Final Exams?????

This evening, the subject of final exams was discussed by a group of people that were curious why we give them. There are any number of reasons for giving and not giving final exams at the high school level. There are those who feel that they prepare you for college. There are those who feel that finals are the true indicator of what you learned from a course. On the other hand, there are those who feel that the only purpose they serve is to lower grades at the end of the year. Other schools do not mandate finals. Why do we? Why can't seniors be excused? The list of questions and opinions that were shared tonight goes on and on. In February, we will create a small team of students, teachers, and administrators to discuss the topic of final exams at Athens High School. Until then, I would like to hear your feelings regarding final exams. Why should we continue mandating them or why should we modify or discontinue them? BTW - Good luck on your finals this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Winter Is Here!

We all know that winter driving conditions can be dangerous. The problem with winter driving is that we often feel rushed, just like during warmer weather, and we forget to give ourselves extra time. The weather in central Illinois is unpredictable! Today was the first real taste of winter conditions that we have experienced thus far, and there were several cars in the ditches by 8:30am. The blacktop, Route 29, the Post Road, and the numerous country roads that our students, parents, and employees drive everyday are prone to poor conditions. It is easy to say "remember to give yourselves extra time each morning." In reality, it is difficult to get everyone out the door on time every day. I have two grade school children and every morning is a different adventure. With this in mind, I plan to give my family a little extra time each morning to make it out the door. I hope you will all do the same. Drive safely and enjoy the upcoming holiday season.

Enjoying Work

I have always felt that is important to enjoy what you do for a living. It is easy to say that you enjoy your job..but how many of us really mean it? What are the clues to determinng if you really like your job? I have always had three rules.
1. If I ever question "Why I am doing what I do" more than two straight dayS - it is probably time to go.
2. If I ever get up and say..."Boy, I do not want to go to work this morning" more than two days in a row - it is probably time to go.
3. Do I think about work when I'm not there? Number three is two-sided....Are you thinking about the fact that the place is falling apart or wondering what your clients, employees, or coworkers are doing while you are away? Or, if the the mountains of work you will have when you return are all you can think about- you should probably move on.
The other (positive) side of the coin is - do you miss going to work? Are you wondering what is going on because you know you should have a part in it? Are you missing something significant or meaningful? Do you miss the interactions with clients, coworkers or employees?
If you answer yes to this "side of the coin" - then you are probably going to work in the right place every day.
As I have been away for the last two days due to a family illness, I have thought often of what is going on in the building. I do not worry about how the building is run in my absence - there are great people working there everyday. I am not concerned about the discipline issues that may arise - becasue they are far and few between and I know they will be handled effectively. I do miss the interactions with teachers and staff. I miss the classroom visits and the passing period conversations that take place everyday with various students. AHS is a great place to work. It is the personal interactions between all the members of the school community that make it such a great place.
So................... as I go through my list of 3:
1. Not yet
2. Not yet
3. Yes - to the good side of the coin

It is obvious to me and to those who know me - I do enjoy what I do for a living and have for most of my educational career. I hope that you all enjoy what you do and that each day is as varied and rewarding for you as it is for me. Have a great weekend!

Veterans Day

This morning, the Athens High School Leadership Committee hosted a Veterans Day Assembly at the high school. This is the fourth year for such an event. Invitations were sent out to numerous veterans in the area, inviting them to the assembly, a short reception afterwards and a dinner this evening in their honor. Mr. John Tobias is the man behind the scenes for this wonderful event.
The students and guests were treated to a medley of military music and displays of patriotism. The Athens VFW was on hand to present the colors. Mr. Tobias secured a bagpiper for the ceremony and our own Evan Stott played Taps at the end. Newly recognized veterans were presented certificates of appreciation for their service to our country. Past recipients were acknowledged and those who have since passed away were also recognized. State Senator, Larry Bomke and State Representative Rich Brauer were both on hand, as well as the mayor of Athens, Mrs. Debra Richardson.
As the son of a Vietnam veteran, and the grandson of both a WWII and a Korean War veteran, I have a special sense of pride for the service that those who serve in our military provide. While today and tomorrow are days that have been designated to remember those who have served this county throughout the years, I believe that any day is the right day to say "Thank You."
If you have not attended a Veterans Day Assembly at AHS, you really should try to attend next year. If you are a veteran or know of one who should attend - please call Mr. Tobias or Mr. Curry at the high school with contact information.

Casting the First Ballot

This is an important day for many high school seniors. Today could be the first time they have ever been eligible to vote. I ran into two current seniors at the polling place today. As I watched them during the process, it triggered memories from 1988. 1988 was a great year: high school graduation, freshmen year of college and my first Presidential Election. My choices were George Herbert Bush against Michael Dukakis. I remember reading articles and paying attention to commercials and debates. I remember talking politics with my parents and friends. I remember Dukakis riding on a tank, Dan Qualye "comparing" himself to JFK, and Bush's famous "Read my lips - No new taxes" speech. As I went to the polls, I felt like I was doing my civic duty. I felt empowered and important. I cast my vote for the person I felt would lead this country into the '90s. I walked out of the polling place proud to have cast a vote for my candidate and what he stood for. I was sure that he would win.
Today, I watched as two seniors nervously stood in line - one of them in the wrong line. They both waited patiently to vote and then to cast their ballots. I could see a sense of accomplishment and pride on their faces. I asked one of them, on the way out, if the process was empowering and he said it was.
I missed an election once - worked and coached right through the day! I spent the next four years quiet about the results because I had missed my opportunity to cast a vote. I hope that everyone took the time to vote today. Regardless of your Party affiliation or preference of candidate, it is important to participate in the process. With a lame-duck President, it does not really matter who wins tonight - change is upon us. Republican or Democrat, the ideas and the faces will be new. To me, the beauty of living in a representative democracy is civic participation!

A Busy Week Ahead!

This is a great time of year for all fans of high school athletics. Football, volleyball, and cross-country are wrapping up; meanwhile basketball is starting to get geared up for practice. Athens has a big week of sports on hand. The week includes; girl’s volleyball Regionals in New Berlin on Thursday and Saturday, State football playoffs Friday or Saturday, and cross-country Sectionals on Saturday morning in Elmwood. Saturday could be a big travel day for many Warrior fans. Having never experienced IHSA football playoff excitement before, the football community should be pumped-up this coming Saturday. I have seen the community in action when supporting the ACF, and this will hopefully be no different. The volleyball team, fresh off a good run at the QND tourney, should make some noise in New Berlin. Tiffany Draughn will lead the cross-country team into Sectionals. Tiffany is a 3 time state-qualifier and she is looking for a fourth. Our students have represented Athens High School well over the past 3 months of competition. The Golf, soccer, swimming, football, volleyball, and cross-country teams, as well as, the cheerleaders have performed outstanding and carried themselves in a positive manner. So, this week is a time to show your continued support for our Warriors and Lady Warriors! With continued hard work, your support and a little good fortune, we could be having this same conversation next week.

Time to Brag a Little

Athens' Turn to Brag A Little!

The Athens Warrior football team did what many outside of the 213 felt was nearly impossible - they knocked off the PORTA Blue jays on Friday night, at PORTA no less. The weather was terrible, yet many many Warrior fans made the trip and stood or sat in the rain for hours. Those who went will not soon forget the double-pass on 4th and 3 that continued a defining season for our football program. A gutsy call and perfect execution by 3 team leaders led to a memorable moment for everyone. After the game, it was obvious that the Blue jays were stunned and disappointed. On our sideline there was jubilation and celebration. As numerous fans lined the streets and welcomed the team back to the complex, it was obvious that this was a gigantic win for the program and the community that has supported them so well. As the season nears its end, the boys have one job before them - win! They must win this Friday to secure an opportunity to play in the playoffs. Many years ago, I was an assistant for a head coach who would always tell the team...."you play nine Friday nights in order to play on Saturday afternoons." With one more Friday to go, the team could use a huge crowd to push them to a victory on Senior Night this Friday.

Goggles and all!

Today, I was able to participate in a chemistry lab during 8th hour. I was able to jump into a group, goggles and all, and work as a team to discover the amount of water found in various brands of popcorn. As I worked with the students, I was quickly reminded why I enjoy my job so much. The three members of my group were awesome. They were able to work the experiments safely, have fun doing so and in the process learn something. The lab was well designed except for the fact that the smell of popcorn made it very tempting to eat the data. As I watched the rest of the class, I remembered why I loved my science classes back in the late ‘80’s. Labs provide a break from the note-taking and seat-time that are fundamental parts of school. Labs allow for movement and interaction that are both intellectual and fun. There was a challenge in performing the experiments properly whether or not the outcome was the expected one. This afternoon, the process was completed without incident. I would like to thank Mrs. Warren for the invitation this afternoon. I would also like to say “thank you” to the soccer player, the neighbor and the babysitter for allowing me to be part of their group and ending my day on a very positive note.

School Spirit

I just want to take a moment to talk about school spirit. The last 4 days prove that school spirit is alive and well at AHS. The students have taken the challenge of competing against each other for points and a spirit stick. More than anything, it is about pride and having fun. Our students took that attitude and ran with it. From the dress-up days to the daily competitions, the kids really did a great job. As always, there are those who were more invlolved than others, but many participated in one fasion or another. The dodgeball tournament and the male-cheerleader competition will stick in my memory as two very funny moments from this year's homecoming activities. Kudos to the Student Council and Ms. Rene Blank for a great homecoming week so far. Tonight is the bonfire, located behind the school next to the library. On Friday, we will have our annual obstacle course. This year we will use the sports complex for the venue. And do not forget the FOOTBALL GAME on Friday. The South Fulton Rebels come to town for a big game with PLAYOFF implications......wow! - 4 years of foootball and we are talking about making a run at the playoffs. Top that off with a volleyball team that is on a very nice roll and you can see why school spirit is alive this fall at AHS.