The Cardinal Way
Sharing and Learning at Southport Middle School
Student Success is a Team Effort!
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IN THE MIDDLE OF IT - Thoughts from a Middle School Principal
TEACHERS ARE MY HEROES
I grew up in a house where both my parents were teachers, and then married a wonderful teacher who was the daughter of two teachers. So to say the least, teachers and teaching have always been a big part of my life. But as age provides perspective, I have come to realize that teachers are more than that central theme -- teachers are my heroes. When I looked up the word “hero” in the dictionary, I found the definition: A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. I also found that the origin of the word hero can be traced back to the ancient Greeks in stories of Hercules or Achilles. Greeks told stories of said heroes, who in the face of danger and adversity, showed courage and self-sacrifice while accomplishing great feats. What the world views as heroism, courageous behavior, and self-sacrifice, is what I see happening every day in our classrooms. This is why teachers are my heroes. Students come to schools everyday with a variety of needs. Some come from great environments, with support systems and strong moral values; while some come to school hungry, tired, lacking self-confidence, or with limited English proficiency Whether students come from a home of: poverty or wealth, chaotic situations or nurturing environments, negative influences or positive role models; teachers push these students to be their personal best because they know that each child has the ability to be great. Everyone has been effected by a teacher. Teachers hold the future in shaping the minds of young men and women everyday. Teachers inspire students, who never thought they could, nor dreamed that they might be able, to do amazing things and to be successful. Teachers push the brightest to accomplish more and do more than they realized they could. Teachers provide love and encouragement to the lowest achieving students to let them realize that they too can follow their dreams. Teachers are often so giving of themselves, they spend more time with other peoples children than they spend with their own. Teachers spend long hours helping students learn and grow, finding ways to make the knowledge meaningful, and dreaming up ways to help students achieve. Teachers make connections and form relationships with students. Teachers build our future one students at a time.
One of my dad's favorite sayings is: "When you are up to your armpits in alligators, don't forget you came to drain the swamp." I try to remind myself of this daily. The process of imparting knowledge is what is important; teachers should never forget their mission and why they chose to do this job. Teachers grow with students through their most difficult times, finding opportunities for success and self-worth in students lives. Most teachers got into the teaching profession to serve others, realizing that their efforts will pay off in the long run, long after the students have left their classrooms. Teachers many times never get to see the end product of the students they inspire. Their kindness, dedication, and selflessness, many times will go unthanked, and seemingly unappreciated, but they continue to show up each day with a passion to change the world. Teachers are heroes for their students every day! If these traits do not sound like the courageous or noble attributes of a hero, then I don't know what does.
If you have not done so lately, take the time to thank a teacher who made an impact in your life. Whether it be one from your school days, or just a fellow educator down the hall, take the time to show your appreciation. I promise you, it will be the best gift that teacher gets during the holiday season!
This is cross posted on my Principal's Blog
CARDINAL SPOTLIGHT
- The Discovery Team hosted it's annual penny war to support a family in need at Christmas. Thank you to the Discovery Team members for your efforts to support our families!
- Thank you to Paula Swengel for organizing our yearly custodial lunch. We appreciate your efforts to support our custodial staff.
- Thank you to all who brought food for the pitch-in lunches this week. It was great to take a break and enjoy each others company during lunch.
MR. KNIGHT'S INTERESTING READ FOR THE WEEK
- Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs explains why “follow your passion” was the worst advice he had ever received. Click here to read. This is an interesting point of view, it really made me think.
- I try to read a fitness article about nutrition or exercise each day. I found this short read interesting. There are lots places in our lives this can apply, not just in workouts. One Quick Tip to Get Through That Tough Workout
#180DAYSOFLEARNING
Music Department
Tanya Johnson
Georgina Mayorga
Brooke Nelson
Yancy Crawford
Chris Stevenson & Casey Pennington
EDUCATIONAL HUMOR
Southport Middle School
Website: http://websites.msdpt.k12.in.us/sm/
Location: 5715 South Keystone Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Phone: 317-789-4600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthportMiddleSchool
Twitter: @SouthportMiddle