Worcester Weekly
20 Years Leading the PACK
Encouraging Mesages
The Energy Bus for Kids by Jon Gordon
When I introduced myself to teachers and staff, I shared the powerful message of promoting and maintaining positive energy. I first learned about the impact of positive energy when reading Jon Gordon's The Energy Bus.
I'm honored to see the children's version of Gordon's book in many classrooms throughout Worcester. I'm also thankful our teachers embraced the message and have taken the initiative to share it with our students!
The children's book identifies "5 Rules for the Ride of My Life." To promote the home and school connection, I'd like to highlight one rule each week. Together, our learning community can be the one to encourage, empower, and inspire . . . And maybe, Jon Gordon can help guide us!
Rule #3: NO BULLIES ALLOWED
After creating a positive vision and fueling my ride with positive energy (regardless of what the day presents), I began to share my story with others. I used the message of The Energy Bus as a tool to introduce myself to teachers, allowing them to have a better understanding of how I embrace each day. I also shared that I wanted them to enjoy work and one another.
The next step in my journey is to share my message with families in the hope of further promoting a culture of positivity where all members of our Worcester community collaborate to overcome negativity and to manage the negative people whom we will all inevitably encounter, which brings us to Rule #3: NO BULLIES ALLOWED.
In addition to the obvious meaning, this rule encourages us to keep our experiences in perspective. For example, if I were to wish a teacher, "Good morning," and the teacher continued to walk down the hall without responding, this interaction would have "hijacked" the next 15 to 20 minutes before I learned about The Energy Bus . . . I would have overthought this brief interaction, asking:
- Is s/he mad at me?
- Did I do something?
- Does s/he need help?
I now realize that we are all drivers of own bus (although we also assume the role of passengers). I know in my heart that I do the best each and everyday. I also now realize that there are many variables that could have influenced that interaction, including:
- Maybe, s/he didn't hear me.
- Maybe, s/he is distracted by another experience.
Well, you get the idea . . . The most significant realization was I can't lose 20, 15, or even 5 minutes over analyzing it! Furthermore, if someone chooses to be negative, s/he has the right to make that decision. I just can't allow that person on my bus (if you will)! I will move forward and wish the person a good morning or afternoon the next time that I see him/her and continue to promote a learning environment where all people are supported, accepted, and embraced. It's my hope that all of our passengers will encourage one another to confront bullies (and negativity) for the good of our school community. With continuous encouragement, I'm confident that we can make Worcester a better school tomorrow than we were today!
If you're interested, please consider the following points for discussion with your child(ren):
- Negativity is a part of life. We will always have to deal with negative people and we have to learn how to overcome them (and not allow them to "hijack" our days).
- Your positive energy must be greater than all the negativity. Positivity is much more powerful than negativity.
- Bullying is wrong and no one should be a bully.
- If you are being bullied, you need to tell your teacher, school counselor, principal, parent, and/or guardian right away!
DUDE BE KIND!
DUDE BE KIND
This snapshot also reminds us to be kind to ourselves. If your child(ren) did not receive a flu vaccination, please consider this preventive measure. A special thank you to Nurse Jodi for orchestrating this event!
Wolf of the Month Awards
- Pride
- Achievement
- Creativity
- Kindness
Each student received a personalized award as well as a medal! Please join me in congratulating our September Wolves of the Month!
Fourth Grade Jeopardy
Our fourth grade team recently collaborated to introduce their weekly Jeopardy game to fourth grade students. Staff members served as the first contestants to model the procedures as well as the expectations for students who volunteer to participate over the course of the year. Congratulations to this year's staff winner, Mrs. Santucci!
PRINCIPAL SHAFFER COMPLETES CLASSROOM VISITS
Mr. Shaffer completed his classroom visits! He enjoyed meeting each member of our PACK and appreciated the warm welcome from both teachers and students. Third grade student, Connor Maguire, captured Mr. Shaffer's vision of collaboration with the attached photo, depicting Mr. Shaffer and Ms. Ryan! A special thanks to Connor and to Ms. Ryan for sharing this AMAZING artwork!
Student Council Food Drive
A special thank you to our Student Council and our families who donated 528 pounds of food and personal care items, which were delivered to the Daily Bread Food Pantry.
Worcester's Cardboard Challenge
Thank you to all of our Worcester families who participated in this year's Cardboard Challenge! If your child(ren) created something that's too large to take home on the bus, please stop by the school to pick it up.
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Upcoming Events
Wednesday, October 30th - Picture Retake
Thursday, October 31st - Scarecrow Day and Fall Classroom Celebrations
Friday, November 1st - Halloween Parades
BE THE ONE
WORCESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Website: https://www.methacton.org/worcesteres
Location: 3017 Skippack Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446
Phone: 610-489-5000