BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL
February 2020
Message from Eran
It has been a little while since our last Newsletter. We have had an interesting Fall semester to say the least. I am looking forward to an outstanding Spring as we prepare our young Bulldogs to graduate High School. Doing these newsletters always gives me time to be reflective, and appreciate the enormous contribution our staff makes to changing students lives, everyday.
It could be a teacher who sees the light bulb going off for the first time, or Michael D. helping students out in math, science or social studies, or Karen connecting with students as she is serving nachos. All of you make that difference. I have so much gratitude for our staff, as a school is only as good as the leaders it produces.
Spring will be a busy time, and before we know if, May 29th will hit. Basketball will be starting soon, goat therapy is in action, and we continue to have presentations and speakers to guide our students to better choices and experiences. Video Production has been doing an extraordinary job working out kinks and making improvements every day.
A big shout out to Daniel Kim who has been a valuable asset to the Bowman family. He just dove in, learned the structure, and most importantly, connecting with students as he teaches them a rigorous curriculum. Please take your own moment to be reflective, show gratitude, and appreciate what life has to offer, personal or professional.
YOU MATTER- Please always remember that Nina and I are hear to support you. Every one of you matter to us!
Here are some great times at Bowman High
Rosa and our Bulldog snuggling up!
Hour of Code!
Our stupendous ASB leader!
And now a quick word from our sponsor- TITLE 1/CSI
BOWMAN Holiday Party! Thank you Rosa!
Remembering Heidi Levy
Goat Therapy
Valentine's Day
Our Newest Bulldog!
7 Benefits of Apologizing to Your Students- David Geurin
I find it puzzling how students sometimes have the idea that teachers/principals/educators are somehow above making mistake or should be above making mistakes.
I remember when I was teaching 9th grade English how students would jump at the chance to point it out if I misspelled a word on the white board, as if I was suddenly an incompetent teacher. They would express shock and dismay that I would make such a mistake.
But without question, I made my fair share of mistakes, and I learned that it was best to admit them and help dispel the myth that teachers don't make mistakes.
But a bigger issue than spelling errors is how we show up in our relationships with our students. And guess what, we're still imperfect. We make mistakes in how we treat others sometimes too. And when we do, the right thing to do, and the most effective thing to do, is to admit our mistakes and apologize for them.
As a principal now, I try to model apologizing to our staff and to our students when I don't meet the mark. I've made more than my share of mistakes. It might be a small thing or it might be something bigger. It might have been overlooked or there might be hurt feelings. Regardless, it's hard to go wrong with a sincere apology.
Here are 7 reasons to apologize or express regret...
1. Shows You're Human
Kids sometimes think their teachers are above making mistakes. But kids need to know we're human too. We are doing the best we can, and we're going to make mistakes. Positive human behavior involves admitting mistakes.
2. Creates a Healthy Example
When students see us apologize and show regret for our actions, it helps them feel more confident to do the same. We get a clearer picture of how things really are when we are honest about our mistakes.
3. Shows Ownership of a Mistake
Students will be more likely to take risks if they know the teacher admits and takes ownership of his or her own mistakes in this classroom.
4. Builds Connection
When you admit mistakes, it makes your relationships stronger because students feel they can trust you.
5. Increases Your Influence
Some people fear admitting a mistake because they think other people will use it against them. But the opposite is usually true. When we admit mistakes, we appear smarter, more confident, and more sincere and that creates allies.
6. Shows You Care
People who won't admit mistakes are often self-focused and want to protect themselves rather than show they care about others. Admitting a mistake is a selfless decision.
7. Develops a Growth Mindset
When you have a growth mindset, you view mistakes as part of learning. Admitting a mistake and apologizing for it, if it hurt someone, is important to be able to move past it and learn from it.