Here it is, the time of year that feels like “no man’s land”, when the school year advances at a snail’s pace and the trek toward June seems like the impossible journey. The long, dark dreary days of winter do nothing to help the situation. This is the time of year when it’s easy to forget how important the work you’re doing is, when the importance of the work is over shadowed by the need to just get the work done. And, let’s face it, when the need to just get it done becomes the overriding motivation, one thing’s for sure, it’s not going to be your best work.
Eureka! I figured it out! I solved it and so from here on out things should be easier! Right?
Wrong.
We often run into images of the overnight success, the tough problems solved with the perfect words or actions. In fact, movies and TV practically ingrain into us the notion that any problem can be solved in an hour or so.
In this time of New Year’s Resolutions and long-term goals, we should look at how change really happens.
Real and lasting change takes time. Lots of time. Years.
The power of tradition is never more apparent than at this time of year when the winter holidays become the main focus. And while many traditions are steeped in spiritual beliefs, it seems even more come from the rituals established within our own families…however you may define “family”.
Regardless of their origins, the significance of our traditions are powerful. They give us a sense of belonging, a sense of prediction, a sense of order like no other. Think about it…was there a time in your family when a tradition changed? Remember the reaction? Or maybe you can recall a time you went to another family’s holiday gathering whose traditions were different? You may have stared in polite disbelief and thought to yourself, “You do what? When? How?...Why?” While we can rarely answer the why, we know its importance. Traditions are the framework, the structure that creates our memories… the stories of our lives.
It’s about HOW you do it. Your orientation was strong. It had “WOW!” You felt it. Everyone did. So…what about the rest of the year? How do you make sure that every event you host gives freshmen and 6th graders that same sense of WOW! you delivered on orientation day? Well, it just so happens that there are others who have the same question, so we’ve compiled some brilliant ideas from other Link and WEB schools to inspire you.
Basketball Shoot Out – Creekview Ranch Middle School
This year Creekview Ranch Middle School in Rocklin, CA, created a standing date for their WEB leaders and 6th graders. Every Wednesday morning before school they would all hang out in the gym’s game room and occasionally the gym. A good idea and…where’s the wow?
Last week we had the honor of sitting at a table where three Link Leaders met with Tom Torlakson, CA State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Leaders both humbled and awed Mr. Torlakson, as well as the other public officials who were in the meeting, with their stories of being freshmen at their respective schools as well as now being Link Crew Leaders.
We were reminded that Link Crew and WEB are so much about the stories, both the challenges and the successes, that the students have to tell. Each of their stories was different, of course, but all had a common thread that ran through them: a picture of struggle, compassion and conquering. Follow this link to read Jay-R’s, Abraham’s and Anne’s stories as well as find out how you can share your students’ stories on our website.
Finally, everyone is back to school! In the U.S. and Canada, school resumes anywhere from late July to the traditional Tuesday following U.S. Labor Day. So, some of you are well into the school year with faint wonderings of whether you even had a summer break and others of you are still feeling the jitters and excitement that the new school year brings. Regardless of where you are in the process, welcome back!
Thanks to your efforts, Link Crew and WEB welcomed over a million new students this year, helping diminish their anxiety and successfully bringing them in as new members of your school family. We are grateful to you for your dedication, your commitment and to the impact you are making in schools throughout North America.
