The Cardinal Way
Sharing the Stories of Southport High School
Leading and Learning: MUCH TO DO
It’s not enough to be busy...The question is: what are we busy about?
Henry David Thoreau
Growing up my father taught me that most of the things we have to do in our lives fall into three “to do” categories. He classifies daily task into three categories: things we “have to do,” “ought to do,” and “want to do.” He would say that we “have to do” very few things in life, and as we (my older brother and I) become men with purpose, we would not have the opportunity to do as many of the “want to do” items in our lives. My father taught us that the “ought to do” items will be the ones that define us. There are many things in the pursuit of being a great man that you “ought to do,” but most will find they do not do them because they are not willing to sacrifice the long list of “want to do” items in their lives. The “ought to do” items in our lives are what help us live a life of service.
I have always found this idea about our lives “to dos” an extremely valuable lesson and a simple way to define my priorities in life. But, I have also found that in Leading with L.E.S.S. and taking care of yourself in that process, we must make time for some of the “want to” items in our life as well.
During “school time” I can get hyper-focused on my daily work to the point where I become very distracted at home. I lose track of what I am doing, where I am going when I am driving, and I forget to finish tasks I have started as my mind wanders back to thinking about missions and passions of the school day. I am basically, getting to caught up in the “ought to do” tasks of my job, so much so, that I forget about almost everything else.
I often continue with these “ought to do” tasks even when I try to take a break. I feel that in the time I take off I should get caught up on my professional reading list, or just answer this one last email for the day. I will admit, I sometimes feel guilty for being less than productive during breaks that I take from work. But, I know when I take time, I have to take time for the “want to” times. Even though I may have not accomplished all of the things I felt like I “ought to do” in my time off, I know I will ultimately accomplish more in the long run because I took some time for myself.
We have to find time in our busy schedules for a few “want to” items each day, or week. Whether that is a few minutes of quiet time; taking a walk; reading something for enjoyment; or leaving a little earlier from work than normal to spend more time with your family. Whatever it is, we need to find ways to self-regulate ourselves each day so we can be at our best in the service of others.
I believe that time is not really the factor that keeps us from getting things done, but you hear people always complaining about not having enough. Time is the only thing, no matter who you are or where live, that is exactly the same for every human being. We all have 24 hours in the day...no more...no less. All that time does is to force us to prioritize what is really important. If you are not taking time for something, then no matter what you say, it is not a priority in your life.
Each day (or at least each week), take time for some “want to do” items in your life. Our character may be defined by how you handle the things on “ought to do” list, but we also have to remember that a life with no time given to the “want to do” items can drain you, and ultimately make you accomplish less over a long period of time.
Keep learning; keep growing; keep sharing!
What it takes to #BeACardinal:
- everyone for making Michael DeLeon's presentation on Monday a success. I appreciate everyone's willingness to adjust their schedules for the day!
- Tara Foor for organizing the author visit on Tuesday.
- Amanda Schnepp for taking her Biology students to the preschool to host a sustainability fair for the students at PTEC.
- the school counselors for organizing and hosting the Career Fair.
Grateful Friday Challenge
Week 11 Grateful Friday Challenge
Hello Happy Friday!! You can just feel the excitement in the air all over the building...okay, it might be the fluctuation of the temperature outside, but let’s just call it excitement. We’ve worked hard for the first quarter of the school year and now, in a few short hours, we get a chance to relax and recharge!
But… we are not quite there yet. Today, while we are busy trying to wrap up units and tie up loose ends to prepare for a few weeks off, let’s take time to look around and just be thankful for all the good things we have. We have classes that challenge us and students who need us. We have colleagues that support us and often laugh and cry with us as events in our lives transpire.
Today let’s celebrate by showing kindness to those who have stood alongside us for the first quarter of the school year. Todays #SHSGFC is simple -- BE KIND -- it's not always easy, but it's always important. Perform a random act of kindness today: write a thank you note, share a favorite quote with a colleague and why it means a great deal to you, give someone a compliment, write a poem about someone that usually doesn't get poems written about them, give out a handmade award to a colleague, tell each class period why they are great, or dream up some other way you can think of that will show kindness and make someone's day!
Have a great day, Southport. We will see you in a couple weeks! With banners flying as we go...
Be a Cardinal; Change lives; Put a mission into motion!
180 Days of Learning -- #CardsLearn
Michael DeLeon
Tara Foor
Ms. Foor and the #SopoReads Book Club hosted author Francesca Zappia today for the release party of her newest novel, Now Entering Addamsville. Zappia is also the author of Eliot Rosewater nominee, Made You Up and Eliza and Her Monsters., both of which are popular titles among our students and deal with mental health issues, social media personalities and what defines a "typical" teenage lifestyle. Interested students were able to sign up and attend during third block. Students who attended also had the opportunity to get their copy of the new book signed by the author. A big thank you to Ms. Foor for providing this experience for our students!
Amanda Schnepp
Career Fair
Southport High School hosted a career fair for SHS students today. The Guidance Department recruited over 100 local business to visit SHS. All students had the opportunity to attend the job fair during their iPass. The students who attended spent time talking to business that could provide anything from summer employment to career opportunities after high school or college. It was a great opportunity for SHS students to begin or continue planning for their future.
Brent Bockelman
Educational Humor
Southport High School
Email: bknight@perryschools.org
Website: http://perryschools.org/sh/
Location: 971 E Banta Rd, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Phone: 317-789-4800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHSCardinals/
Twitter: @SHS_Cardinals