One of my favorite moments in the Superman cinematic universe is from the 1978 film by Richard Donner. In the film, when Superman makes his dramatic first appearance rescuing Lois Lane, she asks the question, “Who are you?“. Now, he could have given a number of responses. This guy has quite the credential list and has a huge background story to tell. He’s been called The Man of Steel, The Man of Tomorrow, and The Last Son of Krypton. Instead, his very simple response to the question, Who are you? is “A Friend.”
It’s interesting to me that his simple response was all she needed to hear. A friend implies that he is here to help, that she doesn’t need to be afraid, and that he cares. In fact, even his name is not given. His role and his actions were what was important. I think of how many times that we get caught up in titles, names, and credentials, when what’s really important is what we do and how we act. In this case, it was the role of “A friend”.
As educators, we all have names, credentials, and titles. Those may mean a lot when giving a presentation, going to a conference, or publishing a book, but our students aren’t interested in any of that. They want to know if we will be a guide, a mentor, and even a friend. All of these roles can be summed up in the word “Educator“. When I think of the best educators I’ve worked with, all these roles all apply. There’s power in the word educator, because it embodies all the best traits students look for and deserve. I hope that when students, staff and parents think of me, they will look past the titles and credentials and know that I am an educator who is here to serve and here to help.
You’ll Believe A Man Can Fly
“If I had to chose a superhero to be, I would be Superman. He’s everything that I’m not.” – Stephen Hawking
“What makes Superman a hero is not that he has power, but that he has the wisdom and maturity to use that power wisely.” – Christopher Reeve
“One thing that I do know is that you are here for a reason!” – Jonathan Kent to young Clark
Dorothy VanderJagt Paul Liabenow
- Monday, December 3: Celebrate Monday Assembly (Empathy/Kindness) 9:05, 3rd Grade to Lansing
- Tuesday, December 4: Achievement Team 8:15 AM, Grades due in by 11:59 PM
- Wednesday, December 5: PTA Board Meeting 2:30 PM, Jon at MEMSPA
- Thursday, December 6: Staff Meeting 8:05 AM (Led by Kristen B), Jon at MEMSPA
- Friday, December 7: Report Cards go home, Jon at MEMSPA
- Monday, December 10: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05 AM, Santa Shop Opens, iReady Window 2 Begins
- Tuesday, December 11: Achievement Team (Kaufman) 8:15 AM
- Wednesday, December 12: School Improvement Team 8:15 AM, Elementary Principals Meeting 1:30 PM, Santa Shop Evening Shopping with Santa & Mrs. Claus 6:00-8:00 PM
- Thursday, December 13: CLT 7:50-8:50 AM
- Friday, December 14: PTA Skate Night at Riverside 6:00-8:00 PM
- Monday, December 17: Student of the Month Assembly 9:05 AM
- Tuesday, December 18: Achievement Team 8:15 AM
- Wednesday, December 19: Pizza Party with the Principal (Top Fundraiser from each classroom) 12:10-1:00 PM in East Commons
- Thursday, December 20: Staff X-Mas Celebration 8:00 AM in LMC (same format as last year)
- Friday, December 21: iReady Window 2 Closes, Christmas Carols in the Gym 3:15 PM
The Spark of Learning 