Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Curiosity and Creativity

Curious people ask "Why?" Creative people ask "Why not?" Sounds like two polar opposites to me, yet they go hand in hand. Curiosity raises the question and Creativity finds the answer.


As I sat on my couch earlier today "chatting" with my brother in France and my sister in Indiana while reading about the latest St. Louis Cardinals offseason moves (or lack thereof) and listening to some Maroon 5 tracks, I wondered to myself how in the world we got into this thing called the 21st Century. For all intents and purposes I still consider myself a young man, but the changes I've seen in my life since the time I can remember are absolutely astounding. I can hardly fathom what it must be like for someone like say um? Mr. Whittler who still has trouble with this thing called the "wheel."

No really, all kidding aside what type of people do you think are most responsible for the rapid changes we have seen over the last twenty years. The Curious? Or the Creative? Or is it a combination of both? And what type of person are you? If you're neither, then maybe you need to start asking more questions. Ever think of that?

(Yes, I know that this blog has nothing to do with the "giant elephant in the room" - the relocation, but frankly I'm tired of talking about it and need a break. So, the blog seemed like a good place to get it. However, if you have something major that you just need to get off your chest or a great question, then by all means go ahead.)

Monday, September 22, 2008

Confidence to Take Action

We are quickly approaching the month of October and the new condition will be "Confidence to Take Action." This could not come at a better time for couple of reasons. The most obvious is the fact that our national elections will take place on November 4th. If you've been living in a hole then maybe you don't know that this is one of the most important elections in our nation's history. The war in Iraq and the economic crisis have turned this election into a real crossroads for our country. Now I know that middle school students do not have the right to vote, but it doesn't mean you can't influence someone. Why not turn on the news once in a while, or just pay attention during Channel One. Educate yourself on the issues and then remind the adults in your life how important it is just to vote. If they don't want to, then tell them they're casting your vote for you! Also, be sure to listen for annoucements about the ERMS election. But remember, you've got to register if you want to vote!

Another reason that Confidence to Take Action is fitting for this time of year is because the novelty of coming back to school has worn off and we're getting back to the daily grind. When this happens, many students start looking for ways to entertain themselves, and that old middle school tradition of teasing, harrassing, and poking fun at others begins to rear its ugly head. Each and every one of you is likely in a position every day to do something about it. But, do you have the Confidence to Take Action? It doesn't take much! All you have to do is help someone when they are down, sit by someone new at lunch, or simply say "That's not cool, and I won't be a part of it." Are you man (or woman) enough to do that? Trust me, if you are then you'll have the best day you've had all year.

So how are you going to take action in October? Are you going to get off your rear and do something? Or just continue on with business as usual letting everyone else do the heavy lifting? Post a comment and let us know.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Welcome Back!

Wow! Did we even have a summer break or was that just a long weekend? This summer more than any I can remember seemed to come and go without so much as a warning. Aside from that fact that it was actually shorter than usual, we've also had so much going on around here that it was hard to stop and enjoy the break. With that being said however, the extra hustle and bustle around here has been due to the fact that we are constantly prepping and planning for our 2nd semester adventure. We will be moving out of our familiar surroundings and relocating in three separate locations in order for the middle school to be remodeled into a building fit to provide a true 21st century education.

But lets not jump the gun! We've got an entire semester ahead of us before we get to that point. The trap we cannot fall into is letting the anticipation of 2nd semester keep us from focusing on the task at hand. We must do our best to keep things normal for now, all while keeping it in the back of our minds that we have to be prepared when the time comes to move out.

So, what about this year? It's going to be a great year. We've got two great classes returning and a 6th grade class that has been highly touted by the elementary school. There really is no feeling quite like the first few days of school when you are a student or a teacher. So do your best to make that good first impression and help make this a special year for everyone at ERMS.

The condition of the month for August is Spirit of Adventure. This is very fitting when you consider what type of year we are embarking upon. Sign on and make a comment to this blog. Let everyone know your thoughts on coming back to school.