What Are The Students Worth?

If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.

Desmond Tutu

Although we have nine days left this school year, I am already moving forward to the 2014-2015 school year.  I know that this seems silly but I have always believed that you must have a plan to be successful.  I have had a plan since the first day I entered ECU in August of 1997.  I have achieved all of the major goals I had for myself except 2.5:)

Graduate from ECU in Spring of 2001   Check

 Join Peace Corp and got to Africa           Not Checked YET

Teach in for at least 4 years in NC and teach at least two of those years in Harnett County  Check

Get Married     Check

Have on child and adopt one child    Check and 1/2

Get the Principal Fellows Scholarship      Check

Become a Principal                            Check

Open my own school                  Check

I am not listing my goals to brag.  I am listing my goals because I believe that life is too short to live it apathetically.  You have to know what's right and what's wrong.  You have to stand up against things that you do not believe in.  My high school government teacher helped instill in me that I am not "unimportant" and my beliefs are to be respected just as everyone's should be.  With that being said... "Where is your life headed and what do you believe in so passionately that you actually have an educated opinion about?"

Are you a follower?  Are you someone who just lets life happen or do you make things happen?

I know that some say they are TOO busy living their lives, raising their children, paying bills...that they do not have time to speak out against the injustices in the world. 

That's a bunch of bull! The real reason why they do not speak out is because: (1) they are uneducated about the situation, (2) they are apathetic, or (3) they are afraid.  

I will leave you with one of the BEST quotes ever...

“First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—

because I was not a communist;

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—

because I was not a socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—

because I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

because I was not a Jew;

Then they came for me—

and there was no one left to speak out for me.” 

― Martin Niemöller

You were not made to be like everyone else...you were made to stand out.  Stand out and stand up for what's right.  It's not a political thing...it's a human right thing.  We all know that ALL of our student deserve a high quality education and we know that for most of our students...we are the only option.  Please read about some of these decisions made in Raleigh and form an opinion and work towards ensuring a successful future for all of our kids (I will email you the proposed budget and an article on some issues).

I challenge you! Educators must be not only character role models but also role models for how students must challenge the status quo the right way!

“If I look at the mass I will never act.” ― Mother Teresa

June 2-6, 2014

*Enhancement Schedule will be as normal; No technology/ media but Mrs. Hill will do activity with students during that time (more info to follow)

Monday, June 2

• 5th grade planning (use time to complete testing letters)
• 3rd and 4th PLC ((use time to complete testing letters)
• PBL Lessons Begin
• Makeup Testing (3 Settings and Locations will be announced)
• Hold EC Students and teachers will call for them
• Testing Letters Home (make sure you share test results with students as well)
• Quick Meeting After school (Less than 15 minutes)

Tuesday, June 3

• 5th Grade Science Testing
• 5th Grade PLC in PM 
• 3rd Grade Planning in AM
• Rising 3rd Grader Open House 5:30-7:00 PM

Wednesday, June 4

• Begin Summer Reading Check-out (more details to follow)
• Practice for Dance Off After School from 3:30-4:15 (will ask for volunteers for one special scene at Monday's Meeting)

Thursday, June 5

• Keep Calm & Camp On Event (more info to follow)
• RtA Test
• Principal Dance Off at CEMS 6:30-7:30

Friday, June 6

• IXL/ AR Field Trip Leaves at 7:00 AM
• No Enhancement PLC
• Craft Night at Licary's House at 7 PM (Bring your favorite beverage and snack/ cost for your craft will be in your box by Tuesday)

School will be open Sunday afternoon. Exact times will be posted later this week!