Salzer's+Reflections

=Below will be posted some of my reflections as time allows.=

September 11, 2010

Dear New Tech student,

As our first week together drew to a close, as one of your facilitators, I wanted to pause and share some reflections and items for your consideration. In the hustle and bustle of Friday, I didn’t have a chance to do so. So here I am the day after, doing so. Today is a day of significance in its own right, and what I am attempting to share might seem trite in comparison. Yet, please bear with me. Exactly nine years ago, I was teaching and working with students at Kirk Middle School, in East Cleveland, Ohio. Like you, they had hopes, fears, interests, and expectations. That morning, though we did not know it when the school day began, we were on the cusp of many societal changes that would unfold in the aftermath of the day’s terror.

Our world has changed in significant ways since that fateful day. Fast-forward nine years, to this weekend. While I don’t hope or expect some terrible tragedy to befall any of us, I do feel that we too are on the cusp of two places. I think that we are poised between one place -- a familiar type of school environment -- and another place -- a shift in how we “live” school. I sense that we have an opportunity that carries challenges and rewards. I hope that you’ll embrace both. I really hope that you are asking yourself what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life. And how you’ll set your plans in motion. For my part, I have ambitious hopes for you here. May you find friendships at New Tech, the ears to listen, the courage to do what you feel is right, the discipline and initiative to work, and a joy and love for learning.

That said, congratulations on getting your brochures finished…or close anyways. As you move forward in the weeks ahead, consider embracing these habits:

Take good care of yourself. Your body and mind are growing rapidly; don’t forget the basics of healthy living. Get enough sleep, eat enough, eat a variety of foods, get exercise every day, read and write every day, make art and music often, avoid TV and computer/video games, except in small amounts, especially on weekdays. You can’t do your best work unless you are healthy, rested and alert.
 * Be Prepared –**

Respect for yourself is called pride – work and behave in ways that make you proud. Respect for others is called courtesy. Remember that others have just as many feelings as you do. Listen actively. Ask questions (try to make them helpful ones – remember not all of the questions asked in “What’s my condition” really helped figure out what people had) and request help when you don’t understand something. Remember the “drawing in pairs” exercise and that each of us has a different perspective. If we try, we can teach each other to “see with our eyes.” And see from others’ eyes. Leave things as nice or nicer than you found them. Do your share or more of cleanup. Don’t waste materials.
 * Be Respectful –**

Remember the simple things, like saying ‘Hello’, ‘Please’, ‘Thanks’, ‘Excuse Me’, and ‘I’m Sorry.’ None of us is perfect: we all make mistakes. Allow other people another chance. When you mess up, recognize and admit it, do what you need to do to make it right, then go on. Ask what you can do to help. Solve a problem. Reach out to someone you don’t know well. Help our school community be welcoming, cooperative, busy, and happy. And of course, have fun in the process!
 * Be Courteous –**

Sincerely, Mark Salzer