Hello Partnership Educators,
What a wonderful week we have had. I have really enjoyed going from site to site and talking with all of you as well as visiting your classrooms, cafeterias, and offices. The smiling faces and excitement is invigorating for me.
The last few weeks I have shared stories about figures from the American story. Abraham Lincoln found his purpose and took on his future career because it became relevant after his failing business interactions. We all learned about Oprah Winfrey's news debacle that made her a billion dollar tycoon because she finally found her niche'. Last week we talked about Kat Cole and her humble beginnings and supportive environment that led her to corporate success. We make a difference in the outcomes of future stories every day.
I was watching McFarland with Kevin Costner the other night and I'll never forget a quote from that movie that really explains why we do what we do. If you don't know about the movie McFarland, please watch it today. True story about changing the stories of an entire community not just the kids but the kids for sure. Maria Marisol, a teacher at the school, reads Jose Cardena's paper from class to the cross country coach.
"We fly like blackbirds through the orange groves, floating on a warm wind. When we run, we own the earth. The land is ours. We speak the birds' language. Not immigrant no more. No stupid Mexicans. When we run, our spirits fly. We speak to the gods. When we run, we are the gods."
That student's story has been changed forever in who they think they can be from that time forward.
Enjoy this labor day weekend. I will see you on Tuesday.
Rob
Superintendent
Redding Elementary School District
New Millennium Partnership
5885 East Bonnyview Rd.
Redding, Ca 96001