What’s At Stake.  The  purpose of the message was to get one to consider what would have happened (or not have happened) if Einstein didn’t think about the universe, if the Great Pyramids didn’t exist or if Martin Luther King didn’t have a dream.  Other great names and events were listed as well. It concluded with, “What if you didn’t……”

The possibilities of greatness are endless. Greatness doesn't just   happen “to other people.”  It happens to YOU, to someone you know, and yes to our children if they believe in themselves and their potential to succeed. Inspiring students to practice, learn and grow in knowledge and to be curious about the world around them is not as hard as it seems. It requires consistent communication, praise and discipline on behalf of the parents. Having conversations with your children about right from wrong, especially in situations you  may happen to witness are huge learning opportunities. Encourage your student who has musical talent, mechanical abilities, or who is a  voracious reader.  Remind them of commitments and duties (Put First Things First) before praising them for their strengths, especially if they have difficulty achieving a balance. This teaches them discipline and organization.

Teachers can and do support and guide students toward their potential. Obviously, they help them with areas that don’t come as easy and encourage them to put in just a little more effort. Parents are teachers too, and unless your child knows that you are aware of their abilities and strengths, some may not think them important enough to pursue.  Be their biggest advocate and fan. Help them to develop their interests and encourage them in areas that may not be their strong suit, because these too, are necessary for a well rounded education and eventually, students will see a connection. The future is now, “Don’t dream your life, live your dreams.”