Recently, I had the opportunity to see Adam Ant in concert. It was fun to take a walk down memory lane into the early 80’s music of my youth. I hadn’t really heard much about Adam Ant for the past couple of decades, so I decided to look him up on the web. As I read about his early life, I discovered some interesting facts. During his elementary years, when he was still using his given name of Stuart Goddard, his parents had divorced and he was struggling with behavior issues. One day at school, he caused a disruption by throwing a brick through the principal’s office window. I’m not sure how the principal dealt with the incident, but I do know it was not effective. How do I know this? Because the very next day, he threw another brick through the window!
Soon after the brick throwing events, he was placed under the supervision of a teacher named Joanna Saloman who introduced him to the arts. He would later credit her as the person who helped him learn how to express himself creatively leading to a career as the performer known as Adam Ant. I’m glad she did, because it led to decades of musical enjoyment for me and millions of others.
As a principal, I found the story of Adam Ant’s childhood interesting on several levels. First, the story of the brick throwing showed me that some of the behaviors I deal with could be worse. Next, the fact that the offense was repeated the very next day showed me that I’m not the only one who struggles with repeat offenders. Finally, the solution of finding a teacher who not only connected with him, but helped him find his own way through the arts was brilliant. This story reminded me that every child can be reached if they have the right teacher, no matter how many bricks they throw through windows!
“I could be religious, if they sang the hymns to disco.” – Adam Ant
“If you make a mistake, you should enjoy it.” – Adam Ant
“An 18th century brain, in a 21st century head.” – Adam Ant
- Monday, October 7: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05 AM
- Tuesday, October 8: Student Data due in Profile Sheet, PTA Skate Night 6-8 PM
- Wednesday, October 9: Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 PM
- Thursday, October 10: PLC Session 7:50-8:50 AM, Data Dives (Rotating Subs), PTA Meeting 7:00 PM
- Monday, October 14: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05 AM, Fire Drill immediately after assembly
- Wednesday, October 16: Parent-Teacher Conferences 5:00-8:00 PM (dinner from Social Committee)
- Thursday, October 17: Students dismissed at 12:10 PM, Conferences 1:00-4:00 PM & 5:00-8:00 PM (dinner from PTA)
- Friday, October 18: Students dismissed at 12:10 PM, Conferences 1:00-4:00 PM (lunch from Office), Growth Plans due in Pivot
The Spark of Learning 