Two Salespeople

Once upon a time, there was a shoe company that was looking at expanding their market. In an effort to collect information on potential sites, the manager sent two salespeople to a distant country to explore. After a week, a message was sent from the first salesperson back to the manager. The message read, "It's hopeless! There is no chance for expansion. The people here don't even wear shoes!". Shortly after that, the manager received a message from the second salesperson. The message read, "It's wonderful! There is a huge opportunity for expansion. The people here don't even wear shoes...yet!"

This is an old story and it was shared with me by Debbie McFalone. The tale may not be new, but the message is as relevant today as when it was first told. It's often not the situation we find ourselves in that determines our future, but rather how we choose to respond to our situation. The second salesperson demonstrated not only a positive attitude, but more importantly a Growth Mindset! I know if I were the manager, who I would be sending to future sites.

As educators, we face challenging situations each day. We also have a choice every day as to how we respond to those challenges. When I look at the world of education today it's filled with budget shortfalls, near-sighted political agendas, unstable family structures, and increasing poverty rates across the nation. But it's also filled with teachers that care, technology that can give the quietest students a voice, parent volunteers, and student and community partnerships to serve the underprivileged. It's the best of times and the worst of times in education. I guess it's all at how you look at it. I think you know how I choose to view things...and that's what it all comes down to. A choice.  Do you see a hopeless situation or a wonderful opportunity?

photo credit: www.guide2health.net

PEARLS OF WISDOM

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." - Milton Berle

"Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise." - Kobe Bryant

"The only place opportunity cannot be found is in a closed-minded person." - Bo Bennett

A very moving video on "Empathy" (4 minutes)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, May 2: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05-9:25
                            Student of the Month Assembly 3:00 pm
Tuesday, May 3: Parent Meeting 8:20 (Jon and Tracy)
                            Johnson Planning Meeting 9:05 am (Sue and Erin)
Wednesday, May 4: IEP 8:20 am (Shannon/Sandi)
                                 Staff Luncheon in Room 18 (hosted by PTA)
                                 Arts, Beats, Eats & Books 6:00 pm
Thursday, May 5: Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm
                             PTA Meeting (Officer Elections) 6:30 pm
Friday, May 6: Jon in Lansing - Rob Witherspoon will be in office all afternoon
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Monday, May 9: Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05 am
Tuesday, May 10: Tier II Planning Committee 8:15 am
                              Kindergarten Team Planning Meeting 1:15 pm
Wednesday, May 11: PBS Committee morning planning meeting 8:30-12:00
Thursday, May 12: Staff Meeting 8:00 am
Friday, May 13: F&P Data Entry Due
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Monday, May 16: Final Data Dive (Rotating Subs)
Tuesday, May 24: Volunteer Tea
Wednesday, June 1: Kindergarten Round Up in morning
Friday, June 3: Spring Fling / Basket Raffle 6:00-8:00 pm
Friday, June 10: Field Day
Thursday, June 16: Last Day for Students (12:10 dismissal)