IF NOT US . . . THEN WHO

If not us, who?
If not now, when?

Advocacy. The word is defined in Webster's as: "to plead in favor of". In favor of who? For all of us in education, it's for the children. For if we aren't the ones advocating for kids in all arenas, then who can or will?

Let's be frank: advocating for kids is not an easy task. It taxes you mentally and to some degree, physically. It presents you with challenges you may or may not have ever seen before, or perhaps it will lead you to an uncomfortable situation. Regardless, we must have resolve to stand up for kids now and as long as we're in education.

The toughest part of my job, the one piece I go home at night and wonder why, why, why, is the difficult situations I see children struggle with on a constant basis. And I'm reminded daily, yes daily, how important we are in the life of a child and that if we aren't vigilant in advocating for kids in all arenas, even those outside of traditional educational circles, we have failed them. And when it's all said and done and we stand accountable for our life, I want to be able to say I was an advocate for kids, no matter what, whenever it was needed.

We must act now. We must act with conviction that we will not accept mediocrity or let our most at risk kids fail because to do so is unethical. It's wrong. But it takes a team. It takes dedication. It takes all of us.

It takes you!

WEEK 2 ARRIVES

With the arrival of fall, it's fishing season for the family on weekends whenever possible, so between football, karate, and the myriad of other activities, we try and find time for the river.

There's quite a few parallels one can make between education and fishing. One that's fairly obvious is patience. When you're going for the big ones (goals) you have to be patient and believe that what you're using (doing) is what's right to catch fish (student achievement).

-Mr. Bowman

FIRST DAY

"And They're Off"

First day. WHEW! It went by fast! Kudos to all the folks that made today run so smoothly, especially to Terry, our custodian, who worked so hard to help folks. I was just so impressed with the feel and enjoyment from kids and adults today.

A lot of new staff and in a way, it felt like a close family at times. I don't why exactly, but that's the way it felt.

And of course it was wonderful to see the smiling faces of students once again. Bravo on a good first day!

-Mr. Bowman