Hope – The Spark of Learning

This weekend, I was putting the final touches on my presentation for the #MEMSPA19 conference. My slides on “Leadership Lessons from the Man of Steel” were nearly complete (or so I thought). As I thumbed through the church program on Sunday morning, I noticed the sermon was going to be on “Hope”. As the sermon progressed, I kept thinking of all the ways that educators give hope to our students and how perhaps it is the most important thing we can instill in those we work with.

In education, it’s easy to get bogged down with all the things we can’t control in the lives of our students. We can’t control the trauma that may have impacted our students. We can’t control the environment they go home to each night. We can’t control the decisions they make when we aren’t around. What we can do, is provide them with the skills to help them deal with trauma, teach them techniques to adapt to other environments, and serve as role models to help them make good decisions. Most importantly, we can give them hope that no matter what their situation is, they can rise above it and that we will never give up on them.

I’m always keeping my eyes and ears open for inspiring messages to share with educators and this week’s sermon was just what I needed to hear. Oh, and how did it tie in with my presentation? I realized as I listened that the symbol that Superman wears on his uniform means “hope” on Krypton. I had forgotten that bit of information and perhaps the most important lesson that educators can learn from the Man of Steel!

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tunes without the words and never stops at all.” – Emily Dickinson

“All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody to believe in them.” – Magic Johnson

Monday, December 2: Celebrate Monday Assembly (Empathy) 9:05 AM, Jon at C.O. in afternoon for secretary floater interviews 12:30-4:30 PM
Tuesday, December 3: Achievement Team (Hurula/Parent) 8:15 AM
Thursday, December 5: Staff Meeting hosted by Katie Dodge & Sarah Jacobson 8:05 AM
Friday, December 6: Records Day (Optional Report Day)

Monday, December 9: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05 AM, iReady Window Opens, Santa Shop Begins
Tuesday, December 10: IEP (Mcguigan) 8:15 AM, Grades due at midnight
Thursday, December 12: No Staff Meeting, 3rd/4th Grade Winter Concert 6-8 PM
Friday, December 13: Stevenson Choir Winter Concert in the gym for all students 9:30-10:15, Santa Shop Ends, Report Cards go home