Today is about the "Why"?

I remember as a kid I probably drove my parents crazy always asking "why"?

Can I have a cookie?  No.  Why?

Can I play Nintendo all day?  No.  Why?

Can I go with my brother Rob?  No.  Why?  -probably a good thing I didn't.  :-)

Here are a few "why" questions I have on my mind today:

• Why don't we listen better?
• I need to work on "being in the moment".  A lot of times my mind is going 100 mph and I can't concentrate.  Communication is so key.  Having a strong desire to show people you care and having compassion all relate back to great listening skills.  Focus on your listening skills.
• Why do we lack patience?
• I see it all the time.  I am guilty of it.  Sitting at a restaurant and my food isn't coming fast enough.  Waiting in line and the line isn't moving.  Stuck at a railroad crossing and the train isn't moving fast enough.  Working with an individual and they are being defiant.  The older I get I realize that patience is important for my overall health.  My stress level goes up when I lack patience.  The next time you feel that internal peak of impatience, take a step back and ask yourself "is this really worth getting worked up over?"
• Why do the Vikings stink?
• Sorry - I couldn't help myself.  :-)

God Bless,

Jay Townsend

An Unexpected Journey

Hello,

It has been a long time since I wrote my last blog and I am excited to start up again.  I now have switched gears and no longer reflect my blog posts as a school administrator.  The posts will now reflect just me as an individual and focus on topics such as leadership, parenting, relationships, faith, and whatever inspires me to write!  With that being said.....I hope this finds you well and enjoying life and we shall begin!

An unexpected journey.  That is the title of this post.  Several years ago I decided to write a book.  At the time it was more of a hobby.  I'd work on it for 10 minutes here....30 minutes.....miss a couple weeks.....another 15 minutes.....  This went on for several months.  Then at one point I realized my word count was actually fairly high - it wasn't "The Grapes of Wrath" but I felt like the effort I put in was starting to materialize.  Towards the end I made a strong push to actually finish the book and I did!  So now I would like to highlight a few parts of my book for the return of my blog.  I hope you enjoy!

The book focuses around what is called the "Servant Leadership Cycle".  I will go over the 3 components briefly:

1.  "SEE" - as individuals we need to not have tunnel vision in our life.  If we do, we miss so much in the world today.  I am fortunate to have a job that I feel I can have an influence on the lives of those around me.  So when I walk into school each day I seek out (SEE) students/staff each day and get to know them.  What is going on with them?  How are they doing?  How can I help?  Make that effort each day.

2.  "CONNECT" - This ties in with seeking individuals out.  This is understanding that what you see on the outside may not be the same as what is on the inside.  Connect with people daily.  I have always said it is about relationships.  Be that positive influence.  Be the difference maker.  I always call a 2nd grade student in our school "smiles".  Today when she saw me in the hallway she said "hi smiles!".  Does she smile when I call her smiles?  Absolutely.  It's all about relationships.

3.  "LEAD" - To complete the cycle we end with Leadership - or as John Maxwell defines it "influence".  If we can SEE those around us (people hurting, people reaching out, people in need of guidance, etc) and we CONNECT with those around us (show them that we care - that we love them), and sprinkle on top the ability to LEAD these individuals in a way that reflects Jesus - What a difference we can make in this world.

I hope you have the chance to meet Buddy and Carl.

An Uncommon Bond - Amazon

An Uncommon Bond - Goodreads

God Bless,

Jay R. Townsend

Are You Green?

Leaders,

This past Wednesday I had the awesome opportunity to present to several educators from Fairmount, Hankinson, and Lidgerwood.  It was amazing watching these educators come together to share ideas with each other and to incorporate these ideas and skills in their own schools to help students succeed.

The topic I presented on was on how to develop your own Personal Learning Network (PLN).  The main focus I wanted each person to think about was professional/personal growth.  Not only as an educator, but also as a parent, grandparent, etc, etc, etc.  Here are two points we talked about during our PLC day:

1.  We all need to grow as individuals daily.  This is what the PLN is about.  Developing relationships, connecting with individuals, and constantly having that thirst for knowledge.  So the question is, are you green?  What do you mean green?  Well - if you are green you are growing.  You are always learning.  You are observant.  You seek help.  You seek improvement.  You do this daily and you implement it.  This not only improves you as an individual, it improves those around you also.  John Maxwell puts it this way - "If you are not learning, you are not growing."

2.  What's your story?  This is the question that Andy Stanley asks those under his supervision.  Take some time to think about this.  One of the best examples I've read about on this topic comes from Joe Ehrmann and his book "InSideOut Coaching".  Coach Ehrmann has his athletes write their own obituary.  If you had this assignment, what would you say about yourself?  What would others say about you?  Did you lead a life of significance?  Coach Ehrmann says this exercise gets "transformative results."  His athletes at a banquet would read their obits and here are a few quotes that would be heard - "a loving father",  "a devoted husband", or "he lived his life for others."  What would your obituary say?

Happy Friday!

Mr. Townsend

Coming Home...Coming Together

Dear Leaders,

As I write this post I'm exhausted.  It is Friday and it is 4:00 PM and we just wrapped up a week of homecoming activities.  It is a long week that is full of activities and excited students!  However, this year was a touch different.  A couple of things jumped out at me as I walked around the building and observed the daily activities:

1.  School Spirit.  In one of my favorite books of all time called "Wooden" by John Wooden, he talks about what he calls the Pyramid of Success.  At the very top or apex of his pyramid is his definition of success "peace of mind that is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming."  Now, a portion or brick included in his pyramid that is an important aspect to reach success is what he calls "Team Spirit".  This is what I saw at the school this week.  Wooden defines this as "thinking of others" or "losing oneself in the group for the good of the group."  It means you are willing to sacrifice personal gain for the welfare of all.  You are a team player.  I saw that this week with our staff and students.

2.   Hard Work.  I can also reference John Wooden's pyramid of success on this topic.  On his pyramid he has what he calls "cornerstones".  If you don't have these two blocks the whole pyramid will crumble and you will not succeed.  He calls one of the cornerstone blocks "industriousness".  This simply means hard work.  Wooden says "worthwhile things come only from work."  How true!  This week I saw the staff and students not only working hard on homecoming activities but by the end all students in grades 7-12 at school today had all work done and handed in.  It was awesome to see all the hard work this week!

Everybody needs a little change of pace and this week provided that.  School is all about standards, curriculum, etc, etc, etc.  At the same time, weeks like homecoming can be just as beneficial to staff and students.  It gives them the opportunity to seek out moments that are included in the Pyramid of Success such as school spirit, hard work, patience, cooperation, friendship, enthusiasm, and loyalty.  These moments can be a positive influence in the lives of staff and students now and forever.  I'll take that for a week that ends with exhaustion.  :-)

Tiger Pride,

Mr. Townsend
 

What Kind Of Door Are You?

Dear Leaders:

I was driving to work the other morning and a song came on the radio and I thought to myself...this would be a great topic to blog about....so here we go!

In a song by Jason Gray ("With Every Act Of Love"), Jason has a lyric in that song that really hits home with me - "we have a million doors in this world for people to walk through and one of those doors is you."  What is Jason saying?  What could we as leaders, parents, brothers, sisters, teachers, or individuals learn from this song?

I think of the word opportunity (door) when I hear this song.  Think about your day.  From the time you wake up to the time you go to bed.  Think about the title of the song "With Every Act Of Love".  How many opportunities do you have each day to influence a life?  How many people come to your "door" a day and when they "walk" through your "door" how do you treat them?  Positively or negatively?

As I finish my first full week of school, I've had a lot of students and staff come through my "door".  On my whiteboard here in the office I have a one word hashtag I'm using for the school year to focus on - the hashtag is #opportunity.  Each time I have an individual walk through my "door" I approach each situation as an opportunity to have positive influence towards that person.  I encourage all of you to have that same mindset each and every day.

Take Care,

Mr. Townsend

Parental Involvement

Greetings!  I hope this holiday season finds you well.  I think I may be in trouble because I am behind on my latest Friday Focus and I told my Mom a couple weeks ago I would get another one published....so Sorry MOM!

For this Friday Focus, and with the holiday season among us, I would like to zone in on the importance of parental involvement.  From many articles I have read and with collaborating with many peers, I have found that research has shown that students with parents that are involved with the school and at home have fewer behavior problems and better academic performance.  To go even farther with this, a parent that is involved in the home adds even more value to a child's life.

I love this article, Fatherhood, by former NFL football coach Tony Dungy.  Although this article is directed at Dads, I still feel that the more involvement we have in the home by either a Mom or Dad only benefits our youth today.  Here are my "take-away's" from the article:

• Old English proverb "One Father is more than a hundred schoolmasters."
• Be there for your children.
• A parent present in the home can model proper behavior.
• Children need positive emotional stimulation from parents - especially Fathers.
• Make it a priority to do the following with your child - have dinner, attend their activities, tuck them in at bedtime.
• Always try to be actively involved in the household and be unified as parents when doing this.
• Let your child know they are your number one priority.
• Find a way to maximize your family time.  (Dungy gave up golf)
• Because our time is so limited, it's even more precious - to them and to you.
• Continue to evaluate the time you spend with family every year.

So as we transition into the holiday season, click on the link above and read the article by Tony Dungy.  This time of season is the perfect time and opportunity to start a new trend..... to enjoy family and fellowship.  I hope you have a joyous holiday season!

Mr. Townsend

You Are A Masterpiece

Yesterday our 7-12 students had the opportunity to listen to Bob Upgren speak at the Wahpeton High School Auditorium.  I love listening to speakers and I love taking notes.  Here are my "take aways" with Mr. Upgren's message:

• Who you are is more important than what you do.

• As John Wooden said "Be true to yourself".  As individuals we need to be proud of who we are and what we can do.  Don't change.  Be YOU. 

• Be everything that you were created to be.

• Everybody has a talent.  Find that talent and utilize it.  It is what you were meant to do in life.  If you find something you love, you will never work a day in your life

• You are a masterpiece.

• You are here on Earth for a reason.  Find that reason and be the masterpiece.

• You are made for a purpose.

• Find your purpose.  Utilize your purpose.  Be significant.  Make a difference in the lives of others.  Have influence.  Be a leader.

• Build your foundation on rock.

• Seek help when needed.  Surround yourself with other leaders.  Challenge yourself.  Always seek knowledge.  Have vision.

Happy Friday Focus!

Mr. Townsend