The Cardinal Way

We have an immense list of needs as a school, which means we must have a significant leadership capacity as a staff. I can, too often, fall into the trap of trying to run everything myself, not necessarily in action but in decision making. I often catch myself going into situations to give people what they need to solve a problem or reach an arbitrary goal. Problems fixed; goals met; improvements made. This process can work if my focus is on making our school better in the short term -- quick, easy, and to the point. But, this does not build lasting change. As a leader, my focus needs to be on inspiring people to solve their own problems and meet their own personal goals. I need to focus on others as the ones who drive improvement, not just myself.

This idea reminds me of the old proverb: Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. If I feed the people I lead, things will get done, problems get solved, and goals get met. At the same time, I create an environment where everyone looks to me for answers. If all the answers come from me, then I place a ceiling on learning and assure my school will never be any smarter than me. If I inspire people and teach them to fish, they will take ownership of the improvement process and we will be able to go places I alone could not help us reach. My focus cannot be on improvements and change, but rather on the people who will bring improvements and change.

Be a Cardinal; Change Lives; Put a Mission into Motion

Thank you to:

• Tara Foor for hosting the Read More Rock On authors visit this week.
• Jorie DePalma and the RDM team for their efforts in raising donations and hosting the Riley Dance Marathon tonight.

Week 32: Grateful Friday Challenge

Well, here we are...Friday… at least that is what the calendar is telling me. This is an exciting Friday (aren't they all?). It is hard to believe that we are over halfway through April and pushing into the final weeks of the school year. I know this year has been challenging, but the light at the end of the tunnel is starting to come into view. We are all hopefully feeling the excitement and the anticipation of wrapping up another school year with our students.

Today, for your #SHSGFC, find a way to take some time for yourself. Before we hit the craziness of the last 22 days of the school year (and… I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22, as in the class of 22, is trying to hold it together just as hard as we are!), try and find some time today, or this weekend, to do something for yourself, something you truly enjoy. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Laugh...even if it’s forced.

• Go for a 30-minute walk.

• Meditate for 10 minutes.

• Treat yourself to a favorite dessert.

• Watch your favorite movie.

• Dance like nobody’s watching.

• Give someone a big bear hug…but, not me.

• Look through happy photos.

• Listen to some music from your favorite artist way too loud.

• Get 8-10 hours of sleep each night this weekend...I know, that is more than you normally get this time of year in two nights combined, but give it a shot.

• Clean the house...again

• Try out a hiking trail nearby...watch out for large puddles

• Get out and do some yard work…there are surely some sticks to pick up in a week ranging from snow to 80 degrees.

Our social, emotional, and physical health are all vital right now. We have no idea what the next couple of hours, days, or weeks will bring, but take comfort in the fact that we will do it together. Rest up, relax, and enjoy the weekend! Adventures at the end of the school year are heading our way real soon!

With banners flying as we go! #FlyAsONE

Hope you enjoy this weeks 180 Days of Learning Posts

Ms. Frantz ICP students are working on a PBL project in clay chemistry. As they have worked through this process they have discussed chemical and physical changes. To learn more about chemical changes, students when to the lab to perform a simple single replacement reaction. Students created small amounts of hydrogen gas that they were able to ignite. Students then return to class to create and balance their first chemical equation of the semester.

The band has a busy weekend between drumline competitions and ISMAA competitions. Mr. Maupin and the advanced band spent time in class fine-tuning their pieces for the competition. Students work through two different pieces stopping at times to discuss the tempo and style of the piece so they could perform their best at this weekend's competition.

Read More, Rock On was a great success. Thanks to Ms. Foor, students had a great opportunity to spend time with published authors this week. Students were able to participate in events where they begin to think about the start of a graphic novel or be able to ask questions to authors about their writing process. Thank you to Ms. Foor for scheduling this opportunity for our students!

The Township Art Show was this week. It was a great opportunity for our students to show off their artistic talents. Thank you to Breanna Bierod, Cierra Means, and Bruce Thompson for helping with this event and setting up our students' work to be seen by the township!

Mrs. Peddie along with Mr. Leonard's World Geography students are preparing for their Cultures of Southport presentations. Students in our World Geography classes have learned about and created informational posters about the different countries that represent our students. Starting next week, teams from World Geography classes and Mrs. Peddie's EL classes will share their immigration stories along with other history and information about their home countries.

Website: http://websites.msdpt.k12.in.us/sh/
Location: 971 E Banta Rd, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Phone: 317-789-4800
Twitter: @SHS_Cardinals