Ignorance is bliss?

Where'd that axiom come from? Not sure. I am reminded after this week that ignorance doesn't necessarily translate to bliss. Often times it's sad that a student doesn't know, what he or she doesn't know. And that's a tough part of the job as principal.

I don't know if that ever gets easier...when you see a student with incredible potential to live an effective, successful life yet they don't even know what options there are outside their own circle of knowledge and experience.

The burdens that some of our students carry turn your stomach. You wonder how on earth that child can succeed and yet, they do, perhaps academically or even socially. And it's cause for celebration.

I sat with a first grader this week. I was hanging out during math workshop and he comes up to me out of the blue and says, "3+2 is 5". I know this kiddo. Math is tough for him. He's had to really think about this. I give him a high "5" (no pun intended) and ask him what 4+1 is. He answers correctly. Love it. So a few days later I see him in the hall. I ask, "What's 4+1?" He answers, "5!" Another high five. His face lights up.

I'm so thankful I'm in a profession that allows me to see these "gems", these "diamonds in the rough" because it reminds me and humbles me on how powerful being a part of a child's education is, no matter how small part I play.