Commencement 2010 - Reality...

Now that long forgotten lunches and gym clothes have been purged from the lockers, the last exams have been scored and posted, the last graduate has crossed the stage and the dust has settled, there is time to reflect on another successful school year. The Class of 2010 has completed their matriculation through the hallowed halls of Grosse Pointe North, and are sure to venture forth into great successes and adventures. For those of you without the good fortune to attend our commencement exercises, it was a beautiful night. My address to the Class of 2010 is captioned below. This class has been responsible for many great moments in our school's history, and certainly has left its mark. Best wishes to all of this year's graduates.

Commencement Class of 2010

Good Evening Parents, Staff, Community, Members of the Board of Education, Dr. Klein, and most importantly, the Grosse Pointe North Graduating Class of 2010. I know what you’re thinking right now – yeah the musical performances were good, the speakers were articulate and moving, but Yes – now is my time - My time to finally.... get to hear Mr. Bearden speak. If we’d have let our graduates bring their phones in, Twitter and Facebook would be buzzing with the news – gtg, brb our Principal is finally speaking. He’ll be awesome LOL (For the social network shorthand challenged, That’s Got to Go, Be Right Back, our Principal is awesome – Laughing Out Loud....).
Commencement is about you, but I was taught that public speaking is about establishing trust with the audience, so in the spirit of establishing trust, I’ve used this platform to confess some secrets in the past. Once I unveiled my closet appreciation for both country and rap music. Once I confessed my secret lifelong desire to be a movie director. Last year I shared advice from my 6th grade gym teacher (ask me about that later), and tonight I have another embarrassing confession – I watch reality television. I watch American Idol, The Bachelor, Celebrity Apprentice, the occasional Dancing with the Stars and used to follow Survivor. Hope you don’t think less of me…In fact, this isn’t even a new thing – for those of you in my generation and older, you’ll remember early reality television shows I used to watch like Candid Camera, the Dating Game, the Newlywed Game, the Gong Show, and the $1.98 Beauty Show. All of them mind numbingly dumb, but strangely addictive.
A lot of people criticize these shows as not being reality at all because they are often scripted or fake. I don’t view that as detracting from the shows – in fact I think that’s what makes them real. The “real world” isn’t that at all – it’s nutty. Some people are fake all the time, some are real. Some situations are deceiving; sometimes you have to trust your gut instinct. As you’ve already learned in high school, a lot of times people (even your friends) turn out to be something different than you thought they were. Over and over the adage that truth is stranger than fiction will prove true in your lives. Your reality will shift and morph in ways you can’t yet imagine. On this day, we hope that the tools we’ve given you, and the lessons you’ve learned here at North will help you navigate the “Real” world.
If I were casting the Class of 2010 as a reality show, there would be a lot of great options. I’d call my show “Be the Change” using the mission our school adopted several years ago, and we’d track members of the Class of 2010 as they head into the world to make their mark and work to effect the change they would like to be in the world. First we need a host someone with a big personality who can think on his feet – I’ll go with Louie Michael. We need talent - I’d cast Tim Lupo and Justin Wrubel as singing minstrels who sing through every episode making the world better through song. I’d cast Dean Butts, Adam Evanski, Mark Haas, Mark Palazzolo and Kyle Moore as the Bachelors just because they’re all the kind of good guys you’d want your daughter to bring home. I’d cast AJ Brooks, Brandon Williams, Sara Bigham and Rahmed Gulley as Survivors because they’ve come a long way in four years here, been through a lot, and I want to see what they do in the world. I’d cast Bryan Brown and Ariel Braker as my version of successful Hoop Dreams and every week, like a crazy Groundhog Day movie, I’d have Bryan hit a half court buzzer beater to beat South again and again. I’d cast Nick Howard as a Trump type in an Apprentice show because you’ve got to have some wild hair somewhere and no one rocks an afro like Nick. The Class of 2010 has made us proud at North, and the Class of 2010 Be The Change show will be a reality show that will make us proud for years to come.
In closing, three pieces of advice for you that I’ve garnered from my years of living, loving, losing and winning, and watching the occasional television reality show – the video equivalent of junk food:
1. On Reality shows, people who go by one name – Puck, Omarosa, the Situation – are almost inevitably jerks. This is a good rule for real life. Elvis pulled it off, but he had to wear sequined jumpsuits to do it which Coach Sumbera tells me is not a good look for most people. Use the names your parents gave you, and represent them well.
2. I’m not entirely sure why, but there are usually three judges – one nice one, one hyper-critical one, and one middle of the road judge. This break-down will be pretty much followed in the population you encounter in real life, and as on the shows, often the most critical judges will know the least but incessantly blow their own horns to make you believe they know the most. Take the criticism constructively and the praise humbly and you’ll do well.
3. Sometimes the nicest and hardest working people don’t win. This one is a tough one to swallow because we’re taught that if we work hard we can achieve anything. It seems unfair, but it’s not. The reward for working hard and being nice is internal. You will feel great about yourself. Also, frequently the “nice guy” runner-up gets a spin-off show that’s better than the main one – this is also true in real life. As the song says, “Sometimes God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers”. Working hard and being nice gets rewarded one way or another.
In On the Road, Jack Kerouac wrote “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” LIVE – be present in your lives. Hold on to the people you love, and be open to everything – make your reality what you want it to be. It’s your reality show in the “real world”, and you can write the script.
Class of 2010 – your accomplishments have already changed North forever. The list of achievements, honors and awards for the members of this class is staggering. Thanks for your amazing representation of North High School. I’m confident that this class is ready to burn across the sky lighting the world with your dreams, desires and abilities. Finally, in a play on a popular reality show catch phrase, maybe someday you’ll even hear the words that will thrill every parent who wants to turn your bedroom into that home office or Jacuzzi room they’ve always wanted – Class of 2010….you’re hired. Congratulations and best wishes.

Where Next and How Do We Get There?

For the past two years, Grosse Pointe North High School has adopted the slogan and mission "Be the Change". This adopted slogan lifted from a Gandhi quote has taken on many different meanings in our building.

Three years ago we hosted our first Challenge Day event. Challenge Day is an activity that teaches students to look beyond the surface and realize that we all share similar issues, dreams, and are ultimately more alike than we are different. Our building has embraced this philosophy as a way to foster a positive atmosphere. Over the past three years approximately 600 North students and dozens of staff members have attended this life-changing event. As an outgrowth, we have had numerous "Be the Change" activities, a "Be the Change" tutorial classroom, and a variety of activities designed to bring students and staff closer.

Beyond the philosophies we've adopted from the Challenge Day experiences, "Be the Change" has taken on other meanings. We've created and implemented a plan called High Schools 2.0 designed to change the way we deliver instruction. We've opened our school's access to social networking sites, digital media, online delivery systems, and encouraged teachers and students to embrace technology. The integration of hardware and software tools in our classrooms has included Smart Boards in virtually every classroom, document cameras, clicker response systems, various content specific technologies, and many other innovations. We've instituted systematic support systems for struggling learners, including the building's Freshman Academic SuccessTeam, and Sophomore Academic Team. We've successfully "changed" the way we deliver and support instruction in meaningful ways.

The question of what's next dovetails nicely with the graduation of our class 0f 2010. After all, this is the question faced by every graduating senior each year. The answer is really pretty simple - it's not what destination is next so much as it is what journey is next. Change in the way we view each other as people, change in the way we view each other as learners and educators, and change in our learning environment cannot be represented as a destination. We've never "made it". The journey is the thing.

Next on our journey I envision that we will develop even more digitally and connected students and educators. We will expand our use of digital media, social networks and online delivery systems. Most importantly, we will adapt to more project based learning so that students are in situations that teach them how to think and problem solve. In today's fluid, organic world of change there is still a need for specific content knowledge, but that need is couched in a necessity that we all have a knowledge base from which to problem solve. Our task as educators is to create a generation of creative thinkers who, when faced with the new and ever-changing issues that will arise, will be able to create solutions.

Beyond, yet connected to, the ability to problem solve comes a necessity to understand and relate to people and societies across the globe. Our ever expanding digital connectivity, and corresponding flattening globe, makes it more critical than ever that we all relate to and understand one another as people. We have to embrace and understand different cultures, and the responsibility on schools to expand to partnerships with classrooms across our country and the world will grow exponentially as a result.

The next stop is never a stop - it's part of the journey. "Be the Change" isn't just a slogan or a mission or vision on a laminated poster - it's a way of life. Those who don't embrace change in the future will be run over by it. Our task as educators is to help shape a new generation of change agents. A generation with the ability, force and desire to make change happen and enjoy the journey along the way.

Social Networking

Former North teacher Mike Spears is now the district's technology curriculum specialist. In response to the growing use of social network sites, and the impact those sites can have on young people and schools, Mike has written the following as an informational piece for parents:

Social Networking and Your Child

Social Networking, using sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and many others, has become a regular part of teens’ lives. It is also becoming popular and more accessible amongst younger children as well. When used responsibly and cautiously, these tools can be very positive. Many businesses and educational institutions use social networking to communicate with their communities and target audiences. Professionals use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to make and solidify business and academic connections. While we know that teens use these resources on a regular basis, younger children are beginning to explore and use these sites as well. Social networking sites can be used as tools to harass and bully others, meet strangers who could easily be predators and express oneself in a way that may not occur in a real-life situation. Parents should be aware of their children’s on-line activities and monitor them closely. One social networking site that has recently exploded in popularity is Formspring. (www.formspring.me/) Users go to Formspring and allow anyone to ask them anything, and respond to those questions. In a strange turn of events, it has become an on-line forum in which students are being bullied and harassed. Users must create an account but questions can be asked anonymously. Like Facebook, one must be 13 years of age to sign up for Formspring. However, the only verification of age is a checkbox affirming the user to be 13 or older. Anyone under 13 can check that box if they care to. Parents should take the time to learn more about these sites and how their children may use them.

Teens and even college students on Facebook have come across issues of potential employers or university admissions departments checking backgrounds. There have been many instances of someone being denied a job or college entrance based on the personal information posted by that person on social networking sites. This information is often used for harassment and bullying as well. Many teens use these sites to meet people and it is common for real-life relationships to develop from social networking. Some teens post inappropriate comments or pictures of themselves on social networking sites, which can easily invite predators or police. Facebook usage amongst children younger than 13 is increasing rapidly.
Used properly, social networking websites can be valuable tools for learning and networking. Used inappropriately, they can be dangerous and have many unforeseen consequences. Most are blocked to students on GPPSS computers and when they are used, it is with due vigilance. Parents can use built-in features of web browsers or free software like K9 Web Protection (http://www1.k9webprotection.com/) to block and monitor websites that they want to block or limit. Filtering and blocking websites can’t prevent a child from accessing a site that he or she is determined to use. Students with smartphones, laptops, etc. can easily access these sites from anywhere outside of school and the home computer. Please have a conversation about the dangers and consequences of inappropriate use of social networking and cyber-bullying with your children.

Some of the more popular social networking sites, in addition to those already mentioned, include the following:

· 43 Things: Users set goals to achieve and are linked by commonality of goals
· BlackPlanet: caters to African Americans, one of the oldest social networks on the Internet.
· Broadcaster: video social networking.
· Classmates: generally avoided by teens, but will charge users for usage.
· eSPIN and eCRUSH: These sites match users randomly and anonymously, although anonymity often fades away fast.
· Flixter: Increasingly popular-mixes social networking with movie reviews
· Foursquare: used to let others know your specific geographic location
· Friendster: Keep in touch with friends and meet new people
· Hi5: “Social entertainment for the youth market worldwide”
· Meetup: Social network aimed at organizing in-person meetings of people with a specific common interest, e.g. hobbyists, etc.
· Tagged: specifically designed for users to meet new friends.
· Xanga: Social networking via blogging. Very popular amongst teens
Here are some articles worth reading if you have concerns about your child’s internet activities. Please be warned the some of the articles contain strong language as examples of misuse of social networking, cyber-bullying and harassment.
· Is FormSpring.me Another Platform for Cyber Bullying?: http://tinyurl.com/cyberbullyFS
· Teens Abuse, Find Comfort in Anonymity on Formspring.me: http://tinyurl.com/cyberbullyFS2
· What Every Parent Should Know About Formspring: The New Cyberscourge for Teens: http://tinyurl.com/cyberbullyFS3
· The 5 Facebook Dangers-Perils That Have Nothing to Do with Internet Predators: http://tinyurl.com/cyberbullyFB1
· National Crime Prevention Council on cyberbullying: http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying

Brains, Learning Styles and the Battle of the Sexes

One of the critical focus points for any educator is addressing different learning styles. The adage "Many a truth is told in jest" is illustrated in this humorous video highlighting differences between the way men and women think. One of the realities of teaching is that all students learn and process differently, and to effectively reach a broad audience an instructor must have a diverse "toolbox" of teaching strategies.

With the advent of technological advances in the classroom, more tools are available than ever before. Each teacher has video, audio, graphics, and the entire worldwide web at his / her fingertips at a moment's notice. Smart boards allow students to manipulate in a hands on way, and software and hardware innovations allow students to create multimedia presentations and projects that are of professional quality. Our teachers plan and prepare to find a variety of instructional strategies that address each learning style.

While the differences between individual students or different genders or ages may not be as distinct and clearly drawn as the speaker in this video suggests, they are real. Students and parents should look for and expect that teachers are providing a variety of instructional practices. Often when a student is not engaged in a classroom, behavior and performance suffer. An appropriate area for parents to pursue with their children and their children's teachers is what works for the individual student. Some children learn best by seeing, some by doing, some by hearing, and most by a combination of all of these things.

Today's students are used to a variety of fast paced video and audio stimuli. They tend to be multi-taskers who have short attention spans. This clearly works in contradiction to traditional forms of instruction that involve lecturing and notetaking. Teachers have a difficult balancing act as they often must be both entertainers and instructors in their classrooms. Part of the teacher / parent partnership is feedback about which learning styles work best for the student, and open exchanges regarding instructional strategies that are tried at school and could be employed at home. As parents, don't be afraid to contact teachers for ideas as to how to help students at home, and for instructional strategies you can use.

Teaching has never been more challenging than it is today, but by contrast teachers have never had more tools at their disposal. Critical to the proper use of these tools is an understanding by all involved in a child's education that different approaches are critical to reaching different learners. It also helps if we all understand the "nothing box"...

It's All Perspective

I always admire and am impressed by people who can maintain a positive attitude and put a positive spin on things even in the face of adverse circumstances. There is much of this quality on display daily at North High School.

These times of economic uncertainty have created a lot of stress and strain for our students, staff and community. Many families in our community have dealt with lost jobs, and changes in their financial circumstances. Some of our teachers face layoffs as the district struggles to make tough economic decisions in the face of reduced funding from the state. Our teachers and administrators are working without a contract in a tough climate to be negotiating wages and benefits. Despite all of this, each day I encounter students and teachers who have tremendous attitudes, and exhibit real grace under pressure.

Our teachers at North have a "kids first" approach, and our students have managed to maintain some youthful idealism that the world sorely needs. This week at North is Respect Awareness Week, and teachers and students have worked side by side to put together a program of activities, videos, announcements and recognitions that emphasize and honor respect for self and others. Teachers were given tickets to give out to students demonstrating respectful attitudes in the hall, that those students can enter into a raffle for prizes. All week I've seen great attitudes from staff and students alike.

It's kind of cliche to say that adversity reveals character, but like most cliches, there is a lot of truth there. In tough times and in good, we have a great school community with caring teachers, administrators and parents, and committed, idealistic, high-achieving students. Thanks to everyone who's part of making North a great place to be.

Sound Familiar?

When he first appeared on the national scene, Elvis Presley's gyrations were considered so risque that for his appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, cameras only showed him from the waist up. Now he, and his movies and performances, would be viewed as "G" rated and suitable for all ages. The lens by which we view change in the world certainly evolves over time. Technology may be the best example. Fear and resistance to change result in some common themes over the years. South teacher, Nick Provenzano, sent me these quotes. Amazing how the times and technology change, but the lines sound eerily familiar...

“Students today depend too much on hand-held calculators.” (Anonymous, 1985)

“Ballpoint pens will be the ruin of education in our country. Students use these devices and then throw them away. The American virtues of thrift and frugality are being discarded. Business and banks will never allow such expensive luxuries.” (Federal Teacher, 1950)

“Students today depend upon these expensive fountain pens. They can no longer write with a straight pen and nib, (not to mention sharpen their own quills). We parents must not allow them to wallow in such luxury to the detriment of learning how to cope in the real business world, which is not so extravagant.” (PTA Gazette, 1941)

“Students today depend upon store bought ink. They don’t know how to make their own. When they run out of ink they will be unable to write words or ciphers until their next trip to the settlement. This is a sad commentary on modern education.” (The Rural American Teacher, 1929)

“Students today depend too much upon ink. They don’t know how to use a pen knife to sharpen a pencil. Pen and ink will never replace the pencil.” (National Association of Teachers, 1907)

“Students today depend upon paper too much. They don’t know how to write on slate without chalk dust all over themselves. They can’t clean a slate properly. What will they do when they run out of paper?” (Principal’s Association, 1815)

“Students today can’t prepare bark to calculate their problems. They depend upon their slates, which are more expensive. What will they do when their slate is dropped and it breaks? They will be unable to write!” (Teachers Conference, 1703)

Google It

When I was growing up, one of my parents' favorite responses to questions was "look it up". I learned a lot about problem solving, finding answers, and a lot of answers to questions by using the dictionary and encyclopedias. Today "look it up" has been replaced by "Google it"...

This link has great tips for how to effectively use Google to find answers to a wide variety of questions, and how to use Google for a wide variety of tasks. Keep clicking the play button to advance the screen, and learn how to go beyond just "looking it up"...

http://prezi.com/mohshuoe-qcf/google-search-tricks