First Day of School

As we end the first day of school, I am tired. I can't imagine what it is like to be a student anymore and what it must feel like. The energy level they have helps them make it through the craziness of the first days of school while I wonder how I will manage the next. I love the first days of school but I will admit that sleep is not an issue anymore. I wish I could possess the energy these kids do to help me through it all.

Powerball

I do wonder what it would be like if I won Powerball. I would spend so much time up north at our cabin that I might get tired of swimming in the river and having a fire in the burn pit like we did this weekend. But I doubt it.

End of July

As July comes to an end, it is hard to believe where the time has gone. I find this month to be so busy that the time just goes by without a thought. I find myself looking at the calendar in disbelief. School is just a month away and now it's time to think about how to get ready for teachers to come back. The next two weeks ought to do it unless the golf course calls.

Summer work

Isn't it funny in the summer that you can be much more successful in a short time when you have great weather and something to do? I am finding I am getting pretty impatient when we have long conversations during the summer with the sun shining and fun things to do ahead.

Golf

Golf is like life. You play golf to do your best, improve if you can. There are parts of your game that always need improvement much like life. There are times when it all comes together. You hit the shot just like you see them in your head and you feel like you can do anything. You control the ground, the air, and that tiny white ball. then there are days when you are off by that little bit. Not one shot goes right or just a few go right. Enough to make you think you reach your goal but when it comes down to that key moment, you come up short. That has been my week at the State Amateur. I came up short by a couple shots. Sometimes I feel as if in each part of my life I come short by a shot or two. Should I limit my pursuits to be better at one or two? Or do I still pursue the different pursuits trying to balance them all? Maybe age will bring wisdom or the consistency in all the things in my life.

Regret

Life is too short to suffer with regret and yet we live with it all the time. Regret decisions that we make at times and yet how do we deal with them after the decision. I vow from here on out to make amends for poor decisions and vow to be better with my decisions.

Graduation 2011

So here we are, Graduation 2011; the end of an era and the beginning of another one. As one of my favorite writers Dr. Seuss once said:
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the one who'll decide where to go.”

Graduation is a bittersweet time; a time to recall all the good times you have had here and a time to say goodbye, a time for celebration and a time for apprehension. You have accomplished many goals through your time here at Rye Junior High School including surviving the middle years. You have grown and developed into fine young adults. I am very proud of you.
When I think back about this class, I have such fond memories. We started in the jungle three years ago. Which leads me to a little story… When the sixth grade does their Africa Unit, there is a sort of culminating activity that combines all that the students have worked on and learned through this interdisciplinary unit. The sixth grade teachers had a little activity planned that would include the students but for this class, it just wasn’t going to do. These students started putting together a demonstration of their learning with the assistance of the teachers that turned into quite a spectacle. A river system went through Mr. Bissonnette’s room. There were songs performed in French from various African nations. Folk tales were told and acted out that students had done in language arts. And of course, the rock band performed their own (and appropriate) version of “Welcome to the Jungle” with lyrics about their teachers.
This class has certainly shown their own flair. It is the group that signed up in droves for the Talent Show. From comedic MC’s to rock songs, this group has blown the roof off the gym two years running. The band and chorus performances have been second to none.
Students of this class have showed perseverance. Despite some challenging times, this group has persevered through it all. Tough assignments, social situations, and competitive endeavors have never held this group back.
Intelligence. This class has an intelligence that will serve them well. Not only in test scores but in truly understanding what they have learned, this is a class of scholars who can speak about what they know. It is a rare combination to not only be intelligent but articulate. Every visitor to our building this year was amazed about how each student could talk about what they know in a thoughtful way. This intelligence will truly serve you well.
This class has shown Respect to its community and all the students of Rye. They are the leaders of the school and have helped to make it the community it is. For that, I say thank you and I will miss your leadership. Students look up you for your commitment to the underdog and underprivileged. You share your gifts of caring. For after all “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make,” right Charlie? This group is full of love and caring and that all I could wish for in all of us.
So what do I have to say as you leave us? What words of wisdom should this principal pass on to you as you move onto the next station of your life? I believe there is greatness in this class. Not for the talents you possess which are many but for the people you are. I believe you can change this world. I believe you have the human qualities that will make this world a better place; a world that desperately needs compassion and caring in a time becoming more electronic and impersonal. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “ Be the change you want to see in the world.” Lead with the qualities you have been instilled with, that you possess, and that you wish to have.
So today was the last time at the front door I greeted you. The last day for “Good Mornings”, high fives, comments about the cool t-shirt or the nice shoes. I will miss you and your bright smiles, cheerful hellos and great optimism. I will miss your flair, perseverance, intelligence, and respect. I wish you all the best.
Chris Pollet
Principal
Rye Junior High School