Let your OSL coordinator know about the wonderful things happening at your school so we can spotlight your school in an upcoming newsletter!  Contact information is at the bottom of this column.

Spotlight on

James E Sampson Memorial School

Sherri Davis, administrator at James E Sampson Memorial School has completed modules 1-5 already!  Her parents have taken a very active role and have already begun new projects around the school.  The pictures show the students working on a beautification project which the parents started.  The parents raised money/got a grant from Home Depot and were able to purchase the materials needed.

 Spotlight on Harmon Hodge STEM School 

Ayesha Hackman, administrator at Harmon Hodge Stem School in Tampa said that after Module 3 her families were "fired up".  They are all on board with Success Partners.  After Module 3 the parents created their first ever PTO.  Together they have already organized a fieldtrip to Legoland in December and are making plans for a carnival in the spring. They have reached out to the community and have already secured donations for a bus for the field trip and a bounce house and cotton candy machine for the carnival.    

 Spotlight on Naples Adventist Christian School

 Spotlight on Agape Christian School

 Spotlight on Faith Christian Academy

The Success Stories newsletter is brought to all educators in Success Partners to share

the good news of parent partnerships and to recognize continuous improvement as educators

 grow in their appreciation of family engagement. 

I know problems are part of life, but I can look back at times when it seemed as though I couldn't catch my breath long enough to get on top of the issue at hand. A famous and wise man once said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest."

I don't know about you, but I have had that thought at a few crucial points in my life and have found that though it may seem hard to stand and face my problem, I am a better person in the long run, because I didn't flee from the situation.

Unfortunately, there is no "magic pill" or "proven formula" for making my problems disappear. People all around me spend millions of dollars and exert a large amount of energy attempting to fix their problems on their own, but to no avail.

However, I have found that one sure way that helps lift me over these barriers and walls in my life has been to adopt an attitude of thankfulness. No matter how bad my situation may seem to me, I can always find something to be grateful for. It shouldn't take me long to reflect on all the horrible things going on in the world around me before I am able to come to the realization that I am truly blessed.

Despite financial concerns, I am better off than the majority of my world. Despite family concerns, I have many more people who love and care for me than many around me. Despite health concerns, I am much better off than many people I know within my immediate circle. Despite feelings of inadequacy, I have talents and skills that I am willing to use to help those around me.

It is always possible to find something that I can be grateful and thankful for! I simply have to remind myself to take opportunities to reflect and dwell both internally and externally on my blessings!

That positive attitude has proven to lighten my burdens and concerns, and has provided me with inspiration and renewed strength just when I needed it most. It has given me wings to rise above my problems with their associated doubt, fear, and worry and see them from a different perspective.

I encourage you to take a quick inventory of your problems and blessings, and guarantee that if you are honest with yourself, you will come to the same conclusion that I did, that I am truly blessed!

            Should Parents Help Their Children With Homework? 

College admissions and financial aid can be confusing. I grew up with a single mother who made less in a year than many colleges were charging for tuition. If I didn't have an older sister who had navigated the process herself, I don't think I would have had the same higher education and career opportunities, and Khan Academy might not exist.

This is why Khan Academy has created resources to help students and parents navigate this challenging process. These resources include video interviews and conversations with successful students from all walks of life and admissions officers and counselors at some of the nation's top schools.

 Learn more about College Admissions

Online resources can never be as good as a great mentor. However, we hope that we can help students get a solid start and to provide teachers, parents and counselors with a useful tool to help the students in their lives.

If you're a student considering college or know someone who would like these resources, I hope you'll take a look at and share our new College Admissions resources.

Regards,
Sal
 

FETC is the content-rich conference that brings education leaders and technology experts together to exchange techniques and strategies for teaching and learning success.

We encourage administrators and teachers to attend this wonderful technology conference.

FETC Conference Website