CN Jr/Sr HS WeAreOne
August 17, 2018
"We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect, trust, and care for each other." Vala Alfshar
This summer I read an educational blog that discussed the book, Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday. The blog shared the training philosophy from a mixed martial artist featured in the book. This philosophy centers around the idea of: Plus, Minus, Equal. The blog inspired me to dig a little deeper and even though it was shared as a part of a training regimen, it lead me to think on a more personal level. Below is the premise of the philosophy:
PLUS — Find someone with more experience to learn from.
I spoke (or at least I tried to :) on opening day about looking through the years and years of staff directories I found and thinking about all of the great people that I have been blessed to work with. I learned from these people as they shared their knowledge and experience. We all have room, and the capacity, to grow. When we stop acting with a growth mindset and stop learning from people that who have gone before us, we begin to limit our progress. If we believe we have all the answers, we will never become what we have to the potential to be. For me the “plus” is about stretching ourselves and showing others around us that we always have room to grow. I challenge all of us this school year to find someone you can discuss difficult situations with, share ideas with, or look to for guidance.
MINUS — Look for opportunities to teach or mentor
The “minus” is about sharing what you have learned to help others grow as well. It fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. When we are willing to share with others, it makes us all better. It is the philosophy of We Are One. I challenge all of us this school year to be willing to speak up and share things in areas where we excel. Look out for our 14 new staff members and offer support and guidance. Look for ways to serve others without thinking about what’s in it for us.
EQUAL — Find peers that challenge you
We are a product of those we spend the most time around. Surrounding yourself with peers that challenge you to be a better is not always easy, but is essential for growth. Equals live along beside us, struggle with the same issues, face the same challenges, but also hold us accountable for our words and actions. They are the peers that are going to tell you the truth even when it’s hard to hear it. I challenge all of us this year to find those peers. Have honest conversations and make sure those around you will share the same truth with you. Be willing to share you struggles with your peers to get feedback for improvement and offer to be that sounding board for someone else.
Having people in your life who equate to the pluses, minuses, and equals allows you to share what you have learned with others, collaboratively work with others to make things even better, and learn from those who have come before you. It forces each of us into a growth mindset as we teach, learn, and reflect in our roles.
Over the next several days spend some time thinking about who your plus, minus, and equals are here at CN and beyond. Reach out to others who you can learn from this year, offer to help those in need, and connect with others who will continue to push you to be your best throughout the year.
What An Awesome Surprise Presentation
To Kick Off Our 1st Week!
Thank You Mr. Howell for this CN Connection!
Week #1 PBL presentation by Mrs. Owen's class.
It's amazing what kids can do when we give them the freedom to be creative!
Thank you all for
celebrating our 1st week
with an Ice Cream Social!
Upcoming Events:
8/21 - School Board Meeting
8/31 - Coffee Truck at the Jr/Sr HS 7-9 a.m.
9/10 - School Wide Inservice + eLearning Day