This week the No Excuses University at Julian Elementary School, in Julian California, was named a National School of Character. Julian Elementary was the only school in the state of California to receive such an honor. The No Excuses University Network of Schools congratulates the Julian Elementary School staff for their diligent work in helping students achieve high standards of academic success, and develop a strong sense of character on their road to college. Well done!
My friend Jennifer sent this movie to me this morning. One look and I was floored. While it left me inspired by educators like Michelle Rhee and Jeffrey Canada, it also gave me a jolt that reminded me about what’s at stake. The lives of children hang in the balance every day. Our school aged children are on academic life support. Their life’s prospects are dependent on the education we offer them. As a whole, we are failing them. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The academic success of all students should never depend on the luck of the draw or how a lotto ball may bounce. EVERY student deserves a GREAT education and we CAN offer it to them. We have the strategies, but don’t have the will to put them into action. We are distracted by layoff notices and frustrated by a lack of funding. We get bad news, eat it up, and translate it into bad attitudes. Enough! It’s time to shut the door to our classrooms and teach our kids as if their lives depend on it. There is no alternative. Every teacher must begin to take this profession and the success of their students very personally. They need to enter their classrooms feeling as if they were placed on this Earth with the one, single, purpose to educate children. Over the top you say? Too bold? Unrealistic? Maybe, but there is absolutely no other choice. If we don’t make serious changes today, the same students that need us the most but learn the least today, will be sitting in prison cells tomorrow. Do you understand the sense of urgency?
In California, there are few honors greater than earning the California Distinguished Award for exemplary success. To be associated with one distinguished school is tremendous, but to be linked to three schools is downright outstanding. Congratulations to our colleagues at Mango, Landau, and Cielo Vista Elementary School for earning this very prestigious award. We’re proud of you!
