Be Kind This Year

It pains me to let you know that break is over.  The time to recharge your batteries, to enjoy the outdoors, and to do what ever you want has come to end.  

I spent the summer coming to work, camping, reading, and going to the movies.  While "The Incredibles II" was amazing, perhaps the best movie I saw this year was a documentary.

The message was powerful.  The message was simple.  

Be kind.  Do all things with kindness.  Let people know they matter.

I think these are three simple rules that we can apply to our school year.

Be kind.  

Be kind to those around you...whether they are your co-workers or your students.  Some times we have to lead with our heart.  We have to know our students.  We have to know that many are coming with big baggage.  We have to be understanding.  I am not saying be a pushover (and I don't think that Mr. Rogers would say that either).  Be the person a kid or staff member can come to when things get rough and they need support or have questions.

Do all things with kindness.

It is hard to be good all the time.  It is hard to be nice all the time.  But it does make a difference in your heart and the heart of others.  Sometimes sugar attracts more flies than vinegar.

Let people know they matter.

We may be the only adults some of our kids see for the majority of their day.  Some may not see a parent.  We have to let them know we are happy they are here.  We have to let them know that we want them to grow.  We have to let them know that even when they mess up, we still care.  

We are a team in a world that is filled with anger and doubt...a scary place to be an adult in.  Can you imagine it as a child?  Mr. Rogers built a following that continues to this day by following these simple principles.  How great would it be to be remember the same way he was?  There were numerous people, including myself, crying during this movie.  We remember a man who loved everyone and for many was the first example of genuine good and kindness they were exposed to as children.  Work on being remembered as a doer of good...a doer of kindness...a doer of what is right for our children. 

"Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.  There have been so many stories about the lack of courtesy, the impatience of toady's world. Road rage and even restaurant rage.  Sometimes, all it takes is one kind word to nourish another person.  Think of the ripple effect that can be created when we nourish someone.  One kind empathetic words has a wonderful way of turning into many." -Fred Rogers

Have a fantastic school year!

PS:  Mr. Rogers must be good.  I have blogged about him before:  https://theblackboardofeps.blogspot.com/2014/03/its-such-good-feeling.html)