Halloween

Another successful night out with my eight year old doing the trick or treating thing. Indiana Jones was a very successful trick or treater. As long as I have been alive, the celebration of Halloween has been related to collecting candy and trading with your siblings. Now I promote the sharing with your parents. But for those of you who would like to know a little about Halloween's history in America, I found a great little site.

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=715&display_order=1&sub_display_order=2&mini_id=1076

Being in a bit of sugar haze, I am done for tonight.

Commercials, Paul Pierce and Halloween

When did television get taken over by commercials? I am in the midst of watching the most unique World Series game in history and all I am seeing is commercials. Money does make the world go round (or so I am told) but this is ridiculous. I would love to have the time to think (like the managers) about all the possibilities when it comes to this game. Who pitches when? Who hits when? Should I have him steal? What about a pinch runner? I cannot imagine being in the manager's position for the last couple of days.

How about the Celtics Championship Ceremony last night? Nice to see genuine emotion in pro sports in this day and age. I am now completely a Paul Pierce fan. So can they repeat as champions?

Finally, why do go out for Halloween on the 30th? My kids now get to go out two nights (aunt's house the second night). Just what we need is more candy!

Going to class

I am fortunate to supervise several great teachers who make their subjects come alive. Their understanding of their subject and how to best get their students engaged in the subject. Teaching is not the singular challenge of instructions in the traditional form; adult standing in front of students and students soaking everything in that the teacher says.

The world is different today and therefor we are different. The work that teachers do today has to be different than ever before. For those who are doing the same thing as 20 or even 10 years ago, they have missed out on so many changes, so much progress and a higher level of understanding of adolescence. The good news is that teachers are always improving and keeping up with the newest research and teaching strategies.

So I get to go into classrooms and learn the best lessons. Whether it is a lesson on photo realism or a chance to see students present their best work in front of their classmates, I feel lucky to learn all I do. I wonder if I was 12 or 13 today, how different I would be. I guess I should keep going to class.

Beautiful Sunday

With the election just over a week away and the economy struggling to right itself, our thoughts are diverted from all the importance of relaxation and refocusing. Well I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy a real gem late in October. I spent 4 hours on the golf course today and enjoyed a warm wind and few good shots. Soon there won't be these days of sun and warmth and I will need to find another way to prepare for a work week. For all of us, we need a way to get away from the routine of work and school. To rejuvenate is to succeed through our week.

Fall in NH

The crisp of the air makes me shudder with the prospect of winter around the corner. But then I look around at the trees and the blue sky and I forget the upcoming winter. It is a great time to live in NH.

School is settling into that nice routine where students get a great deal done. Missing the beach and the family vacation has long left the thoughts of our students and the challenges of school are undertaken with great zeal.

Teachers are trying new ideas and improving the tried and true ones. The use of technology is everywhere and the commitment to good instruction is evident.

PE is outside and students move quickly to stay warm. Why don't they wear sweatpants or even coats to school? Oh to be young again!


It really is great to be in NH in the fall.

First Time Blogging

So here goes... This is my first time blogging and I am not quite sure what to make of it. I guess this serves as several things for me. First, it is my technology goal as the Principal of Rye Junior High School. I asked all my staff to come up with a technology goal for the year and so here is mine. Second, my Principal's Message on the RJH website has been lacking lately. I am hoping this will be an active and vibrant message that is changing. Third, RJH has been engaged in Rachel's Challenge which includes 5 Challenges for all students to undertake. I think the hardest one to do for me has been to "Keep a Journal." I hope this can be my journal. A journal I can share with you. So, this is pretty important for me to do and to stay with.

So here are my first thoughts, not related to school. This could a good World Series despite the fact that the Yankees nor the Red Sox are involved. The Rays are a great story and the Phillies have held off the Mets, the Brewers and the Dodgers (even with Manny!). I hope it goes seven games and we have some moments to remember. Baseball in October and November is always exciting.

So now, I am going to go and find some things to spruce this thing up and try to make it look like I know what I am doing.

Mr. Pollet