Weekly Message from Steve Warner, Head of School (October 14, 2013)

Greetings GreenMount Community,

            At today’s Monday Morning Meeting we discussed a topic under the Pillar of Civility titled “Communicate needs in a positive manner.”  I began the discussion stating that this is probably one of the indicators that is hardest for students to define.  As usual, the students made me reconsider my intuitions as the very first response to what this phrase means – from a third grader – was, “Make sure when you ask for something, you do it in a positive way.”

Okay, so this is an unusual response for an 8-year-old.  Then another hand came up:  “When we need something, we should make sure that we don’t distract the class.”  Wow.  Now I am beginning to think that I misjudged how astute these young people are.  Other similar comments indicated that our work with the Pillars over the last few years is paying off – at least with understandings.

The discussion ended with the final comment, from a fourth grader:  “No whining.”  A number of those fourth grade students smiled as their eyes turned to Ms. Laura (the things they remember from kindergarten).  As you go through the week, you may want to remind your children to communicate their needs in a positive manner.  Although I am sure they do that well at home.  Right?

            On Friday, we were jammin’ with two gentlemen from Trinidad as they shared their steel drums with us.  The students and staff had a lot of fun as we danced, sang along and even some had the opportunity to play the pans for everyone.  Mr. Fletcher rocked with “Mary Had a Little Lamb”.  This group was hired to perform as part of our theme immersion.

            Tomorrow, we will all be going to the National Aquarium along with many of you.  This is also part of our islands study as we focus on the importance of coral reefs and their importance to the ecological balance.  This trip was made possible, in part, because Mr. Fletcher and Ms. Tanza went for “training”, thus allowing our school to visit the aquarium for free.  We thank Fletcher and Tanza for enduring a long PowerPoint presentation that was read to them.  We all know that teachers must have words that are projected on a screen read to them.

            Today, we are having a security camera system installed.  The cameras will monitor the rear of the building as well as the front door.  Personnel in the office will be able to see these areas real time and a DVR will be recording up to three weeks’ worth of activity.  We are pleased to be able to add this system to our security measures that will help protect our students and the building.

            Finally, thanks as always for the opportunity to work in this amazing atmosphere of learning and collaboration.  I am still loving the “work” and enjoying you and your children.

Nothing is work unless you’d rather be doing something else. Not me! - George Halas

Cheers, 

Steve

Weekly Message from Steve Warner, Head of School (November 7, 2012)

Greetings, GreenMount Community,

            The election is finally over!  I never thought I would look forward to seeing commercials for free carpeting and deals on cars for which Jack says, “Yes!”.  Well, maybe that’s going too far. 

This has indeed been a season of information, and just maybe some misinformation, through which we all had to sift before ultimately making our decisions at the polls.  My voting experience was punctuated by comments I heard while waiting in line.  I vote at a senior center (appropriately) and the best comment I heard came from one of the residents.  A frail lady shuffling by noted the line and remarked, “This is terrible!” (referring to the long line).  “No, this is wonderful,” said one of her friends. “I haven’t seen this much enthusiasm since I was a younger woman.”  Indeed, the turnout at my polling place was exceptional and in a state where many people feel that the results are a foregone conclusion, I think we should be happy that we had the turnout that we did.  I was also impressed with the enthusiasm of voters.  People were friendly, talking about issues and expressing their points of view.  Now, if only the Congress can get together and follow their constituents’ example!

At today’s Morning Meeting, we discussed the expectation of treating others appropriately as listed under “Civility” as one of our Pillars.  I talked to the students about how all of us sometimes will gossip about someone who is not present because we might feel safe from a confrontation that would otherwise result from talking to the person directly.  I gave the example of how adults will sometimes do things while driving a car that they would not think of doing in person.  For example, adults sometimes cut in front of each other in their cars, but would be less likely to do the same while waiting in a line of people.  The car becomes our cocoon that protects us from the confrontation of person-to-person interactions.  Likewise, Facebook, tweeting and other cyber-communications protect us from that direct confrontation.  We discussed this idea and focused on how treating others appropriately include how we speak of them, even when they are not there.  The best GreenMount citizens do the right thing, even when no one is watching!

Cheers,

Steve