The Cardinal Way

More and more, people focus on the immediate gratification of short-term wins. Often our definition of winning is skewed. We define winning by championships in sports, grades in schools, making money, etc. -- when ultimately, none of these things are what it takes to be a winner.

Not convinced that what I am saying is what is really important? Then answer the two sets of questions below created by Charles Schulz (the cartoonist who created Charlie Brown):

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

It is easy to see that being on any of the lists above would be an amazing feat. You would unequivocally be considered a winner if you achieved anything in those six questions. So, why can't you answer the questions?

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

You make an impact in this world by caring for people and making a difference in the lives of others. This is an important mantra for us to remember in education today. In the early 1900s, after winning a championship, a reporter asked Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg, "What do you think of your team?" He replied, "I'll tell you in 20 years." This is a challenge for educators, coaches, and parents. We need, or probably just want, to see immediate results for our work. We are measured by it. When in reality, the success of our work cannot and will not be measured for years. I challenge you to think about how you define winning. What does it mean to you, and how do you measure it?

Try not to get so caught up in the immediacy of results and performance that we lose track of what is really important. Try to place our focus on getting better each day and helping those around us do the same. How do I feel about my leadership ability - ask me in 20 years, and I will let you know if I am any good at what I am doing. That is when it will matter!

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

Thank you to:

• our EL department and all those that helped with WIDA testing this week.
• James Thorpe for braving the cold to keep our grounds safe during a very wintery week!

Week 22: Grateful Friday Challenge

Can I get a Woot Woot? It’s FRIDAY!! (Just in case you needed a reminder.)

Do you remember Snow Days when you were little? What about the joy of a 2-hour delay as a school employee? Do you remember the excitement of opening a gift and it being exactly what you wanted? Do you remember going into a class in college and finding out it was cancelled, and you just got a little time back? Do you love opening up a bite of your favorite type of candy? Do you love going to a restaurant and ordering your favorite food and beverage? When was the last time you laughed so hard your abs or your facial muscles hurt the next day? There are little joys everywhere… You just have to look for them.

Today, we will try to make some joy and share some laughs. Let’s kick it back to an old-school game if you are so inclined. You know the rules- it’s time for some Rock Paper Scissors!

Meet out in the halls between passing periods while you are monitoring the people. Establish some early rules- what count are we going on? How many games are we playing to say that we won? Then in the next passing period try walking in a different direction, seeing some new friends, and playing some more.

It’s going to be a great Friday- but we gotta make an effort and have some fun.

With banners flying as we go! #FlyAsONE

Hope you enjoy this weeks 180 Days of Learning Posts

Mrs. Marshall has been working throughout the year to mentor our Hispanic population. During, iPass this week, Mrs. Marshall coordinated a guest speaker to talk to our junior Hispanic students about preparing for life after high school. They talked about post-secondary training and requirements for students to attend college. We thank Mrs. Marshall for her focused efforts to support out Hispanic students!

Mrs. DePalma hosted a Domestic Violence training for a handful of students this week. Students were able to participate in this training and learn more about how to support other students who might have experienced domestic violence in their lives. Thank you to Mrs. DePalma for supporting our students and coaching them to be able to support others in our building who have experienced traumatic events in their lives.

We began WIDA testing this week. We appreciate all the support from our EL teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators to help proctor these tests. Students have been working hard to get ready for WIDA and have had great attendance this week as they begin this testing process.

It was max week in the football weights class. Students spent time in class finding the max weight they could lift in bench, squat, and clean. Each student also received a shirt they will wear during weights where the max weight was written on the shirt. As student's continue to get stronger, they will be able to display their hard work on their back as they prepare for next season.

Mrs. Rettig's DC Business students are learning about the importance of communication skills during class. Students were given different pages from the book Zoom and had to work as a class to put the pictures from the book in the proper order without showing the picture on the page to any other student. Students then spent time reflecting and the difference between vision and knowledge and how that might impact their communication in the business world.

Shared by Mr. Cissell

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