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| Photo by ANJA KWOK on Unsplash |
This issue marks the start of the Spring Recess for 2018…although not technically a Friday, today is certainly Phenomenal. Like all of you, I am looking forward to an opportunity to recharge with family and friends.
Yesterday I enjoyed some time spent with the Rieck Avenue Jets 5th graders! I was fortunate to be invited in as a guest reader. The book selected was a Bad Case of the Stripes, by David Shannon. If you are not familiar with this particular story, it involves something just about all of us can relate to – trying to please others. In the story, a young female student is about to begin her first day of school and she is very nervous about what to wear in order to make everyone like her. She cares so much about being like everyone else that she even gave up one of her favorite foods, because according to her “nobody likes them”.
In her effort to do what she thinks others want her to do instead of following her own heart, she breaks out with the strangest illness I have ever heard of - ‘a bad case of stripes’. Whenever someone suggests something for her to be she can’t help but turn into it. I won’t spoil the ending but simply say that it is probably normal to care what others think of us. I mean who doesn’t want to be liked?!? If, however, you lose sight of who you are in the process of trying to be liked you may find yourself with a bad case of the stripes. If others determine how you feel about yourself, or how you view your self-worth you are going to be left very vulnerable.
For our young people they go through this in various stages as they develop. It is normal for students to struggle with figuring out exactly who they are along their journey. Hopefully, by the time you are an adult you have figured out who you are. Even once you have done so, it can be difficult at times not to just go along with the group despite your real beliefs. We have all been there, a conversation is taking place with a group of people and it turns to talking about someone mutually known to the group. The person may be the butt of a joke or some other derogative statement about them; despite you knowing it is wrong to talk badly about others and perhaps you even like the person they are talking about it but is often easier to just go along. Maybe you just don’t say anything, which condones the behavior, or worse yet you chime in. I can say truthfully that I have done both in my lifetime. The power of social pressure is something that is very strong. Perhaps while enjoying the great spring weather (that I am confident will not include anymore snow) you can give this a little thought. The next time you find yourself in that situation, perhaps you can boldly point out that it isn’t polite to talk badly about others. If you don’t maybe you will get a bad case of the stripes!
Have an amazing break!
Shout-outs:
"A big shout-out to Kristi Abel for organizing and leading the Wellness Report as well as developing ideas for improving Lakeside Middle School."
"For filling in for Scott Godfrey while he was out of the 6th grade office, Robin Roche did a great job of keeping the office running smoothly!"
~Spike Cook, Principal
"Eric Paulson and Luisa Lopez-Arbelo have been working diligently on trying to complete the required ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 English language proficiency testing on all ELLs grades K to 12. The wicked March weather threw a couple of monkey wrenches into the overall plan, but they're making it work. THANKS!"
~Debbie Homan, Supervisor
"For bringing enthusiasm and professionalism to the management of our Infrastructure. Jeremias Bermudez is always willing to take on any task or challenging situation as they arise."
~Dan Wright, Communications Manager
"Krystle Ammann, Bob Domico, Harry Longini, Derek Clarke, Sam Landi, Dan Lalli, Bridget Borlak, Elisa Petrini, Steve Matusz, Heather O'Donnell, Sheila Montecino, Jarrod Headley, Michele Lobaito: Thank you all for volunteering to chaperone 150 students (3 charter buses) on our annual trip to Washington, DC. Because of you we were able to visit the Holocaust Museum, eat at the United States Department of Agriculture, and see the White House, Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and war memorials. The students and I appreciate your time (an over 16 hour day) and dedication to preparing our students to become 21st century citizens."
~Jessica Kauffman, Dept. Chair
"Thanks to Lauren Daigle, I was able to say good bye to "My Documents" and I am now fully operational in Google Drive File Stream! She was so patient and answered all of my questions. I was on the fence for so long and after reading Lauren and Alicia's Tech Tuesdays, I decided it was time. If you haven't switched over yet, Spring Break is the perfect time!"
~Debby Sukinik, Supervisor
"A Bacon shout out to Patti Banker for being a great Bacon Bear. In addition to the fantastic work she does with the kids in the classroom, Patti doesn’t hesitate to jump in and help others do just about anything. From helping with school events to occasionally covering classes when needed and everything in between, Patti is a great team player and colleague to all. Thanks for being awesome, Patti! We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the students and staff at Bacon."
~Mike Coyle, Principal
"We are very fortunate to have James and Bacon as our daytime custodians at Holly Heights. They both keep our building in top shape and assist all of us on a daily basis. They also both work in our latch key program and interact with our students in a positive manner. Last night they both captained teams for our Games Galore and today assisted Mrs. Fryling's class by dropping their egg containers off the roof. They are both always willing to do whatever they can to make Holly Heights a better place."
~Steve Saul, Principal
"Thank you to Jamie Burrows, John Parkin, Rick VanArsdale, and Jim McCarthy for another successful Advisory Committee meeting. You've done a fine job of showing off the wonderful programs you run for our school. Your passion for your fields was evident and appreciated. Kudos to you all for your efforts!"
~Bridget Borlak, Dept. Chair
Have an amazing Spring Recess!!
Regards,
Dr. G.
Dr. David Gentile
Lead Learner
Superintendent of Schools
Millville NJ
856-327-6001
@drgentile_mps (Twitter)
Published by Spike Cook, Millville, NJ
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