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

Vision

John Maxwell says vision "paints the target".  Vision leads the leader. 

I attended a leadership simulcast and the main topic was VISION and how it relates to leadership.  

John Maxwell gives a great example of vision:

1.  Some people never see it.  (They are wanderers)

2.  Some people see it but never pursue it on their own.  (They are followers)

3.  Some people see it and pursue it.  (They are achievers)

4.  Some people see it and pursue it and help others see it.  (They are leaders)

Do you dream?  Do you have goals?  Do you have a burn in your stomach to do something?  Try this exercise from Moishe Rosen:

If I had _______________________________ I would _______________________.

With vision always think abundance.  Beyond best is always better.  You can always get better.  You can always climb higher.  Have the mindset "no finish line".

Here is Maxwell's 5 step cycle to success:  test, fail, learn, improve, and re-enter

Intentionally grow everyday.  This increases your growth capacity.

Average people want you to stay average.  Surround yourself with bigger people.

Final Thought:  Find your vision, and let it guide you in all that you do.