Yankee Baseball

So far the Yankees have lived up to their payroll. After years of people pointing to chemistry or the lack of it, it is clear the mix of players have made a difference in this playoff run. So the question is, what is the biggest factor in winning a playoff series. Clearly, you have to have the players and especially the pitching. But what about that player with all the intangibles; Nick Swisher, Bill Miller, Bucky Dent to name a few. Not the highest paid player but the ones who get it done despite their paycheck. Those are the difference makers and the ones I cheer for.

Get back to what is important

I am mired in reports and tasks. So many things that are dictated to be done that I can see an end. I realized this morning that I had gotten so far afield of what I do this for that I left my office and went to classrooms. I saw teachers doing great things and kids engaged in their work. I had to smile and was re-energized for a while.

Tell her that its human nature

I probably won't go see the Michael Jackson movie. It is just sad to hear "Human Nature" and remember how great his music was and how innocent he was. It was so long ago and he was even older than me but I will remember him with his brothers in the Jackson 5. I was young, it was easier to enjoy the music without knowing what would become of him.
I probably won't see the movie.

The Test is Here

The school has fully undertaken the NECAP test today. Kids are actively engaged in the test and you could hear a pin drop. It is too quiet in the building.
Life in the modern school includes this accountability measure, ours in NH is the NECAP test. Is this a measurement for the school and the children or is it a clearer picture of our society as a whole? Are kids coming to school ready to engage in their learning? How do they know to do so? Are parents supportive of the school and its practice? This question is answered in how students engage in the test.
Take out those students with specific learning issues. They are going to struggle with standardized tests and have struggled forever. But those who do not have learning issues, their level of engagement is partially due to the messages they get in the home. It is partially due to who students are as individuals. It is partially due to the nature of tests. It is partially the school and its presentation.
Will we solve the engagement issue at school? I have no idea.

Rainy Saturday

How about Sunday with the NFL on instead of Saturday with youth soccer games and end of year barbecues? Can somebody get control of the weather please?