Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Cultures of Universal Achievement
Damen Lopez provided a magnificent presentation for all of us in RRISD. How powerful were the statistics he showed to justify the need for changes in our school systems? Damen is very clear that students must graduate from college in order to have a chance at a life outside of poverty. It is painfully obvious that we as educators have control over whether or not our students make it. I also like that he gave a very clear and message for us to take away from his talk. His staircase graphic did a great job summing up all of the components of "Exceptional Systems". We are now able to reflect on the status of these systems within our schools and determine where we need to focus our attention. I also loved his story of the wrench vs. the pencil. That was a powerful visual about the two extreme roads that our students face. I also thought that Damen did a great job with the delivery of his message. I loved the movie clips and how they enhanced his message. In the three years I have spent with our great district, I felt that Damen Lopez has been the best keynote we have heard. Thank you to the organizers for bringing him in.
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Kudos to the team of people who made the Superintendent's Leadership Retreat possible. As we all gear up for the labor of love of a new school year, it is easy to forget what made us choose the educational field in the first place. Behind paperwork, deadlines, and all of the challenges that come with our careers, lies the simple truth that we were drawn to education to connect and support students.Damen Lopez lead the perfect battle cry--reminding all of us that it really isn't that last test or grade that is our goal--but most importantly that we prepare students for their lives. Showing us how much our students need us--every single one of them--reminding us how important the work is that we do...what an incredible way to motivate us for the year ahead. This upcoming school year whenever I'm tempted to become discouraged about deadlines, paperwork, and all of the work I still need to do, all I will have to do is think about Damen's message, and I know that I will smile and I won't mind so much.
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