Education is the most powerful weapon

Principal ponderings...

As I was reading an article about Nelson Mandela's life and death, I came across this quote from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright: "Mandela's strength as a teacher is that he not only advised us what to do, he showed us how."  It is truly amazing to think about what this one man did in his lifetime. For our students, now he will be someone they will only read about; he was responsible for changing their world, but they will not grow up with this inspirational leader as part of their life.  And so it is important for us to share his message with future generations..."Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  I am reminded that we are charged with providing the best education for our young students.  We are arming them with knowledge.  How lucky are we that we get to mold the future?!  We get to educate the future change agents.  It's not an easy job at all, but it is the most rewarding job.  So when you are sitting in your classroom, enjoying those last few quiet minutes before the future comes running through your door...remember all the potential that lies within each student, and get excited about educating them!

Here's a great clip of Maya Angelou reciting a tribute poem in memory of Nelson Mandela, "His Day is Done":

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/12/07/249439677/watch-maya-angelous-poem-for-nelson-mandela

Currently reading:

Thanks to Mrs. Mills for lending me a copy of one of the MCBA books, Inside Out and Back Again by Thannhha Lai.  I just started reading it this weekend.  Similar to the last book I read, it is written in free verse format and tells the story of a child refugee from Saigon who ends up in Alabama.  I have also been enjoying reading articles from this month's Educational Leadership magazine; the focus is 'getting students to mastery.'
Here is a book trailer about Inside Out and Back Again.  Might be an interesting project to have your students create book trailers about books they are reading!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erjRxbX4CzM

Events this week:
Monday - After school Latin program, 3:30-4:30
Tuesday - After school Latin program, 3:30-4:30
Wednesday - 4th grade chorus @ 2:25, School Council meeting in the library @ 3:30
Thursday - Curriculum half day @ SU 1:15-4:15, Staff Holiday Party @ Bailey's beginning at 4:30

Great things I noticed last week:

• Mrs. Roundtree's 4th graders were engaging in lively book discussions with partners about Tiger Rising.  
• I saw some interesting opinion writing pieces hanging in the second grade hallway.  Mrs. Hoke and Mrs. Jacques have displayed their students' writing pieces.  If you get a chance, stop by and read about which animals would make the best pets!
• The Holiday Fair was a huge success!  Mr Wiesner did an amazing job with each grade level performing several songs.  Parents commented throughout the day on how awesome the students sounded.  Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Clark were on hand to help Casey with colorful hair extensions.  Thanks to the many teachers who came to help out during the day.  
  
  
  
  

Check it out:
Love this list of affirmations to help teachers establish a growth mindset:
http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/establishing-growth-mindset-teacher-9-statements-affirmation/