Empathy 101

There is nothing better than a rival football game.  This Friday, we all were sitting on the edge of our seats watching our beloved Commodores take on the Marksmen.  This game is always a battle both on and off of the field.  Jumping up and down, cheering for our team (and surely making a fool of myself) I realized many times throughout the night that I was not just watching a football game but learning from a team about how to show empathy, kindness and sportsmanship even during a heated battle.  Many times throughout the night our team modeled this for our community in many ways, including helping a Tell City team member rub out a cramped leg, offering water to the opponent and a providing a helping hand up after a hard tackle.  Even when the calls didn't go their way, our Commodores always put themselves back on the line, never complaining but always working hard. 

The Making Caring Common Project by Harvard University is a program that focuses on empathy.  In their article, they remind us that empathy is a key part in being a responsible and helping community member.  When students have empathy they are more likely to display classroom engagement, high academic achievement, better communication and more positive relationships. 

At Perry Central, we have been working hard at developing opportunities through Social Emotional Learning in hopes of developing the whole child.  Teaching empathy is part of this reach.   In the article that I mentioned above, one way they suggest that we do this is by encouraging students to expand their circle of concern.  This week while in Brennan Malone's classroom, I noticed that his students had a commitment for the week which included accepting someone new.  Modeling and encouraging students, just like this simple gesture, is a great way to increase empathetic aptitude.

I would encourage you to read the entire Harvard Article that is linked HERE.  It offers great suggestions and easy strategies for helping our students with this important skill.  I would also encourage you to come out and watch our Commodore football team.  Even though we were a few points shy on Friday Night, they were winners of the most important battle - showing kindness and empathy to others.  I wouldn't trade that win for any other touchdown! 

Sail On, Commodores!  Keep up the great work!

"The find line between success and adversity can be changed by a grin or a little eye twinkle."                                                                                                                                           - Parker's Promise  


Important Information: 


Club Rush Hour - Just a reminder that students will be encouraged to participate in Rush Hour this Friday during WIN.  Many clubs will have booths and activities set up in the gym in hopes of getting new club members!  We will release students by intercom to participate during both WIN groups.  Club participation for students is a great way for students to gain much needed professional skills and if they become active members could help them satisfy Box 2 of the Graduation Pathway Requirements.    Thank you to all of the clubs for participating in this important event - and for Ms. Hagedorn and Student Council for organizing!

Student Success Center Training - Shelly and I are working on a Student Success Center (New ISS) training for students.  We will have a schedule out by tomorrow morning.  We are looking at Tuesday and Thursday this week to run students through a 10-15 minute presentation.  We will be utilizing Science 7, Science 8, Chemistry, Biology, ICP, US History and English 12 classes.  Please see the tentative schedule below.  I know this is very short notice, so please know if you need flexibility for your class, we can make adjustments to meet your classroom needs - all you have to do is ask!  We will send you a final schedule early tomorrow - I just wanted to share this with you for planning purposes. 

Tuesday: 

8:05-8:20 - Walsh 8th grade

8:20 - 8:35 - US History Stowe

8:35 - 8:48 - ICP Taylor

8:55 - 9:10 - Walsh 7th grade

9:10 - 9:25 - Ball English 12

9:25 - 9:36   Johnson Chemistry

9:45 - 10:00  Walsh 7th grade

10:00 - 10:15  Taylor Biology

12:30 - 12:45  Walsh 7th grade

12:45 - 1:00 - Taylor Biology

1:00 - 1:15  Ball English 12

1:25 - 1:40  Walsh 8th Grade

1:40 - 1:55  Taylor Biology

1:55 - 2:10  Seniors from AP Language

2:15 -2:30  Guillaume 8th grade

2:30 - 2:45  Taylor ICP

2:45 - 3:00  Seniors from AP Language

Thursday: 

9:30 - 9:45   Life Skills Students???   

10:00 - 10:15  Chemistry Johnson

10:15 - 10:30 - AP US History

10:35 - 10:50  Walsh 7th Grade

10:50 - 11:05  Johnson Chemistry

11:05 - 11:20  AP US History

Virtual Day - Please remember to send home Virtual work with all of your classes by the end of the day on Friday.  This work will be for Tuesday, September 3rd.  The following are great guidelines to utilize when planning:
* Remember to plan for 30 - 35 minutes of work for each class period
* Work will be due for students 2 days after the assigned day (So Thursday, September 5th)
* Some students do not have Internet.  If you can make a plan for this up front, it is helpful (provide hand-outs or opportunities to download work so it can be worked on off-line)
* Posting work to Google Classroom, Canvas or other tools is helpful for students to manage their work

RTI Meeting - Please send names for RTI to Jody by Monday so we will have names for our meeting!  Our team will be meeting Tuesday morning at 7:20 a.m. in the high school library.

Event Link - This week is a busy week for athletics!  We encourage you to look on Event Link for a schedule! 

Important Dates:

Monday, August 26th - 11:45 - 12:30   Math ILearn Meeting/  3:10 - 4:00  English ILearn Meeting in Hailei Gehlhausen's room

Tuesday, August 27th - 7:20 a.m. RTI Meeting High School Library/ Commodore Table 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 28th -  7:25 a.m. Social Studies Team Meeting

Thursday, August 29th - English Team Meeting 11:45/ Commodore Manufacturing Visits 9:00 a.m.

Friday, August 30th - Club Rush Hours during WIN