Schwarzenegger vs Stallone

That title looks like it was ripped from an 80's movie magazine! Growing up, I loved both Schwarzenegger and Stallone movies, but for different reasons. Yes, they were both larger than life figures and yes, they were both action heroes, but even as a child I recognized the differences between them. Arnold Schwarzenegger would stroll through his movies unscathed. Yes, he sparred off against formidable foes (like the Predator), but you knew he was going to win right from the start. He was unbeatable and that is something that people, especially young people, look for...an invincible hero!

Sylvester Stallone was different. His main character of Rocky was the underdog. In fact, in his first (and in my opinion, best) film he didn't even win! If you recall, his goal was to "go the distance" and not get knocked out. He did that in and in doing so, won the hearts of movie goers everywhere and also won Best Picture in 1976. He went on to make many other action films, some great and some not so great, but those where he was the underdog, were the most memorable. In fact in one film, he says, "It's not about hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward".

As an adult, when I watch these two stars in their various films, I still love the nostaglia, but now I liken the Stallone films to the Growth Mindset way of thinking. As much as I wish I was, I'm not the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the school, going through unscathed and fighting the enemies of education and making each child succeed in one fell swoop. I'm more of the Sylvester Stallone, Rocky character, fighting my heart out each day to do what's best for kids. Some days, I win, some days I don't. But I always give it all I have.

As educators, we may have our Schwarzenegger days and be the ultimate hero. Those days feel great! But I'll always put my money on the educator who works long and hard, overcomes adversity, and goes the distance each day, each week, each year for their students. You may not always win the title fight, but you will win the hearts of your students and hopefully inspire them to "go the distance" as well!

PEARLS OF WISDOM from Rocky Balboa

"The winners are the ones who really listen to the truth of their hearts."

"Nothing is real if you don't believe in who you are."

"Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up." 

Rocky runs the streets of Philadelphia!  (3 minutes) 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Monday, April 18: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05-9:25 am
Tuesday, April 19: PBS Committee 8:05 am
Wednesday, April 20: IEP (Sherry Lynn/Shannon) 8:20 am (Behavior Plan Meeting Following)
                                  Dental Cleanings  in the Art Room for qualifying students
Thursday, April 21: Staff Meeting with Andrea Oquist 8:00 am
                              Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00 pm

Monday, April 25: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05-9:25 am
Tuesday, April 26: 2nd Grade Talking Zoo in the Gym
Thursday, April 28: School Based PD Day (No Students)

Wednesday, May 4: Teacher Appreciation Luncheon in Room 18
                                Arts,Beats,Eats & Books 6:00-8:00 pm
Thursday, May 5: PTA Meeting (Officer Elections) 6:30 pm
Friday, May 13: F&P Data Due
Monday, May 16: Final Data Dive
Tuesday, May 24: Volunteer Tea
Wednesday, June 1: Kindergarten Round Up
Friday, June 3: Spring Fling 6:00-8:00 pm
Friday, June 10: Field Day
Thursday, June 16: Last Day for Students (12:10 dismissal)