I asked a friend of mine from undergrad at UF who now holds a doctorate in special education, "what is the most important thing when trying to build an inclusive community?" His answer was simple, takes no money and has the potential to be given by all: LOVE.
Now he was referring to folks with "special needs" but don't we all have special needs in some way? Don't we all want to feel included no matter who we are, where we live, what color of skin we have, where we work or who we associate with. Imagine what would happen if even 10% of us decided to unleash the power of love on Anniston...
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
inside Aniston Elementary Schools
Today I visited not one but two local elementaries, and I must say I was thoroughly schooled! First of all, I want everyone to realize you can't believe everything you read or hear (in the Anniston Star or from other people). In fact, don't believe me. Go see the schools for yourself.
I had a wonderful visit at Randolph Park Elementary. The principal, Ms. Gunter is a 37 year veteran of Anniston education and has held the post of principal for approximately 10 years. She was friendly and verbose and made me feel welcome. Then the parent involvement coordinator, Ms. Sims, toured me around campus. The walls were adorned with every type of artwork imaginable and the halls also displayed science and history projects. Each 3-5th grade classroom was equipped with NEOs (a type of computerized keyboard that interfaces with the teacher's computer) and a smart board. There was also a computer lab with 26 iMacs. Class sizes were small12-15 and the teachers were willing to let me observe. Most of the teachers I met had been there over 5 years and the librarian drives every day from Georgia! It was a very positive place.
My second visit was to Constantine, a school I was already familiar with from my days working at Sirius Education in the same community. Again, I was met by a friendly, intelligent veteran principal, Ms. Garrick. The thing she stressed to me over and over (and I have observed on my own) is that it is the community surrounding the school rather than the school itself that needs to be addressed. The school has what it needs to function (although admittedly they have been without a secretary for awhile and are relying on volunteers). She suggests that the most important thing people who are interested in helping could do would be to befriend those in the surrounding community and be an example. This could be done by volunteering at Head Start, the Boys and Girls Club or in the housing authority.
I had a wonderful visit at Randolph Park Elementary. The principal, Ms. Gunter is a 37 year veteran of Anniston education and has held the post of principal for approximately 10 years. She was friendly and verbose and made me feel welcome. Then the parent involvement coordinator, Ms. Sims, toured me around campus. The walls were adorned with every type of artwork imaginable and the halls also displayed science and history projects. Each 3-5th grade classroom was equipped with NEOs (a type of computerized keyboard that interfaces with the teacher's computer) and a smart board. There was also a computer lab with 26 iMacs. Class sizes were small12-15 and the teachers were willing to let me observe. Most of the teachers I met had been there over 5 years and the librarian drives every day from Georgia! It was a very positive place.
My second visit was to Constantine, a school I was already familiar with from my days working at Sirius Education in the same community. Again, I was met by a friendly, intelligent veteran principal, Ms. Garrick. The thing she stressed to me over and over (and I have observed on my own) is that it is the community surrounding the school rather than the school itself that needs to be addressed. The school has what it needs to function (although admittedly they have been without a secretary for awhile and are relying on volunteers). She suggests that the most important thing people who are interested in helping could do would be to befriend those in the surrounding community and be an example. This could be done by volunteering at Head Start, the Boys and Girls Club or in the housing authority.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
What does it mean to lead?
and how do you determine the difference between doing things right and doing the right thing?
I challenge you as you go through your day to decide if you are doing things right or doing the right thing. There is a huge difference. And somewhere, when each of us decide to do the right thing instead of just doing things right we find out, that in essence we have become a leader.
Sometimes you just have to take action without over thinking a situation. I saw this at murder mystery theater practice this evening. The actors were getting caught up in the minute details in a certain situation and the director had to step in and say its not really that important. Spend a moment and then go on. Don't get caught up in the minutia at the sake of the whole project.
I challenge you as you go through your day to decide if you are doing things right or doing the right thing. There is a huge difference. And somewhere, when each of us decide to do the right thing instead of just doing things right we find out, that in essence we have become a leader.
Sometimes you just have to take action without over thinking a situation. I saw this at murder mystery theater practice this evening. The actors were getting caught up in the minute details in a certain situation and the director had to step in and say its not really that important. Spend a moment and then go on. Don't get caught up in the minutia at the sake of the whole project.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
A Chain is Only As Strong As Its Weakest Link-Don't Be The Weak Link
Each day their are thousands of opportunities to criticize others for what they haven't done. Hours each day are spent trying to figure out what went wrong. Each day we need to examine our OWN lives and determine where we need to strengthen ourselves and find support. We don't have to be the weak link when we are willing to SHARE our talents, TEACH others, and LIFT OTHERS UP rather than tear them down.
I think Matthew says it best:
'You are light for the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in people's sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven.
I think Matthew says it best:
'You are light for the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in people's sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Defense and Security Day/Leadership Calhoun County
Today I skipped a state library meeting for what I consider a "once in a lifetime" experience...an adult field trip to The Depot and The Center for Domestic Preparedness. First and foremost I learned that if a soldier drives it, shoots it or eats it, the Depot probably had something to do with it and that the military is the largest industry in the state. The Depot has continued to remain in operation as it partners with other industries to help meet their goals. They do there best to add value to their current clients, but are also always seeking new partnerships. The Depot has one 2 "Shingo" awards which is like the manufacturing equivalent to the Nobel Peace Prize. We got to see Strykers being made and newly refurbished machine guns being tested. I encourage each of you to talk to your friends who work at The Depot and find out for yourselves why it is such a great place to work.
Next we went across town to the old Ft. McClellan to the CDP. Class members went through a metal detector...but no gun parts from The Depot were found. Mariah almost got squirted by fake blood spurting from the newly amputated leg of a $35,000 manequin used in medical catastrophe training situations. We also viewed what I'll affectionately refer to as "Teddy Bear Triage" which related to a mass casualty situation. Finally we saw where they train folks to respond to chemical disasters and terrorism. It was a real eye opener to think about what it would be like to be a leader in such a situation. Sure made me glad for my day job!
Next we went across town to the old Ft. McClellan to the CDP. Class members went through a metal detector...but no gun parts from The Depot were found. Mariah almost got squirted by fake blood spurting from the newly amputated leg of a $35,000 manequin used in medical catastrophe training situations. We also viewed what I'll affectionately refer to as "Teddy Bear Triage" which related to a mass casualty situation. Finally we saw where they train folks to respond to chemical disasters and terrorism. It was a real eye opener to think about what it would be like to be a leader in such a situation. Sure made me glad for my day job!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
A Great Day in Calhoun County
Not only did we enjoy beautiful sunshine and unseasonably warm weather today, but today was also the Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. One of the things that struck me most was how many of these business people, leaders in our community, that I have personally had contact with over the past few years and how their personal influence and their businesses (be they for profit or non-profit) have had on my life and on my family members lives from the places where we go to eat and play Mellow Mushroom for trivia, Acupulco for great Mexican food and karaoke (with hostess Martha) to people like Pati Tiller with "Kids on the Block", Maggie at the YMCA, Shannon at United Way and Octavia at the Boys and Girls Club to people like Anna-Marie (King) and Allyson (Service Master) from Junior League and all the people I've met through Business After Hours and other functions of the chamber (like Al and Sheridan from Rely Local)...the greatest asset we have in Calhoun County is the PEOPLE! Look around, they are beautiful, wonderful, special talented individuals.
I was fortunate to be able to bring two recent graduates of JSU to this event. Let us continue to encourage the the town and gown connection!
Finally, as part of Leadership Calhoun County I got to be part of an Anniston EMS/Ambulance ride-along. I found the entire staff to be very friendly and willing to discuss the assets and areas for improvement of our area. One cited the small/close knit community as positives, while another talked of the easy access to the interstate as a plus. Some of their individual hopes for the state and area were: a state lottery ("We drive to GA every weekend to get tickets") and a priority for one was increased programs for those with special needs (more specifically those over the age of 21). Their candor and honesty was much appreciated. We are in good hands with Anniston EMS! A special thanks to Robyn, Steve, Jessica, Bayliss and Brandy who let me ride along!
I was fortunate to be able to bring two recent graduates of JSU to this event. Let us continue to encourage the the town and gown connection!
Finally, as part of Leadership Calhoun County I got to be part of an Anniston EMS/Ambulance ride-along. I found the entire staff to be very friendly and willing to discuss the assets and areas for improvement of our area. One cited the small/close knit community as positives, while another talked of the easy access to the interstate as a plus. Some of their individual hopes for the state and area were: a state lottery ("We drive to GA every weekend to get tickets") and a priority for one was increased programs for those with special needs (more specifically those over the age of 21). Their candor and honesty was much appreciated. We are in good hands with Anniston EMS! A special thanks to Robyn, Steve, Jessica, Bayliss and Brandy who let me ride along!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Marching Southerners: NO BAND MEMBER LEFT BEHIND
As some of you may know our local university Jacksonville State University has a world class marching band. In fact, they are so good they've been invited to travel half way around the world to ring in the New Year. Each of the 200+ band members attending is responsible for paying his or her $3000 fee. The last payment is due November 1 and many do not have the cash.
As a member of Leadership Calhoun County, I believe it is my responsibility to help make this happen. During our last meeting we visited area industries and learned from one of our speakers that if something benefits one of our cities, it benefits all of Calhoun County. This is definitely the case with a world class event such as the one the Southerners will attend.
In the next few days, I will be receiving a list from Ken Bodiford the director of bands which will state how much is owed by each individual student and the students major. What I propose is that the student will be matched with a business similar to their major of study. The business will then pay all or part of the remainder of the student's fee with the agreement that the student will "work off" the debt at the rate of $10 per hour. It is a win-win situation. The student works for the money, gets experience in the field and makes valuable connections; the business gets someone that is eager to learn the business and makes lasting connections with potential employess and builds loyalty with future Calhoun County residents.
Please let me know if you are interested in participating in "No Band Member Left Behind"
As a member of Leadership Calhoun County, I believe it is my responsibility to help make this happen. During our last meeting we visited area industries and learned from one of our speakers that if something benefits one of our cities, it benefits all of Calhoun County. This is definitely the case with a world class event such as the one the Southerners will attend.
In the next few days, I will be receiving a list from Ken Bodiford the director of bands which will state how much is owed by each individual student and the students major. What I propose is that the student will be matched with a business similar to their major of study. The business will then pay all or part of the remainder of the student's fee with the agreement that the student will "work off" the debt at the rate of $10 per hour. It is a win-win situation. The student works for the money, gets experience in the field and makes valuable connections; the business gets someone that is eager to learn the business and makes lasting connections with potential employess and builds loyalty with future Calhoun County residents.
Please let me know if you are interested in participating in "No Band Member Left Behind"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)