Perspective on Luck

I was moved by this YouTube video by a favorite Western Poet of mine and thought I would share his perspective. Baxter Black's cowboy philosophy, country living and humor often tell a tale of truth. His poetry is as addictive as his sense of humor is funny. If you're unfamiliar with Baxter's work, give his name a Goolge. In the mean time, enjoy his view on what it means to be lucky.

Have a great day! Remember: People don't care what you know until they know that you care!

Mission Mantra "OHhh Yeah!"

OHhh

Yeah!!!

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Mission students unveil a new mantra for celebrating success! At the TOPDAWG Assembly on Monday, September 10 "OHhh Yeah" was introduced as a new action for celebration. When Bulldog fans are called to action by voice: "ARE YOU READY!" you will hear and see a proactive reply from Mission students. Student will stand and reply "OHhh Yeah!" This affirmation of school spirit and support goes beyond the extra-curricular setting. It is a positive anchor that all Bulldogs are encouraged to use to promote success and positive choices. 

“OHhh Yeah” has gained student popularity overnight (Monday to Tuesday). In this short amount of time, I have had several adults relate the slogan to the  1954 Kool-Aid Man.  In order to give due credit, I want to clarify the origin of "OHhh Yeah!" as presented at Monday’s TOPDAWG Assembly and as seen at the last nights volleyball match against rival Ronan (congratulations Lady Bulldogs on your 3 set victory). At least, I can tell you where the notion came from.

The etymology of "OHhh Yeah" according to Lewandowski (me): It is a colloquial term used by professional wrestler Randy "Macho Man" Savage of the World Wrestling Federation beginning in 1985. He won six world titles. Savage was the greatest champion of all time, the professional wrestling credits him for bringing "a higher level of credibility to the title through his amazing in-ring performances." Savage was recognizable by wrestling fans for his distinctively deep and raspy voice, his ring attire, intensity exhibited in and out of the ring, and his signature catch phrase, "Ooh yeah!"

The Kool-Aid Man is kinda cool (I guess), but is not responsible for the Mission "OHhh Yeah" as introduced. The Kool-Aid Man isn't tough enough for Mission. Macho Man didn't drink Kool-Aid and crash through foam walls, he ate "Slim Jims" and had a giant charisma that propelled him to the top of the performing arts finest champions: the WWF. The Mission “OHhh Yeah” is more than rescuing someone as seen by the Kool-Aid Man. The actions are as important as the words. Forming a big “O” with your arms and bringing them down to your waist with a powerful flex as you say “OHhh Yeah” is an action of the mind, body and school spirit that says we are Bulldog proud and ready! 

"OHhh Yeah" is all about celebrating lines that need to be crossed and those crossed over!  In other words, it can be used when facing challenges or celebrating success! It is charismatic by nature and action, just like the Macho Man.  One can hardly help saying the phrase without intention: It is a DECLARATION OF CONTRIBUTION!  It is Mission's Mantra used to celebrate.  LOOK for it at all Mission activities near you!

OHhh Yeah!

Have a great day!

Don't Oil The Squeaky Wheel!

One of the members of our teaching staff shared this cartoon with me in my morning email. At first I got a chuckle out of it, then I began to wonder if there is any truth to it. Just look at the child's face in the 1960 version and then look at him in 2010.

I think the perception (in this cartoon) is that teachers award grades to students instead of students earning the grades on their report cards. I often wonder how that concept may have changed. Does our society really oil the squeaky wheel? When do we take responsibility for our outcomes? Is there always someone else to blame for our grades, the weather, national debt or the fact that Dancing with the Stars eliminated the wrong couple (my wife watches it).

It seems like ownership is a convenience in our society not a responsibility. Don't get me wrong, at times I am no better than the next guy, but I think our society should take more ownership in who we are, what we do and how we do it. With that, I would like to share this quote:

The greater danger is not that our hopes are too high and we fail to reach them. It's that they are too low, and we do.

- Michelangelo

Have a great day everybody!

Before The Nest Is Empty

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

In late June, my eleven year old daughter found a robin's nest and came running to me to share her discovery. At the time, the nest was empty. We have been watching the nest from eggs to hatching. It was amazing to see that every time we came near the nest, the young robins would open up to be fed (as seen in the photo taken several weeks ago). They were totally dependent on the adult birds to help them grow and change.

Here it is in late July and the nest is already empty. The birds have gown and flown away.

Our experience with the young robins is certainly analogous with own young. As parents we spend a lot of time building a nest and preparing for the lives to come. When children do arrive, they are total dependent up on us. What is most alarming to me is that our children are only in the nest for a short time.

As educators and parents, we only have one shot at doing things right. A youngster, like my daughter, is only eleven years old once. She will only be in 5th grade once. With that thought, I feel a tremendous responsibility as the superintendent of this district to provide the leadership needed to make sure that the educational experiences and opportunities for the St. Ignatius children are the best that can be provided. The old saying: "There is never enough time to do things right the first time, but there is always enough time to do them again" is not acceptable when it comes to educating our children.

The 2010-2011 School Year will soon start and there will be over 500 students hungry to learn and grow in this district's nest. We only get one chance to give them what they need developmentally. With parents and community, the St. Ignatius teachers, staff and administration will be up to the challenge.

It is an honor and tremendous responsibility that I am able to serve the children in this district. The building and grounds staff as well as many of the teachers and administrators are currently preparing the "nest" for the school year to come.