It’s sheer insanity to expect teachers to implement both differentiated learning and standardized testing. We must choose one or the other; you can’t effectively support diverse learners while enforcing a one-size-fits-all assessment system.
Last night I watched Simone Biles get nearly 12 feet off the ground during her medal winning floor routine. In the meantime, I feel quite accomplished if I’m able to get out of my recliner without getting a cramp somewhere.
Before we try to develop our kids into elite athletes , how about we develop kids with elite respect, responsibility, character, integrity and resiliency. The athlete stuff will last awhile. The other stuff will get you through life.
Congratulations to our April Middle School Staff Members of the Month! Mr. JD Gagner-MS STEM, Mrs. Kaylie Chromy-MS Special Education, and Mr. Nolan Zimmer-6th Grade Social Studies. Thank you for all of your efforts! 🔴⚪️⚫️
#TheFalconWay#YouMatter
In my 20+ years in high school athletics, this is without question, the toughest time to be a High School Coach. With so many outlets (Select Sports, Skill Coaches, Social Media, etc) there are that many more opinions about how people should do their job. There isn’t a more scrutinized job for less money than what a High School Coach is expected to do and deal with every day. And it’s not going to get any better.
They have to manage grades, personalities, fundraising, booster clubs, parents, camps, budgets, and personalities more than most full time jobs do.
My advice to all of you, is fight the fight, because it’s worth it! You are the only ones in the arena, not the naysayers in the bleachers.. As I sit in the stands night after night, it’s becoming a sad experience listening just how easy people think these jobs are. At the same time it’s inspiring because it’s makes guys like me want to continue finding ways to give our coaches what they need when they need it. Most of the time, that’s just love and support! I am so damn thankful for our coaches and what they do every single day.
I see you in the film room when others are in bed, I talk to you when times are tough and expectations are high, and I see you with your arms around our kids even when the parents are convinced you don’t care. You know who you are, and what you’re about.
I remind you to remind yourself to coach for one reason: Love. Love for what you do, love for the kids, love for the process, and love for the lessons. While it’s harder now than ever to realize it, you are changing lives and making the world a better place… Even when others won’t take the time to realize that is what you are doing!
One big wall in my office, has a passage on it, and it’s there for a reason. It is posted below…
Two of the most successful coaches ever (Belichick and Saban) were both replaced within 48-72 hours. We are all replaceable in our jobs. However, our character, integrity, influence on others, purpose and sense of decency are not replaceable. Keep the main thing the main thing.
Parents:
Let your kids control their sports journey.
Stop yelling at them.
Stop coaching from the stands.
Stop making them watch tape with you.
Let their coaches coach, and you be mom or dad. You aren’t going to change their destiny by what you say. #LearningInTheJourney
We often ask high school students what they want to do for a career or how do they plan on making a living. Perhaps we should be asking what do they want their purpose to be and how do they want to make a difference in this world.
According to the Aspen Institute, Youth Sports are a 30-40 billion dollar industry. That is so kind of those 10 and 11 year olds to contribute to the adult economy like that. How thoughtful of them.