No snow cancellations.....

Whew, we made it through December with no snow cancellations! This is much better than last year when, before Christmas break, our area saw many inches of snow and very cold weather.  Sunday is the official start of winter and my twins’ birthday; (Happy 31^st Birthday, Morgan and Tyler!).  With 2015 only days away, it is hard to believe how quickly this school year is moving. 

Although students and staff do not come back from Christmas break until January 5^th, our facilities will hum during that time with myriad activities, practices and events.  Greg Shaffer and his wonderful crew will be on campus salting, shoveling and plowing as needed.  

The musical production, Godspell, was very well done and equally well-received.  Mrs. Wolfe, Mr. Nagy and Mr. Seymour, the cast and countless others whose work made this possible, deserve tremendous praise for a marvelous show.  To go from “student group” to “theatrical troupe” in such a short time is amazing. With such dedication, commitment and hard work by all, our district continues the proud Red Devil tradition of providing an outstanding fine arts program.  An important note: the Board approved the re-instatement of a Theater Arts Club and sponsor.  This club will eventually become a part of our HS curriculum, and a boon to future productions. 

As always, students and teachers will return from the holiday break ready for the fast pace of January. With the need to meet PDE mandates, the focus will be on preparation for the PSSA, Keystone Exams and SATs. Truly, there is no time for those in education to indulge in the winter blues. Maybe this is a blessing….

College bowl games begin soon.  Watching college football is a passion of mine (in case you didn’t know) and I try to watch every possible game, even when we are visiting my mother-in-law (with the hope that she will read my blog, this is my way of encouraging my wife Judy to indulge me yet again).  Like many fans, I’d been waiting/hoping for a playoff championship game so I’m pumped for this game. Sadly, though, bowl season signals the imminent end of college football for another season (time to wear my black armband).  But on a positive note, the Steelers seem to be peaking at the right time. I hope my optimism is justified over the next few weeks.

Thanks to my oldest brother Dan for helping me drag a nice big eight point out of the woods.  Each year the deer seem to get heavier….

Enjoy the holidays – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Please hug your family and tell them you love them….  Dr. D.

Almost a snow delay…..

Almost a snow delay…..

The calendar shows that we are still a month away from the winter solstice, but the ride to the District lately has been anything but Fall-like.   Father winter has once again come early to Pennsylvania, and with a vengeance. I have already received phone calls at 4:30 a.m. reporting slick but passable road conditions.  Snow and howling winds have found their way into our region. We've managed to avoid snow delays or cancellations so far, but they are almost inevitable around these parts. As always, this rule of thumb applies: if we have not called a delay/cancellation by 5:30, it is too late to get the word out. Making the right call can be most stressful for PA superintendents. As I continue to emphasize to parents, staff, Board members and, most importantly to students, the safety and welfare of all are paramount; decisions are always based on safety.

November is always a fast-paced month in education, as activities wax and wane.  Even as fall sports wind down, winter sports and this year’s school play, Godspell, are filling the void. Numerous staff development opportunities and student curriculum-based field trips also take place this month.  Kudos to our student actors, athletes and those who participate in the many opportunities we offer here at CCSD. A big thank you also goes out to the coaches and volunteers who give countless hours to our students; it is this preparation that enables our students to achieve to such high levels in these activities and events.

We have great news to report about our interactive playground grant application: our district was awarded almost $250,000 toward this initiative! With this award,  we will be able to break ground this summer.  It is bound to be an awesome community gem. Heartfelt thanks and congratulations go to all who worked on raising funds, donating their time and effort toward this wonderful goal. 

On a personal note, I celebrated my 60th birthday this month.  But I can honestly say that being Superintendent of such a great district has kept me feeling like a 30 year old.  I still enjoy my days and the great people I work with.  As my 90+-year-old dad says, “celebrating birthdays is better than the alternative.”

During this season, let’s all take time to give thanks for all the blessings and good fortune we enjoy, and to remember those who have lost their “home for the holidays.” I wish for all staff and students a happy, relaxing, and fulfilling holiday.  Cherish those close to you in the spirit of the season. Share fond memories—and make new ones—with family and friends. (And watch lots of football!)

Until the snow starts,

Dr. D.

But then fall comes, kicking summer out

 “But then fall comes, kicking summer out … as it always does one day sometime after the midpoint of September, it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed. It settles in the way an old friend will settle into your favorite chair ….”
― Stephen King, 'Salem's Lot

King may very well have written these lines for those involved in education – students, teachers, and staff – as we have all “settled in” to familiar routines of teaching, learning, participating in school events and managing the educational process. It is hard to believe the month of October is coming to a close and that the end of the first marking period is less than two weeks away.  We have truly settled in by now.

As with every school year, there are new initiatives and directives that must be instituted for the current school year.  For example, our staff is currently working on the state mandated SLO (Student Learning Objectives) initiative.  The SLO in PA is written by individual teachers to the specific class, course or content area for which that teacher provides instruction.    Such initiatives are mandated and are meant to increase student productivity, learning and accountability among staff. However, such initiatives take time, training and resources for proper implementation.  With so much time devoted to preparing for the PSSA and Keystone exams, there is little time to implement new or added initiatives.  Sometimes being in education feels like an “all you can eat” buffet at which someone else is deciding what you will eat: even when your plate is full, food continues to be added, making it impossible to consume all that has been given to you.

As in every enterprise, educators realize that time is finite and moves on despite the amount of work that must be done or the number of tasks that vie for attention.  Teachers parse their time between teaching the skills needed for academic and personal success, preparing students for the rigors of state-mandated assessments, coaching, and mentoring—not to mention myriad record-keeping/documentation tasks that have become a hallmark of public education.

On the subject of teachers, I truly enjoy visiting each building several times a week (I wonder if teachers share my enthusiasm for this part of my routine).  On Friday, Oct.16 I was lucky to see the sendoff for the boys’ golf team as they headed to States.  The auditorium was rocking, and the golf team loved the appreciation of their friends and teachers.  With the hectic pace of a school day, it is easy to lose sight of the value in celebrating student successes.

Elections take place next month and I hope that, regardless of your political affiliation, you get out to vote.  Getting to know and understand the candidates and their views on hot button issues is an important part of casting your ballot.  As the money gets tighter and tighter, incumbents and those running against them are scrutinized as they describe their plans for distributing funds to municipalities and agencies. Being a lifelong educator, I have always tried to vote for the candidate that I feel most sincerely supports public education.  I admit that I hope you do the same when you vote. 

Congratulations to the CCSD boys’ golf team for winning the District 6 team championship.  Especially to Dom Stevens, who won the individual boys title.  Congratulations are also in order for Kourtney Cavalier on winning the AA District 6 girls’ single tennis title.  Kudos also to our boys and girls cross country team as they both won the LHAC championship.  Sydney Gilkey won the girls overall title and Bryce Descavish achieved second overall.  Good luck at states to all who have qualified!

Speaking of sports, the Steelers seem destined to have another lackluster season as they are at the .500 mark (3-3).  It is not good when people are already looking toward draft day as the team’s only chance for redemption. Who knows, perhaps they can turn things around – stranger things have happened (like getting crushed by the Browns – heavy sigh!).  The Buccos did well again this year and will, hopefully, go deeper into the playoffs next year.  And the Pens have started their long season.  Although they lost on Friday to Dallas, I am optimistic that they are picking up where they left off last year. 

With so many sporting events at this time of year, it is easy to not go out and enjoy the beauty of nature.  Make time to take a fall walk or jump into a pile of leaves.  Before long fall, Stephen King’s “old friend,” will depart and we will again be starting up the snow blowers and shoveling sidewalks.

Until my next blog, please take time to enjoy family and all that you hold dear. 

Dr. D

Thoughts about the leaves, winter, and sports…

Thoughts about the leaves, winter, and sports…

        

         School is in full swing as we move past the midpoint of September and, true to form, Mother Nature has seen fit to present us with beautiful “end of summer, back to school (sorry, kids)” weather. At the same time, I keep hearing disconcerting phrases about this winter, such as “polar vortex,” “la Niña,” “el Niño,” and “wintry mix.”  Of course the Farmer’s Almanac has predicted a brutal winter for the northeast with temps that will be below average and snowfall that will be above average—a perfect combination, right? 
But we’re ready: we have already received our first delivery of anti-skid gravel and salt.  But weather itself is an interesting occurrence in that we can’t legislate it, control it—or even predict it all to well—yet we’re happy to talk (complain) at great lengths about it.  Greg, our maintenance supervisor, has assured me that our snow removal equipment is in good shape and ready to tackle the October snow that is predicted. Recall October 2013 and we may indeed be wise to prepare ourselves….

Fall athletics at Central Cambria are in full swing. Because these months seem to pass so quickly, I hope we all find time to support our teams. I am in awe of the practice time the athlete/ students and coaches dedicate to their particular sport/activity.  Regardless of the weather and purely for the love of what they do, they practice hard and put forth consistent effort.  This is the first year for girl’s tennis at CCSD.  The team is young and the athletes are really showing their competitive spirit.  Go luck to all our teams and extracurricular participants. 

         Now, having talked about the people who matter the most, I would like to switch gears and talk about the Buccos, who are currently in the hunt for a wild card playoff spot.  They have already gone above the .500 mark for this year and appear to be peaking at the right time.  Who knows, we may be watching Pirate games into October.  The Pens start preseason in two weeks and have a new coach, so there is always hope for another great season of hockey. 

         Now onto the Steelers; as Myron Cope would say – “Yoi and double yoi!”  What is happening with the Steelers?  My 90 year-old dad and 88 year-old uncle insist that the head coach needs to go, but my eldest son says not so, as Steeler fans are spoiled and too quick to point the finger at the coach.  I am torn, trying to make sense of two 8-8 seasons and a recent (and still painful) bad loss to the Ravens.  Something is not working and there are only 14 games left.  Where is Chaz Noll when you need him?!  Let me note here, with hope in my heart for the current team, that the Great Coach Noll had a very rocky start. Several years ago, our family began to participate in a football fantasy league – aptly named Clan D.  As the commissioner, my eldest son Adam organizes the league and sets the draft.  Unfortunately, I am the sole team owner without a win (heavy sigh).  So I ask: is it my fault as the head coach of my fantasy team or is it the fault of my players?  You now see why I am reluctant to place blame solely on the coach or the players. (I know, I know… unlike Coach Tomlin and his staff, I am not even remotely responsible for the performance of my team, but this is the only way I can hold my head up when Clan D members start talking smack.) Regardless, I remain hopeful that both the Steelers and my fantasy team will soon win some games.

There is so much to be to be proud of at CCSD.  We have done wonderful things this year with the addition of a technology coach, curriculum director, math and reading literacy coaches, our Google Chromebook initiative, iPads for the elementary schools (all of this being done without raising your taxes) and a $203,000 Ready to Learn grant.  I believe students and their teachers are equally excited to implement these new tools and resources for teaching and learning.

As I sign off this month, I encourage all of us to enjoy the season, the sports and the pre-winter preparations -and thank a teacher, an administrator or School Board member for doing a great job in and for our district’s children.  Until next month,

                                             DR. D

Favorite time of year....

It is hard to believe how quickly the summer has sped by, and how much more quickly fall seems to be sweeping in (I have a feeling students feel this even more keenly than do their teachers).  The staff is already working with four days of in-service to prepare, analyze, review, and renew for the coming school year.

Congratulations on a very successful media night on Friday, August 15.  The boosters/coaches/athletes did a great job of organizing and promoting this event to recognize our athletes and coaches and to introduce them to the community. 

In addition to the usual activities that comprise a busy summer for employees—all classrooms and furniture in all the buildings have been thoroughly cleaned and arranged, the field house and the surrounding grounds look great for our fall sporting events (many thanks to Greg Shaffer and his crew of hard workers).  We are excited about some new items. First, our Chrome book initiative will debut in the high school: five teachers volunteered to add 25 Chrome books on a cart to their instructional practice.  Our newly hired tech coach, Joe Strittmatter, has spent much of the summer preparing for the school year and supporting staff as they integrate this new technology with their respective courses.

Second, First Student will use five new buses with a neat device that lowers chains onto the back tires with the push of a button.  These buses will be used on our snowiest routes (time will tell how much these buses’ chains will be needed this winter; there is already talk of another Polar Vortex…).  

Third, the number of students at CES has increased over the summer, necessitating the creation of another first grade classroom.  We currently have a substitute teacher in that classroom until the September Board meeting, at which the Board will vote on hiring a full time teacher.

A reminder for all who use this road: the gate we installed last year will again be closed during the school day, following the same schedule as last year.  The gate is intended to protect the campus while school is in session and to reduce the amount of traffic on our recently paved road system during the school day.

          I wish to offer my congratulations to all students and staff on the PSSA and Keystone test preparation this past year.  We at Central Cambria are truly blessed with a caring, devoted, professional staff!!

          Moving on to sports (of course), the Steelers went after speed in the draft and their second preseason game showed that the new recruits are transitioning well from college to pro football. Big Ben had a respectable first quarter outing and some of the starters looked ready for some “prime time” football.  Seeing the season start is always bittersweet; waiting for the season to begin is so exciting but, knowing that once it starts it will soon end, is almost depressing.  But, during my favorite season of the year, I will revel in all the football my wife can handle. I hope you too enjoy this and the myriad other autumn activities.

As for the Pirates, will they self-implode this year?  It seems so as they have lost 7 games in a row and are now three games out of wild card contention.  With fewer than 40 games to go, things are not looking good for the Buccos. As we all know, though, true fans support their team colors through good and bad times. Luckily for supporters of Pittsburgh teams, the Black and Gold colors can fly all year long in support of baseball, football, and hockey!

                                             Dr. D

  

                                              

Catfish Row

“Summertime, and the livin is easy…” are lyrics from the song “Summertime” in the classic American folk opera “Porgy and Bess.”  Although Central Cambria is not the fictitious  “Catfish Row” from that show, it is anything but ‘easy’ around here during the summer months.  All summer employees, including administrators, secretaries, guidance counselors, and maintenance personnel, are extremely busy as the days zip by.  Greg Shaffer and his staff work very hard in the heat of the summer, both inside and out, to get buildings and grounds in top shape for the beginning of the school year.  Administrators are hustling to prepare schedules, staff development activities, and bus routes/stops; they are restocking supplies, tending to curriculum updates and distributing updated records across grade levels and schools, and between districts. Then, based on population shifts, they order materials for the coming school year.   

As I write this month’s blog, there is less than a month before the school year begins and, for better or for worse, the days themselves are limited as, with the passing of the summer solstice, the amount of daylight has been getting shorter by a minute every day. And for our student athletes, band and color guard members, and all our wonderful, dedicated coaches, practice for the new school year has further shortened the summer that remains. Regardless of the summer heat and rainy weather, these amazing kids will begin their formal practices in August.  Despite the heat and thunderstorms that accompany summer, these dedicated groups will be ready to play their role in the school’s fall sports and activities.

My vacation is set to start July 26.  Our family (8 adults and 5 grandkids) has rented a large house in Deep Creek, Maryland.   If you know me, you are probably aware that I am not a “beach person” so the kids have kindly sought a different venue.  This alternative to the beach is right up my alley with opportunities for fishing, riding, bikes, and hanging out with my family. I can’t wait.  My wife and I always love getting our family together; the fun we have seems to increase exponentially with the arrival of more grandkids.

Of course, planning meals for such a large contingent of eaters presents concerns.  As is common for many who take similar trips, each family is responsible for one night of dinner. While taking into account the ages and palate of each person is not an easy task, this arrangement usually works out well for all of us.  With five kids under five years of age, I expect to see some universal favorites like hot dogs and corn on the cob – all more than acceptable to me.

On a personal note, my wife has retired from her job as an ESL specialist in the Altoona Area School District.  What a loss to the District, I think….  She has already begun scheduling visits to grandkids in the coming weeks and months.  I could not be happier for her.

On the subject of sports, I am again excited for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  They are only a couple games out of first place in their division as they continue their winning ways.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to take in a MLB game at PNC Park, you have no idea what a nice venue it is.  Added to the baseball news, I must mention that NFL training camps are set to start this week and another football season will be here before you know it – finally!  I have my Steeler flag ready to fly, but as my wife states “not until you smell fall in the air.” (She didn’t buy my assertion in March that I could detect autumn in the air).  I can wait, but she may soon see the black and gold banner flying when she gets back from one of her grandkid visits. 

Enjoy your families and what is left of July… go Bucs!

Dr. D.

Happy June...

Happy June, everyone! After a winter that was reluctant to leave and a spring that was cooler and rainier than usual, I am determined to stay positive about the heat, humidity and grass-cutting that typify the summer months.

I know this is my second blog post for the month, but I feel compelled, so that you may examine both sides of this discussion, to respond to the advertisements placed by the CCEA union in the Mountaineer Herald and the Tribune Democrat.  Basically, if you have not seen the ads, the teachers’ union feels it is time to end the “…School Crisis in Central Cambria!  ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”

The Board and I agree with this sentiment.  We too would like to end the stalemate and move on with the education process.  Unfortunately, this is where our agreement ends.  The ad lists six “facts” from the union’s perspective.  Allow me to present my own “fact check” on the “facts” put forth in the ads.  Please know that most of the fact checks I will be detailing are clearly outlined in the Fact Finders Report that has been available to the public since last summer.  A link for the report is listed on our district website, http://www.cchs.k12.pa.us/documents/FactFinderReport.pdf.

Fact Check #1 – Contrary to what the union may state, the Board has not been playing political games during this process.  The Board is committed to settling the contract and has bargained in good faith since the start of negotiations in 2012, conceding on items like the length of the contract and the salary schedule.

Fact Check #2 – The District’s negotiating team has never refused to schedule meetings.  As I am the point of contact for setting up meetings, it fell to me to set meeting dates/times as requested; this I did without fail.  At the May Board meeting, a union representative stated that the Board was asked for a meeting date and never responded.  Knowing that I hadn’t received such a request, I investigated and found that the request had been emailed to our solicitor and not to me. My sole reason for pointing this out is that it is an example of the minor issues that are being used to cast the district’s negotiators in a negative light. A more appropriate first reaction might have been to redirect the request to the proper recipient.

Fact Check #3 – Neither the Board nor I have ever walked out on a negotiations session.  Some sessions did end abruptly when the union acknowledged that it had brought no proposal or counterproposal beyond that discussed at previous meetings.

Fact Check #4 – Upon casual glance, our district’s reserves look “healthy.” But the total figure ($12 million dollars) does not represent “extra” money.  $6.3 million dollars rest in our assigned fund, which pays for all district retirement expenses, bond payments and future operating expenses.  $6 million dollars in our unassigned fund is used to cover all of the salaries, benefits, special education costs not supported by the State, PSERs increases, and day-to-day operating expenses; to take this money for other purposes is ill advised as these expenditures must be paid. 

Fact Check #5 – Yes, we are hiring a Curriculum Director—a position that is not new but reinstated. This person will keep our district’s curriculum up to date and monitor its effectiveness. Because state funding is tied to our students’ academic performance, this is a job that needs more attention than it had been given in the past. Contrary to statements made in the ads, the district has not eliminated teaching positions; in fact, we created a technology coaching and alternative education position; both of these are teaching positions.  All of the seven teachers who retired/resigned are being replaced.

Fact Check #6 – Budgets for classroom supplies have remained constant and have not been cut, nor are they to be cut for the upcoming school year.

As we continue to meet and work toward resolution of the collective bargaining agreement (we have had 28 formal negotiation sessions), I want to note that, contrary to the statement that teachers have been 1200 days with no contract, the actual number is fewer than 900 days (negotiations began in January of 2012). While this is a seemingly minor detail, please allow me to use it as an example of the need to think about what is said or written before accepting it as truth. As ever, my door is always open and I always respond to phone call and email messages.  Enjoy the warmer weather.  Dr. D.

Class of 2014 gaduation speech

As I have done in the past,  I am posting my graduation speech for your viewing for those of you who were not at our graduation ceremony last evening (June 5).  The ceremony was outstanding, as the gym at St. Francis was packed with relatives and friends.  The weather was exceptional, as were the student speakers.  Kudos to all administrators and staff who helped make this event special.  A special shout out to Mr. "Stush" Klezek, our assistant HS principal, who is retiring at the end of June.  "Stush" has been the driving force organizing and preparing for graduation.  His organization and leadership skills always came through in a thoughtful, calming manner.  His presence will be greatly missed.  Enjoy your summer!  Dr. D.

2013 – 14 Graduation Speech

        Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2014 Graduation Ceremony for Central Cambria High School Graduates.   Even though this evening really is all about you, you’ll have to bear with all of us telling your families how great you are. After that, it will be all about you.

 This group of graduating seniors has garnered some impressive numbers collectively.  Allow me to share some statistics about this group:

·      There are 130 graduating seniors this year – 71 males and 59 females.

·      Extracurricular activities -

o  40% of these seniors, or 52 students, were chorus members

o  8 were in the marching band

o  9 were in the concert band

o  7 were involved in the musical

o  24%, or 31 seniors met the criteria to be in the National Honor society

·      Athletics – 43% or 56 seniors involved in sports

o  41 boys and 15 girls

o  2 females involved in 4 sports

o  7 boys and 1 girls involved in 3 sports

o  14 boys and 6 girls involved in 2 sports

o  20 boys and 6 girls involved in one sport

·      As for post secondary plans:

o  69% of these seniors, or 88 students, are going on to post secondary education.

o  7% will attend a community college.

o  9% a career/technical school

o  4% serving our country in a branch of the military

o  13% in the workforce

o  5% undecided

·      Among this exceptional group, 56 seniors took a total of 170 college courses while CCHS students; they earned 562 college credits through dual enrollment.  That deserves a round of applause!!

·      And finally, this class of 2014 is receiving approximately $600,000 in scholarships. 

During the month of May, I always work with a staff member to sit down with a cross section of seniors, about 30%, to get their perspectives on their years at CCSD.  This year I added three other groups to my interviews: I met with a representative group of 5^th graders from Jackson and Cambria and heard their views on their elementary years. Then a group of 8^th graders from the Middle School gave me their views on their middle school years. Finally, I finished up with the high school groups.  This is an activity I always look forward to, as their perceptions and perspectives are so honest and enlightening—and I’m never quite sure what I will hear.

All of the 5^th graders I talked with loved their elementary years. They liked some teachers better than others, they seem to actually like homework but they’re not crazy about many cafeteria food menu items. All are looking forward to Middle School with nervous anticipation.  They also spoke highly of Mrs. Murin and Mrs. Mesoras.  One thing they wished could be changed was the emphasis on bullying programs.  They felt that bullying is not that big of an issue, and that too much time is spent on bullying awareness programs.

The 8^th graders, the first to have classes in the new Middle School three years ago, also appreciated their time at the Middle School. Some named particular teachers, as being their favorites while others did not have favorites. They felt that the amount of homework was reasonable, and they like Mr. Santini as principal.  They named an interesting element of the school that they’d like to see changed: In their words “The school is too grey, our school needs more color to make the school feel more alive.”

As expected, the seniors had a lot to say, both positive and negative, about their district and about their high school experiences. All those interviewed had plans to prepare for post-secondary education, the military, trade schools or private industry.

Some of their positive comments were:

·      Dual enrollment was a great experience

·      Vo-tech is a great opportunity

·      Lots of extracurricular opportunities

·      Strong sports programs

·      The Language Arts department is awesome

·      The policy of being allowed to bring and use your own technology is a great idea.

·      Homework is average with AP courses requiring more time

·      The majority of students I spoke with felt they were all prepared to leave CCSD and enter the next phase of life.

·      The students had a strong sense of pride and named many noteworthy teachers they felt contributed to their success at CCSD. 

Some of the areas in which seniors recommend improvements are: 

·      Making sure staff members are as accountable for their actions as the students are

·      Consistent consequences

·      Drug issues that still affect our schools

·      Continue to enhance existing technology

·      More respect for students as young adults

·      More French fries  

As in years past, I will be meeting with my admin team over the summer months to use these suggestions and others to work toward an improved curriculum and learning environment; many thanks to those of you who met with me.  (Quite a vocal, good group of seniors this year.)

I have spent many years as an educator and have seen and heard many strange and puzzling situations.  I like to share these stories when I have a captive audience. One of the stories that I still recall and chuckle about happened when I was a principal.  As I was walking through the hallways of my building, I saw a 5^th grade substitute teacher standing outside his classroom with his forehead against a locker.  I heard him mutter, “How did you get yourself into this?” Knowing he was subbing in a challenging class, I tried to offer moral support.  “Are you okay?” I asked.  “Can I help?”  He lifted his head and replied, “I’ll be fine as soon as I get this kid out of his locker.”

Education, as many of us know, is not an exact science; the biggest reason is the fact that we deal with people in education. People are as unique as their fingerprints.  For this reason, the “people factor” prevents educators from mapping out a clear-cut method of predicting whether students will be successful or not, or even what the definition of success is for each student. The ongoing work of educators is to fine-tune instruction so that success can be guaranteed to all. It hasn’t happened yet, and may never happen. Why? What is missing?

One educator at the University of Pennsylvania has been doing research on the key to student success.  He name is Angela Lee Duckworth.  Perhaps you have heard of her or read about her.  Having taught math in New York public schools to 7^th graders, she quickly realized that IQ was not the primary thing separating successful students from those who struggled. 

I would like to share with you a brief video clip of Dr. Duckworth speaking at last year’s TED conference (Technology, Entertainment and Design), where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes or less.

Key to success?  Not IQ. Not good looks. Not talent. Not social connections.  Its grit - the perseverance and passion it takes to reach long-term goals.  It’s the willingness to start over again, the determination to keep your eyes on what you really want to accomplish.

The direction your life takes after tonight’s ceremony will depend on how “gritty” you are as you continue your path to adulthood.  What will define you is the perseverance and passion you muster to reach your goals.  As you heard tonight, grit is a significant predictor of success: passion and perseverance for very long-term goals; it’s stamina.

But after all her research, Dr. Duckworth concedes that science knows little about how teachers or parents can build, or instill, grit.  Instead, she makes note of a “growth mindset,” in which the ability to learn is not fixed but can change with effort. In other words, to start over again as needed and using lessons learned. 

She also believes that educators need to get gritty about getting our kids “grittier” about building their own success stories.  Her research has shown that the brain changes and grows in response to a challenge, and that gritty people are much more likely to persevere when they fail because they don’t believe failure is a permanent condition. 

Some examples of people who persevered despite failure and succeeded:

·      Diana Nyad, who at age 64, completed a 100-mile swim from Cuba to Florida after failing 5 previous attempts.  Her advice “Find a way.”

·       J.K. Rawlings, author of the Harry Potter series.  Broke, and recently divorced, her first children’s book was rejected by publishers 10 times.  When it was finally published, the publisher told her to get a day job because there was no money in children’s books.  The first three Harry Potter books earned approximately $480 million in three years, with over 35 million copies in print in 35 languages. That’s my kind of poverty….

·       Dr. Ted Geisel, whose first book was rejected by publishers 27 times. (You’ll recognize him when I tell you that his middle name is Seuss).

·       Michael Jordan who was cut from his HS basketball team

·       Or Walt Disney, who was fired as a news editor because he “lacked imagination.”

All of these successful people could have given up and moved on with their lives, but they didn’t.  Instead they persevered and became successful.

So while you sit here reflecting over the last 12 or 13 years, take time to think about your goals and how you will persevere to achieve them.  Show all of us your grit and stamina in the years to come.  It is my sincere hope that all of you are willing to follow your dreams and be successful. I’ll be excited to hear about your amazing accomplishments.

I wish you all a wonderful and productive career as you begin the next phase of life’s journey.  If you have not done so yet, take time to thank those responsible for this day: your parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, friends, teachers, administrators, school board members and any other significant people who had an impact on your educational career. 

As we bring this night to a close, I usually like to leave you with a quote from one of my favorite authors, Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, but tonight I would like to read you a quote from another famous author, Mr. Frederick McFeely Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers; it is a response to a question written to him.  The question was “Dear Mr. Rogers, what is most worth knowing?”  Mr. Rogers’s reply was the following:

“Dear Neighbor,

What I believe is most worth knowing is that every human being has value.  This is the basis of all healthy relationships; and it’s through relationships that we grow and learn best.

I’ve learned what is most worth knowing through living each day as it is given to me.  It cannot be ‘taught’ but it can be ‘caught’ from those who live their lives right along with us.  What a privilege to be able to look for the good in our neighbor!

Thank you, good luck – and continue to live each day as it is given to you.

Rain, rain....

Rain, rain, go away….

Rain, rain, go away – come again another day; our sports teams want to play!  I know, I know, that you don’t have to shovel rain, and April showers bring May flowers, but it seems as if this spring has been one rainy day after another, wreaking havoc on our spring sports and the fields on which they are played.  Greg Shaffer, our maintenance supervisor, and his crew have worked feverishly between the showers to make the fields playable; kudos to Greg and his staff.  

At Central Cambria, May is replete with special activities, field trips, TESTING, preparing to move student data to new grade levels, and – of course – graduation.  Needless to say, the excitement of graduation tends to override all other May activities. Fortunately, all of these are not weather-dependent.

Speaking of graduation, here’s a hint about the theme of my message this year:

For graduation each year I try to use events of the school year as the basis for my message to graduates and their guests.  This year I am excited to speak about “the recipe for success.”  A famous teacher-turned-psychologist, Dr. Angela Lee Duckworth has been studying what goes into this recipe for many years.  Watching a video clip of Dr. Duckworth speak at last year’s TED conference (Technology, Entertainment and Design), at which the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes or less, she poses the question, “What is the key to success?”  She emphatically stated, “It’s not IQ. Not good looks. Not talent. Not social connections.” I am anxious to share her thoughts on this topic at graduation.  If you are unable to make graduation at St. Francis, I will post my speech on next month’s blog.

Congratulations to the 2014 graduates and to their parents, relatives, friends, and others who have offered encouragement, patience and a listening ear.  As you leave our district, remember Red Devil Pride never graduates!!

Good luck, seniors!

Now for my Dad Speech: As we approach the summer break, I encourage all students to make smart choices in the friends they hang out with, the events they attend, and even the ways in which they network on the Internet and social media sites. Please have a safe, enjoyable and relaxing summer. 

Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to all students, staff, parents and Board members for the work they do for Central Cambria!  I am blessed to interact with such high-caliber people every day.

Finally, I need to get some sports talk off my chest.  Yes, the Pens had a great regular season; unfortunately, the playoffs didn’t follow suit.  For five years in a row, the Pens have made it to post season play, only to be beaten by a lower-seeded team.  I predict a major Pens shakeup after their abysmal playoff performance.

And how about the draft?  After this event I always banter with my brothers, sons, son-in-law, daughter Morgan, my nephew Travis, my dad and my uncle.  We agree that the Steelers got some very speedy players, some players to fill specific positions, and some players whose worth remains to be seen.  The Steelers also signed 20 undrafted players the day after the draft.  As I have said before we can only hope that Steelers management personnel have drafted well.  It is fun to speculate how they may perform.  Until they actually play a down, they are all heroes in my eyes. To sum it up, one of my favorite sports’ figures once said “You can observe a lot just by watching.” –Yogi Berra.

I can’t wait…

I can’t wait…

Enjoy your summer!  Dr. D.