School Matters Week of 03/14/2022

At the beginning of the year, the news reported the possible invasion of Ukraine. Some were convinced it was only the media sensationalizing the current tensions in the region while others were equally sure the invasion was imminent. Toward the end of February, the speculation ended as Russian troops crossed the border and invaded Ukraine. Most of the world braced for a swift defeat of the Ukrainian forces, but they have stubbornly defended their homeland. War can always bring out the very worst in people, and we can see horrific acts of brutality, inhumanity, and suffering. Conversely, these difficult times can also produce heroes and demonstrate the strength of the human spirit. Some individuals rise above the chaos and prove to be extraordinary leaders with uncommon character and resolve.

Throughout this conflict, I have been very impressed with the current President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He has proven to be an excellent war-time leader and has caught the attention of the world. A man who began his career as a comedy actor has been capitulated to the national stage. He has seemed to handle the pressure well and has been inspirational to his nation and to the world. He rose to power during a time of national corruption, chaos, and took over a power structure riddled with a dysfunctional government at all levels. He has made a number of improvements and has attempted to eliminate the rampant corruption which has strangled the nation.

I watched an interview where a reporter had commented on his leadership style and called him a hero. In broken English, Zelenskyy immediately interrupted the reporter and corrected him. He stated that the Ukrainian people out there fighting for the fate of their nation were heroes, but he could not wear that title. In another situation, it was reported that the United States had offered to airlift Zelenskyy out of Ukraine early in the invasion to prevent his capture. Although it was not confirmed as a direct quote, his response was summarized as saying, “I don’t need a lift – I need bullets!”

Clearly, he has made a stance and stood on principle. He, and his family, will suffer tremendously if they fall into Russian control. Each day, the frustration of the Russians will grow and his fate will become less certain if they capture him. With all this, he remains resolute and committed. He has not wavered in his convictions, and he fully understands the cost associated with his defiance. I loved the quote about a breakfast of ham and eggs. Both the chicken and the hog gave something to provide that breakfast, but one animal was a little more committed than the other. Zelenskyy fully understands his personal predicament and knows he is potentially making the ultimate sacrifice.

I wonder how many of us could sit in a bunker with one of the world’s greatest military powers hammering on our doorsteps and decline an offer of refuge in another country. How many of us would have the nerve and resolve to remain firm in our beliefs as the high-tech bombs search for our personal location? How steady would we be if we had the knowledge that one of the world’s super powers had personally singled us out for capture or destruction? I would like to think my resolve would be solid, but it would clearly be a heavy burden to carry.

Regardless of what we would do in this situation, we could use Zelenskyy’s character as a model for us to follow. I am confident he is not perfect and probably has a number of personal flaws. However, he has risen to the challenge and has become an incredible war-time commander and state leader. The world is in need of leaders possessing strong principles and a solid moral compass instead of those searching for what is best for them. Often our leaders search for the path of least resistance and are eager to compromise when challenges are presented. Zelenskeyy’s stance should help serve as a model for what our life could be. I would think few of us would be required to stand in front of armored tanks, but there are always opportunities to do the right thing especially when it is not the most popular thing. This type of behavior would have a significant impact on those around us because the majority of folks would like to do the right thing, but they do not have the courage to do so. Our actions could embolden those with weak hearts to do incredible things.

Please review the following information and contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please remember to email Mrs. Webb (webbk@hcboe.net) if you have other questions you would like us to address in future articles.

1. Schools will be closed for spring break from March 28 – April 1.

2. We will conduct a teacher fair on March 22 at East High School from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are prepared to offer contracts to high quality candidates during this job fair. Please encourage friends and family members to attend this job fair if they will be licensed to teach by this August.

3. The Board of Education has released the names of the three finalists for the new superintendent. The finalists include Mr. Arnie Bunch (retired general), Dr. Greg Brown (superintendent in VA) and Dr. Tracy McAbee (superintendent in TN). The board will conduct interviews during on April 7. It is my understanding the board hopes to have a candidate named by mid-April.

4. Online registration/enrollment for returning students will be open from May 9 – 13. This is the process by which parents update student information and enroll students for the next year. Please check with your school for specific details on the process.

Numerous research studies have demonstrated the importance of the role that adults will play in the character development of children. Other external forces will influence a child’s character, but the adults in their life will often have the most impact. Research also states that children will absorb very little of we say, but our life and action will have a significant impact on them. Youth will have little value for our words, but our actions will leave a huge impact on them. It is also important to understand our actions could be positive or negative. It does very little good to the world if individuals are resolute in their beliefs if their values are misaligned in the first place. Many evil people in the history of the world have been confident, but their actions have damaged the world. I suspect it is becoming increasingly important for us to choose our paths wisely because others will follow our footprints. It will take several years of reflection to determine Zelenskeyy’s impact on his nation and on the history of the world. I would like to think his life and principles would be seen in a positive light. Regardless, we could use the inspiration he has thus far created as a catalyst for us to stand. Thanks for your attention to this article and remember, School Matters!