Dear Parents,
Two of my favorite quotes are from Thomas Edison: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work” and “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Typically in my blogs, I try to enlighten you on all of the great and positive things going on at Donoho. Believe me, we have much to be thankful for; however, I’m somewhat troubled and want to share my thoughts with you. Together, I hope we can instill a greater degree of resiliency in our students as characterized by Thomas Edison.
All too often, I see students of all ages giving up when faced with adversity. If we are going to prepare our students for a world that is filled with both peaks and valleys, we must allow them to fail from time to time. I’m not saying that we should intentionally put unbearable obstacles in their way. Instead, I’m saying that when they’re in the valley and facing a steep climb, we should love and support them while allowing them to make the climb themselves. James Chapter 1 tells us “let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Perseverance builds character.
At times, we all can’t make the team, get a trophy, ace the test, buy the car we want, get into the college of our dreams, or receive the job we worked so hard to get. It’s a reality called life. Perseverance is the ability to bounce back, get up when knocked down, dust off, and move on. If innovators like Edison had given up when obstacles seemed insurmountable, where would we be today?
I assure you that we are making plans that will encourage and support our students as they grow, mature, and face obstacles that life puts in front of them. For example, we are currently designing a Character Development/Study Skills class that will be required for all 7th graders. Our mission is to equip our students for more than just college; we must equip them for life by giving them the skills they need to be successful no matter how they choose to define it.
Always,
James
