Exactly what the ground hogs whose burrows border the path around the Falls may have seen Saturday was not reported in the local media. Perhaps the snow depth prevented any sunlight from meeting the entrance to the ground hog’s den.
On Sunday night we had a report from one part-time resident from the north shore of Kelly Lake. After he parked in a neighbor’s drive, he walked to his house in snow up to his (bleep) to get to his front door. Clearly, ground hogs have it tough this year.
As we slowly crawl out of what seemed like a record cold January, we have the opportunity for a little reflection about things other than temperature, not the least of which was an outstanding Joint State Education Convention experience in Milwaukee a few weeks ago. We were impressed with the high quality presentations, expanded representation of vendors, and the many opportunities to network with old and new friends.
For first-time superintendent attendees, the drive to the convention and the time spent with school board members can be an opportunity to build relationships on a much different level. Many topics are covered in “superintendent school” and the new superintendent workshops, but, most likely, attending the annual convention with board members is not part of the curriculum.
Typically, the board president or other experienced board members show the new superintendent the ropes. After a couple of years, the superintendent extends that same courtesy to board members attending for the first time. The convention experience can create lasting impressions as board members see their superintendent interact with peers from other districts.
The chance for interactions among board members from different districts can also be valuable. Once in a while, the conversation on the ride home can go something like this: “You know I was talking to a board member from another district, and after hearing what that person had to say, I think we have it pretty good in our district.”
Hearing about issues in other districts can make your own seem a little smaller, or at least there is an understanding that whatever problems you may have, there are many issues you don’t have. As an unknown great philosopher once said, “Everything has a purpose in life, and for some, it is to make others look good.”
As is the tradition, music and inspiration were woven throughout the program. The two can go hand in hand. One classic from a previous convention was Peter Yarrow’s rendition of “Don’t Laugh at Me.” The performance focused on acceptance of diversity in our student population. Many school leaders took the message back to their districts and shared it with teachers and students.
The message was strong, but the memories that many attendees had with Peter, Paul, Mary when they were in their prime deepened the impact.
Just a few days ago we suffered another loss from that special time with the passing of Pete Seeger. While his work was not part of any set of standards for elementary music instruction, or high school political science for that matter, Seeger’s music could be heard in schools during the ’60s and ’70s as the folk music revival took the nation by storm.
He wore his heart on his sleeve — or on the neck of his 12-string guitar or five-string banjo. Active consecutively in the labor, civil rights, anti-war and conservation movements, he was a powerful spokesman who used music to inspire crowds. His song “We Shall Overcome” became the rallying song of the civil rights movement.
Those who lived and sang the song during those tumultuous times may recall the sense of hope and tranquility that came as different-sized crowds joined voices. Again, not part of the official curriculum in “superintendent school” or the new superintendent workshops, but a group-sing of “We Shall Overcome” might be good therapy. A few superintendents might even admit that they find themselves humming that tune during a break or after the conclusion of a contentious meeting. It can be a favorite “tool” in the superintendent tool box.
School leaders returned from the convention inspired and full of new ideas. The month of February is a short one. Now is the time to start applying what we learned. With the current weather, we don’t expect any arm-in-arm marches down Main Street. Here’s hoping all across Wisconsin the group-sing will be harmonious.
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