I believe the youth of our nation are in much better shape than many may think--the jury though is still out on their parents.

 

This past weekend and last night, I had the pleasure of watching children and young adults perform at very high standards and showcase talents most of us can only wish to have.

 

Saturday morning and early afternoon was Celebrate the Arts in District 56. The City of Clinton and LCSD 56 hosted a three-hour festival in downtown Clinton primarily at the Depot.

 

The schools' various choral programs performed to the delight of the audience and many equally proud parents. The third grade had a combined show choir from all of the schools. There is often much talk about the competition among the schools but there was absolutely only cooperation and collegiality among the students and teachers at this event.

 

The art teachers had artwork prominently displayed on the walls and windows of downtown establishments. There were booths set up for chalk drawings and face painting.

 

Later that evening, I attended the CHS Spring Musical--Yearbook Reflections. Simply, it was amazing. The students (and teachers) did an outstanding job. Rarely can a play have you laugh and cry at the same time by delving into both extremes of the emotions...but this play did. I left amazed and in fact crafted my monthly Chronicle article around the play. It was that good.

 

Last night, I attended Senior Experience at CHS. Of all the ones I have done in the past, this was the best. The students were pumped and professional; the judges were effusive in their praise of the students' efforts, and the whole night was what education should be every day.

 

Tonight, FFA holds its annual recognition banquet and the CHS Choral and Band performs in the auditorium.

 

So many things are happening at the schools during this month. I compare this time of the year to a fireworks show when, near the end, the fireworks explode with more intensity and in rapid, cacophonous beauty. You always know near the end nothing is held back and everything is magical.

 

As we move toward the finish, may we be renewed in the promise, passion, and potential we share each day in molding the lives of the future.

 

May it be so.
David

I guess everybody has heard the quote in the subject line of this email sometime in their lives. It usually indicates a strong, unwavering commitment to offset the plans of someone else who means harm, hurt, or humiliation.

 

I knew something wasn't right in Ms. Vanlue's voice Thursday morning. I was leaving Clinton Elementary when I got the call about 9:30 AM. "Dr. O'Shields, I need you to get to the district office as soon as possible."

 

I knew something just didn't seem right. I wasn't sure what it was but I knew I had to get there quickly. When I arrived, I went into Ms. Vanlue's office and she asked me to close the door. I did....(I usually do what Robbie says anyway.)

 

She showed me the letter Ms. Riley had brought to her just moments earlier. I sat dumbfounded, numb, and incredulous over the comments made by the anonymous author. Although I cannot go over specifics (since it is now a criminal matter), I can tell you how proud I am of you for your unwavering professional attitude and commitment to all that makes teaching the noblest of professions.

 

From the time we told the police to the time we told the district and school leaders to the time schools went on a modified lockdown (or heightened security watch), the courage, resolve, and grit of our employees was never in question and on admirable display.

 

I want to say thank you for the calm, reassuring manner you went about the past two days. All schools, all personnel, and all efforts were focused on protecting the students. I went to each school Thursday afternoon and it was uniformly evident we had risen to the challenge.

 

Terri and I talked about the courage, commitment, and compassion demonstrated by our district's employees when we were coming home from church today. She is a far more eloquent speaker and thinker than I (Simply put, she is much smarter.).

 

She said (and I asked her to write it down), "The face of District 56 in our community was not eclipsed by the ugly words of a coward sent through the mail."

 

No, the face of 56 was never so unwavering as it was during the past two days. It was a face of pride, anger, and determination. It was a face of bravery...a face of reassurance...of calm.

 

As superintendent, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to each of you. Cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, teachers, aides, and all folks in between--Thank you. Principals, assistant principals, administrative assistants, administrative designees: Thank you.

 

Unfortunately, we can not drop our guard. We cannot waiver or relent. We must remain vigilant and diligent. The anonymous fear monger has yet to be apprehended. His threats are painfully real and we cannot assume them to be anything less than that. We must maintain the "eyes in the backs of our heads" more than ever now.

 

I always knew I was lucky to be in District 56. I always knew there were special people in the classes, in the cafeterias, on the busses, and in the offices. I always knew this was my home and the schools, our houses. I always knew we were family. And family always has your back!

 

The line from the inspirational movie Rudy never rang truer than this past week, "No one comes into our house and pushes us around. Nobody!"

 

We made sure of that last week. We will make sure of that this week. And we will make sure of that as long as any of us has breath in our bodies. No one will hurt our children, our colleagues, our friends...."Over our dead bodies."

 

May it be so!
David

The last chapter of the Coach Wooden book focuses on a spirit of appreciation and gratitude.

His final principle is: "Pray for Guidance and Counsel, and Give Thanks for Your Blessings Each Day."

 

Most of us have never had a "Saving Private Ryan" experience. If you have ever seen the movie, you know the principal figure--James Ryan--is rescued and sent home as the last remaining male member of his family. Many other lives were lost in the mission to "save Private Ryan." The dying lieutenant, Tom Hanks, urges Private Ryan to "Earn this! Earn it." In other words, the sacrifices of others' lives for Private Ryan shall not have been in vain if Private Ryan recognizes what was done for him and to live a life of gratitude and paying it forward.

 

John Wooden served in World War II. He was to have been on the USS Franklin, a brand new Essex-class aircraft carrier (top of the line ship). Unfortunately, he was unable to take to sea. He had to have an emergency appendectomy. His chance to be on the new ship in the thick of the battle was gone

 

A friend of his, Freddie Stalcup, from college took his place. Only 50 miles from the Japanese mainland, the USS Franklin launched an assault on the mainland. Little did anyone know that the real assault was to be on the USS Franklin. Japanese dive and torpedo bombers and kamikaze pilots relentlessly pounded the Franklin.

 

Freddie Stalcup died manning the gun John Wooden was to have occupied.

 

John Wooden never forgot that. He kept a metal cross in his pocket for the remainder of his life...recognizing the presence of God in his life. Coach Wooden had that cross in his pocket every game he coached...and until he died.

 

What does this say about us? Too often, we are ungrateful or worse yet, hypocritically grateful (feigning gratitude or giving lip service for the blessings we have without ever really thinking about the many things we have truly been GIVEN.)

 

What can we take from this?

Wow. Coach Wooden was noted for saying, "If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes."

 

May we re-center ourselves with a spirit of gratitude and reflective practice. May we look at today as Colonel Rexford exhorts. "Today is a gift. That is why they call it the present." Make the most of our time with students, with colleagues, with parents, and especially with your own family.

 

We have all been richly blessed. May we share our wealth of memories, experiences, time, and talents with those less fortunate.

 

May it be so!
David

Today's principle from John Wooden's book is very appropriate: "Build a Shelter Against a Rainy Day by the Life You Live."

 

No one likes to get wet, especially on a cold, rainy day like this morning. But it has been said, "Into each person's life, a little rain must fall."

 

John Wooden believed there were five building blocks to establishing a shelter capable of withstanding the storms of life:

(1) a shelter of character and values;

(2) a shelter of self-discipline;

(3) a shelter of faith;

(4) a shelter of friends; and

(5) a shelter of family.

 

Terri's alma mater (Oglethorpe University in Atlanta) has its mott "Make a Living, Make a Life, Make a Difference!" This really is what John Wooden is talking about.

 

Having a respite against the storms of life, a safe harbor, is necessary. It is somewhat like the childhood game of Freeze Tag. I remember playing with my friends and running frantically, frenetically, and feverishly from pillar to post trying to avoid the "Designated It." You constantly were aware of where base was...and always made a bee-line to it when the "It" was after you.

 

Think about it. Things don't really change that much as adults. We still have those plaguing "Its" that try to freeze us and steal our joy. Only when we recognize the need for our own "bases" and then utilizing them can we be most effective.

 

 Our "Its" may be different but the outcome is always the same: Try not to be tagged or disabled or incapacitated. Society comes up with all sorts of antidotes. Unfortunately, the only things that work are what Coach Wooden mentioned.

 

May we look ahead at building now those shelters in the way we live, treat others, and want to be treated.

 

May it be so.

David

Only two more principles left in the Coach Wooden "Seven Principles That Will Shape and Change Your Life" series! (Goodness, I sound like an evangelist, don't I?)

 

Today's principle is "Make Friendship a Fine Art." At first glance this looks like a "No "duh" statement but on closer observation there is much wisdom in this admonition.

 

The cynical person may say, "Why should anyone have to make friendship a 'fine art?'"

Don't friendships happen naturally?

 

I guess we can all say we have friends. But do we really? What distinguishes a real friend from someone who merely hangs out with "shallow, superficial" acquaintances?

 

I think we have to look first at what Coach Wooden is NOT saying. He is not telling us to make a lot of friends. He is telling us to cultivate those relationships with those people we regard as close, meaningful, and genuine.

 

Too often in this day and time, people want to be liked by everyone. We try to be all things to all people, stretching ourselves thin and running ourselves ragged in the process. All in the name of being accepted, known or admired!

 

True friends, it is said, know our faults and like us anyway. There is no doubt in my world that my best friend, Terri, knows me and accepts me...warts and all. She is always there telling me what I need to hear and not what I always want to hear.

 

Do you have friends who can do that...beyond your spouse? If you do, then you are a most fortunate person. George Bailey learned that the hard way in the Christmas movie It's A Wonderful Life. At the end of the film when Zuzu tells George "Teacher says, every time you hear a bell ring an angel gets its wings." George looks at the mysterious present the book Tom Sawyer...(which is a nice tie-in to last week's principle I might add) and reads a quote that chokes me up every single time...yep...every single time.

 

"Remember no man is a failure who has friends.

Thanks for the wings.

Love, Clarence"

 

How often do we spend time cultivating the friendships we hold dear? Coach Wooden would tell you anything worth doing takes time...even cultivating friendships. It takes discipline and sacrifice and time....talk about the dedication to a "fine art."

 

My hope this Valentine's Day is that you remember your special person as you should BUT that you also affirm those special people whom you call friends with a note, a call, a thank you.

 

But remember...

A friend is not a rubber stamp, a convenient "anything goes" conscience, but instead is a rock and fortress...one willing to stand with you in the rain or suffer with you in silence through the pain.

But remember...

 

A good friend protects the reputation of his "friends," never breaks a confidence, never gossips or embarrasses his friends. When others gossip or criticize, a true friend will stand up and defend.

 

Oprah Winfrey said it well, "Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down."

 

That is what Coach Wooden is talking about. Be a friend to someone today. Pledge to be a better friend to those you love tomorrow.

 

May it be so!
David

I have listed two of Coach Wooden's "Seven Principles for Successful Living." Can you remember them?

(1) Make each day your masterpiece.

(2) Be true to yourself.

 

Keeping in this vein, Coach Wooden also encourages us to (3) Help others. I guess we could cop a plea and say our being in education is proof enough for this principle; however, Coach would probably ask us to dig a little deeper in the fertile ground of our actions, attitudes, thoughts, and words.

 

What does "helping others" really mean? Is it a once-and-done checklist? Is it our heightened awareness at holidays? I think Coach Wooden expects far more...it is a daily understanding of doing our best to help others reach their best. It is the summation of the old adage, "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime."

 

The most interesting two point to Coach Wooden's approach of "Helping Others" were his "Woodenisms":

(1) You have not lived a perfect day until you've done something for somebody who cannot repay you.

(2) Consider the rights of others before your own feelings and the feelings of others before your own rights.

 

In this very cynical day and time, it is easy to think "What if I help? Am I being used? Am I being duped?" We are so prone to examine the situations of others that this examination can lead to paralysis of action. No one wants to be scammed or have the wool pulled over one's eyes.

 

An interesting story from the famous author, Dr. Maya Angelou, explains John Wooden's thoughts about this concern. When asked by a friend to speak at a certain function, Dr. Angelou readily agreed. Later, feeling guilty for using his friendship to leverage her to agree, her friend stated, "I hope you don't feel that I am using our friendship in order to get you to volunteer."

Dr. Angelou quicked retorted, "If one cannot be used, it only means that one is useless."

 

A former minister of Terri's and mine always ended his sermons with the benediction that we, as Christians, be used up completely before our appointed time to die. His rationale was not on our being saved (as an item to be put on a shelf) as much as our being used (doing what we can to spread love).

 

Have you lived a perfect day lately? If not, what better time to start than today. May it be so.
David

 

 

 

Another of John Wooden's "7 Principles" was "Be true to yourself." At first look that seems like so much pop psychology. Of course, one would be true to him or herself, right? If you can't be true to yourself, then whom would you ever be true to?

 

Wooden would say, "Exactly!"

 

The problem with today's world is "the end justifies the means." "If it feels right, do it." "Climb the ladder of success by whatever means necessary." It is no wonder our students are so messed up. Advertising, social media, and pop culture send a torrential downpour of such messages.

 

But John Wooden thought differently. He distilled everything down to one word: Integrity. Being true to yourself is a "command to be faithful to your highest self, to your values, your honor, your integrity..."

 

Refuse to compromise yourself. Never sacrifice your principles.

 

Coach Wooden was asked by the UCLA administration to play a game against NC State (the team who had knocked the Bruins out of the Championship in 1974) on a Sunday. A major television network proposed the idea and the UCLA administration was more than enamored with it. Coach Wooden listened to the proposition and then said, "If you want to schedule that game on Sunday afternoon, go right ahead. But I won't be there."

 

Wow! That was a courageous stand based on principles and beliefs and not by potential television exposure or dollar signs.

 

I want to leave you with three of John Wooden's "Wooden-isms" pertaining to Integrity:

1) It isn't what you do but how you do it.

2) Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

3) Discipline yourself and others won't need to.

 

May it be so.
David

 

Well, I hope everyone has gotten back into the swing of things. I didn't resolve, per se, to make sure my weekly messages come out of Tuesday but I am trying.

 

Remember last week when I said I was reading one book per month. I am! In fact, the John Wooden book, simply titled Coach Wooden, is a folksy, personal account of the impact left by the great college basketball coach at UCLA.

 

The book focuses on the seven core principles that shaped his life and may well change ours. One of the most poignant principles is "Make Each Day Your Masterpiece."

 

The underlying premise is this: Give your best everyday. Don't make excuses. Don't settle. Don't whine.

 

It is interesting to note that great coaches share this philosophy. Coach Wooden carried the seven principles in his wallet (given to him on a handwritten note from his dad upon "graduating" 8th grade.). Coach Bear Bryant had a plaque in his office that read: "What have you traded for what God has given you today?"

 

The focus on being the best you can be takes no time off, no vacation, no holiday. It is a constant state of being. It also is an active assertion of how one views the world.

 

Former UCLA player Frank Arnold put it best: "That principle from the seven-point creed--make each day your masterpiece--tells me that the quality of my day depends on me. It's something I initiate. 'Have a great day' is a passive statement. But 'Make it a great day' means that I am in charge of making my day great. I learned that from Coach. Once we understand that truth, it changes the way we live out our lives."

 

Make it a great day! May it be so.
David 

Welcome back, all. I hope your holiday was a good one. The O'Shields' family had its typical Griswold family holiday season...numerous shopping trips to who-knows-where before Christmas, pinball holiday travels to Columbia, Memphis, TN, and Atlanta, GA, and eye-gorging holiday meals. Am I glad to be back at work?

 

Yes, yes I am! 2013 is upon us...we know not what the future holds but we move inexorably forward. Normally, the Tidbits are not as personal as this one...but the feature this week is on what can we do differently or better than last year. So I can use only myself as the lab rat.

 

It is my hope you look at this new year as a fresh start. I am not one for lofty resolutions but I have decided on a few this year:

 

1) Read more. My family, Terri and the girls, read ALL OF THE TIME. In fact, Terri is part of a book club that meets once each month to discuss the assigned novel. I on the other hand am the reluctant non-reader. Abstracts and articles have been the extent of my reading for years. Books and I are not close friends. HOWEVER I resolve to read one book (of three hundred pages or more) each month. I am reading two biographies now, one of Thomas Jefferson; one of John Wooden (the legendary UCLA coach).

 

2) Eat more fish. Notice I didn't say, eat less. I have failed on that one too many times. So instead I actually told myself to eat more...fish. I am 54 and no longer a spring chicken. When I try to fluff my feathers, more fall out than stay in. I have to take care of myself. Everyone says fish is good for you so as the old song goes (slightly paraphrased) "Let's hear it for the Gills." I resolve to have fish four times each week.

 

3) Get up earlier. I am a night owl. I really am. I love to stay up late. Second only to rocking, I love to stay up late. I hate to get up in the mornings but I love nighttime. This year, I am working hard to go to bed earlier and get up earlier. I can't say I have been 100% (even in the first 8 days of the new year) but I am working on it.  I resolve to get up 30 minutes earlier each morning.

 

So, there you have it. My three goals. Since the year is young, I encourage you to set goals for yourself. If you are so inclined, share them. I think we are small enough as a district to "be family." Some of the best self-checks we have are those whom we consider our extended family.

 

No one is required to respond but I think it could be good and therapeutic to list any "goals or resolutions" we have. The year is young. May we work to make this one the best one yet!

 

May it be so.
David

By now everyone has been brutally made aware of man's malevolence and mistreatment of others, most lately manifested in the Sandy Hook massacre. Innocent lives were taken for no reason and without warning.

 

In light of such horror and hatred, I want you to know that I recognize the tremendous stress we deal with everyday and additional stresses we will deal with this week. The stress of the upcoming holiday, the ending of a semester (exams to be given, grades to be calculated, and report cards to be completed), and the traumatic events this past Friday reinforce our need to exhibit understanding and vigilance.

 

Granted, in the face of others' tragedies we rededicate ourselves to safety (as well we should), security, and emergency protocol review. All of this is important, maybe the difference between life and death.

 

But on another level, we need to be understanding and empathetic. Students may well be at the end of their tether or you may be. Take the time to notice people as people...not merely as a potential test score, a nagging parent, or unreasonable boss. Understand people...especially our children. They probably have little understanding of what happened in Connecticut but then again, they may. They may want to talk.

 

Should children need to speak with a counselor or other professional, please be cognizant of their needs.

 

None of what happened Friday makes any sense. None of it! How one so angry and aberrant can senselessly end the future and promise of others makes no sense.

 

May we continue to be do our part daily to live to the high calling of the One whose season we celebrate and work continuously to "bring peace on earth and good will to mankind."