Falcon Flyer
Week of January 7, 2019
Lessons from Clemson
If you know me, you know that I am not much of a football fan. Growing up in a home with my two sisters, my poor dad didn't have much of a chance to even watch football on tv. In fact, I was grown and married before I realized he even cared about football (HA!). I often say that if you see me at a football game (outside of an LMS/LHS game) I am there for the food. I've even been known to fall asleep during at least one Furman game (while in attendance at the actual game). However, I am a Dabo fan. It's hard not to be.
It's easy to take many of Coach Swinney's leadership secrets and to see how they could apply to our classrooms and school setting. It is obvious while watching him coach or be interviewed, Dabo loves his players and their families, and he wants what is best for them. This love and focus on relationship building stands at the center of his leadership style and the success of the Clemson program. You see this focus spread throughout as his players graduate and move on. It seems like every time we turn around another one of his former players is stepping up to help someone in need. Imagine the reach we could have if we were able to do this with all of our students!
I've taken a few of my favorite Dabo quotes and shared them below, along with some of my thoughts.
1. "To be an overachiever, you have to be an over-believer"
If anything is to be accomplished in our classrooms, our school as whole, we must first believe in it. We must exude positivity about it. We must share that positive attitude with all around us. It can be difficult not to be pulled into the negative conversations. I challenge you to be the person that walks away from the negative conversations instead of participating in them. While we do have to address the negative behaviors, how we do so will make a world of difference.
2. "The Only Disability in Life is a Bad Attitude"
Learning from our own mistakes is a hard thing to do. Personally, I hate admitting when I am wrong about something. But, I have to do it more than I would like to admit. Always believing that we can find our way rather than focusing on the negative will make a difference in all aspects of life.
3. "Bad things happen in life...but it is how you respond that counts."
Yes, bad things are going to happen, but as I often tell students, "Our mistakes don't define us. It is how we respond that defines us." How are we responding to events that take place that don't go just as we hoped they would? What lesson will our students be learning from our responses to their performance or poor behavior?
4. "Life is not about those (special) moments. Life is truly about how we live in between these moments. Doing the little things in a great way."
While our students will certainly remember the special moments that we give them, it will be how we treat them daily that they will remember most. Building relationships with our students is essential. Once they know that we care, they will bend over backwards to do just about anything for us!
5. "No matter what's behind us in the rear view mirror, it's always about what's next." Regardless of what success we achieve, we must remember that it does not guarantee us future success. If today turns out to be a rough day with that particular student that always manages to get under your skin, tomorrow is a new day. Let it be a new day for you and for the student. Start over. Don't hold it against them. I don't know about you, but I rarely (if ever) have a perfect day. I am always thankful for the grace that is offered to me by those around me. Do your best to offer the grace that you appreciate receiving as well!
6. "Continue to do common things in an uncommon way. Continue to be 'all in'. Continue to apply 'best is the standard.' Continue to be a person of excellence in everything you do."
Continue to "Rise Up"!
Each day, as I make my way home from LMS, I reflect on the day. I am so proud of all of the hard work that takes place in our school each and every day. Together, we have accomplished so very much. We have a long way to go, and some days are certainly easier than others. Lets work together to make the second semester the very best!
Please do not hesitate to let me know how I can help you in any way!
Faculty News
Please keep Donna Rhodes and her family in your prayers. Donna's sister passed away last week.
Congratulations to Colin Rork and his wife, Emily. They are expecting a little one in July. I know that Lily Kate is beyond excited to be a big sister.
Diana Prickett will be leaving us on January 25th to join her husband in Oklahoma. We will miss her dearly.
Lauren Lovelace and her husband, Brian, welcomed a beautiful little girl at the end of December. Lauren and the baby are doing quite well.
As you already know, Pam Putnam retired effective January 1st. Lynette Sefick has once again agreed to come out of retirement to help us out for this semester.
Mr. Floyd recently heard from Clara Eades. She is happily subbing and enjoying retirement!
Saturday School Dates
January 26th - Ellison AIC
February 9th - Cassidy AIC
February 23rd - Floyd AIC
March 9th
March 23rd
April 6th
April 27th
May 11th
BEAR 2.0
Beginning Friday, the start of second semester, BEAR 2.0 will take place. Six eighth grade students have been identified to participate in this program. Enrollment in this program will remove these students from the general setting for most of the school day for a period of time of approximately 4.5 weeks. Dr. Wendy will also provide these students with additional daily reading and writing activities. Our goal is to help these students refocus their energy and improve behavior and academics and get them back into the classroom setting as quickly as possible. Ultimately, advancement out of the program will be based on coursework completed and evidence of improved behavior. If you would like to know a little more about this program, please speak with Lisa, Jeremy, or Colin.
Advanc-ED
More information on this visit will provided as soon as we receive it.
New After School Music Program
Evaluation Reminders
Please also be sure to complete your professionalism self-review before February 1st. This will allow your lead administrator about a week to complete their professionalism review before the February 7th deadline.
after school tutoring and activity
Important Reminders from HR
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ysSr8YOJruIiLaJTNwCd317vCiPSY7ke/view?usp=sharing
Also, please remember that strong scents should not be used in your classrooms as many students, faculty and staff have adverse reactions to these scents. Thank you for being considerate!
Copies
New to LMS
Misty Black - Guidance Clerk
Misty was born and raised here in Liberty and graduated from Liberty High when it was at this location. She holds a degree in music from Anderson University and has three children – one in elementary, middle and high – all here in Liberty. We are excited to have her as part of the LMS family.
Joni Adams - 6th Grade Math Teacher
Leah Dawson - One on One Visual Assistant
My name is Leah Dawson. I grew up in Easley, SC. I have a Bachelor of Arts in English from Clemson University. I married my high school sweetheart in February of this year and we have one fur baby, a golden retriever named Remi. I am so excited to join the LMS family!
Upcoming Dates
January
7 - Basketball - Honea Path
10 - Basketball AT Belton
11 - 3rd Nine Week Rotation
11 - Start of BEAR 2.0 for Qualifying 8th Graders
13 - Teacher grades due in Powerschool
14 - Basketball - Dacusville
14 - Greenville Swamp/ Readathon
16 - 2nd Nine Week Report Cards go Home
16 - Beta Club field trip 1/16- 1/18
17 - Basketball AT West Oak
21 - No School
22 - Cassidy - out of building - Floyd AIC
22 - Basketball - Starr Iva
23 - Cassidy - out of building - Floyd AIC
24 - Cassidy - out of building - Floyd AIC
24 - Basketball AT Honea Path
25 - Cassidy - out of building - Floyd AIC
26 - Basketball Region Tournament AT BHP
26 - Saturday School 8 am - 11 am