Weathering the Storm

Last week I attended a very special ceremony. The officials in the county where I grew up, Montgomery County, Maryland, decided to name and dedicate a park in memory of my mother. My mother, who died at age 70 just this past November, was an active member of her community. She was a newspaper publisher, a representative in the House of Delegates, and at the time of her death she was a Commissioner on the Planning Board.

In typical East Coast fashion, the day was hot and sticky and cloudy. And, sure enough at 3:00 that afternoon, the skies opened, the thunder rolled and the lightning flashed. The ceremony was scheduled for 4:00, in the park. Friends called in a panic to ask "is it still on?" Others called to say "cancel immediately!" And others said "hey, just hang on, it will blow over." But really, those who live there and have lived through just a few summers know that these storms--although they are angry and ugly and noisy--usually do just blow over.

The wonderful young woman from the parks department who was responsible for the ceremony called me at 3:10 to say that the plan was to "play through" and she would keep in touch with me as the time ticked on.

I admit I wasn't too sure. The thunder was loud and the lightning flashed frequently... I was growing concerned that perhaps we would have to postpone the ceremony. But my flight back to Denver was the next morning. When would we reschedule it?

But, wouldn't you know it, as we headed to the park at 3:50, the skies cleared, the rain ended and we were, in fact, able to "play through." Many, many people, elected officials and dear friends, came together to share thoughts and gratitude for my mother's work and friendship. An occasional sprinkle of rain came through and the wind blew away the table cloth, but my sisters and I realized that we would have sat through anything to have the opportunity to listen to these stories about our favorite person in the world. It was truly a beautiful afternoon.

And, as I got on the plane to return to our wonderful Colorado weather and blue sky, I couldn't help but search for a lesson in the turn of events that afternoon. Perhaps it was a reminder of the importance of patience. Perhaps it was meant to be a reminder that during the tough times it is essential to stay calm and focused on the goal. Or maybe it was just a reminder that weather happens, and all we can ever do is wait for it to blow over and then "play through."

Communication and Connection

It's July 1, so really, the new school year has begun! We are working on schedules, updating the facilities, installing new equipment--and all for the 2010-2011 school year.

Last week, I attended a conference about technology and education. It is an annual conference, this year Denver hosted. Generally it is a conference dominated with new products for classroom technology and presentations from educators who have been successful with different technology. It's an amazing whirlwind of activity and buzz!

After hearing lots about Google, Wikis and ActivBoards... I decided to attend a talk by a man named Alan November. The title of his talk was "The Number One Skill for the 21st Century: Empathy." Needless to say I was intrigued, and I looked forward to a little respite from the techno speak.

To open his talk, he shared two anecdotes from his research. First, he met with the head of HSBC -- possibly the largest bank in the world -- and asked him what is the essential skill for the 21st century. The banker answered, "empathy." He was stunned, but intrigued. A little while later as he was in a meeting with one of the leaders at West Point, he asked the same question... and the answer was the same: "empathy." Mr. November was quite intrigued. And, I admit, so was I at this point. What was this guy doing at a tech conference?

Mr. November then challenged us to think about how do we build empathy? How do we give students the opportunity to stand in others' shoes and to see the world from their perspective?In fact, he stated, the internet is a key tool. The internet has torn away geographical barriers. The world is truly at the fingertips of this next generation. And if these students learn how the rest of the world lives and views current events, isn't that empathic understanding?

I have been thinking about this thesis since I heard it and I am sure I will continue to think about it. As a school administrator, I admit that I have been frustrated at times with the internet. It does have its dark side. But sitting there that day, I realized how much what Mr. November was proposing is true. What an amazing opportunity for students today.

And, isn't communication always the first step to empathy? And isn't empathy just really deeper understanding for all involved. My thoughts go on ...

So... on a personal side, my own first step, is establishing my theme for this year and widening my own ability and skill at communicating in the 21st century; and more specifically within our community. Before hearing Mr. November, I knew I wanted to focus on how we communicate at SMA. But now, I want to focus on both of these skills: Communication and Connection.

As the year progresses, I hope you will see improved communication about what is happening at SMA. And, I hope you feel more and more connected.

You probably have already seen our new website design which features ease of navigation. And, perhaps you are following us on Facebook.

And now, I have launched a blog. I am in the blogosphere (my goodness). I don't think I will have a regular posting calendar, but I do hope to have posts frequently. I hope you like the title of the Blog ... I like the idea that a blog is casual and informal... allowing me to perhaps dwell on topics of small and big import.

So, look forward to lots of SMA communication and connections. Feel free to send me your thoughts on ways to communicate and to connect. Needless to say, if you have something specific to discuss regarding SMA, please call my office or email me. Let's keep this blog as a good way to share: Information, Inspiration and Celebrations.

all my best,
Deirdre