I’d like to think that everything that we do with our students is
worthwhile at some level, but when we can create and provide experiences that stick
with students and become a part of them as people it is truly special. This
past week our students had some pretty incredible opportunities to do just
that.
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Our classroom meetings became even more meaningful as our entire building
had the opportunity to show gratitude to those that sacrifice so much for all
of us; veterans and active military. Students were able to ask questions and
talk to veterans from various eras about their experiences while serving our
country. In addition to that students wrote letters to active servicemen and
women as part of Operation Gratitude. The thoughtfulness, heartfelt
appreciation and genuine gratitude that students expressed in their letters was
incredible. As a result of this experience I think our entire building has a
much greater appreciation for veterans, our active military and all of the
sacrifices that they have and continue to make for us.
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| Matt Bellace firing up our kids |
On Thursday we had a whole-building assembly to hear Matt Bellace. Dr. Bellace is a comedian who has a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology (the study of the brain and behavior), and is the author of the book, "A Better High". Dr. Bellace’s message is a positive, science-based and seriously entertaining approach to substance abuse prevention with a focus on getting high naturally. He had 700+ students and nearly 100 staff members listening, laughing and thinking for just over an hour. If you’ve ever been in a gym with over 700 middle students you know how impressive that is! As entertaining as it was, it was as equally powerful in its message.
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| 700 focused students |
In the days following those experiences I have had many students approach
me in the cafeteria, hallways and classrooms at the end of last week to talk
about how great the week was. Each of those kids had their own perspective on
what made it so special, but all of them shared a personal connection to one or
both of those events on Tuesday and Thursday. If just one of our students were
inspired this week to show more gratitude in their lives or find natural highs
and make healthy choices then it was worth the time and effort to make those
events happen.
In life the most meaningful things stay with us; the rest we let go of. A
lot of the “stuff” we teach our students is going to be lost when the year ends
and we go our separate ways. But I don’t think many of our students (or adults
for that matter) will forget the words and experiences of our veterans or
thoughtfulness that went into the letters we wrote to active service members as
part of Operation Gratitude. And I don’t think anyone in the gym on Thursday
will forget experiencing the power of laughter firsthand and how incredible
that makes you feel. Most importantly, I hope that all of our students
recognize and don’t forget that they have other options besides drugs and
alcohol to get high and feel good about themselves. In the end, these are the
reasons we got into this profession in the first place; helping to shape young
people into caring and successful adults.
When it is all said and done this past week was way more than just another
week. If you haven’t had the chance to talk to your student(s) about it I
encourage you to do so. Hopefully there will be a lot of thinking, reflecting
and growth that comes out of these experiences.
Continued Success,
Steve Dunham
@Sdunhamwgms
