A Modern Day Dr. King

What would Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. say today to the residents of Plainfield?

I would imagine that central to his talk would be the admonishment that this isn’t about one day of remembrance and throwing up quotes, quips and unqualified anecdotes.

To relegate his purpose and impact to such trivialities is absolutely offensive.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. EMBODIED the principles he talked about! He LIVED it! He literally WALKED his TALK!

How dare we dishonor him with our pretense and phony useless concern! How DARE WE!

Perhaps Plainfield Youth are where they are because the adults they encounter at home, in school, on the streets, in our local businesses and all around this Queen City – example this entitled, it’s all about me attitude that has taken over the consciousness of today’s youth.

And, “I ain’t mad at them!”

I see it every day. I read it every day. I hear it every day. We are a haughty, self-centered, lazy generation and the Apples are not falling far from the tree!

So whether you’ve birthed them, miss educated them, taunted them, talked down to them or just plain old ignored them –WE HAVE created them!

.....We are the Cause...

So -- we might as well be the Change, the Hope and the Answer to the condition of our Youth!

Peace Major For Justice

They are watching us…

What are WE showing them?

Are WE teaching them the Art of Diplomacy?

...The Heart of Humanity?

...The language of Integrity?

Are WE speaking words of encouragement?

...Of empowerment?

...Wise Counsel for their youthful development?

They are watching us…

What are YOU showing them?

Are YOU sharing your lessons of humility?

...The sins of your vanity?

...The value of Social and Community Responsibility?

What we see is what we beget…the reflection of these children are the mirrored images of the ADULT set.

...Don’t forget – they are WATCHING US!

If we don’t -- then who will------------Help…

...Fulfill theirs dreams?

...Still their screams?

...Instill hope?

...Teach them how to cope without dope…or…. Drink……or Smoke?

What are WE showing them?

Let us all commit to showing the children of Plainfield what

“I Love You” looks like..........because..........
they are WATCHING Us!



Just A "Few" Facts...

1. The "BOARD" does NOT SELECT which Member attends conferences.  Members self select.
2. There are state guided funds set aside every year for professional development for Board of Education Members.
3. Board Members are REQUIRED to attend accredited training each year of their service.
4. NSBA - National School Board Association is an industry LEADER in providing Boards of Education around the world with information, access and forums to educate and prepare EFFECTIVE board members.
5. All PBOE members are REQUIRED to provide a presentation to the Board and Public regarding key learnings and strategies discussed at conferences they attend.

NSBA -Informed People Make Better Decisions!

Conference Preface:

The 2011 NSBA Annual Conference in San Francisco, California features a world-class curriculum with hundreds of sessions focused on the issues that every school board member needs to understand, including updates on:

• federal legislation
• legal implications of recent federal court decisions on school policies
• strategies to maximize your district's budget
• ideas and advice for implementing 21st century skills
• district workshops showcasing best practices that can save you money and raise achievement.

Ask yourself –

• What more can my school board do to ensure a bright future for the students in our community?
• Could a new data report, technology, or innovative approach make a difference?
• Are there school districts across the country with creative solutions to the problems my district faces?

The 71st NSBA Annual Conference will focus on the key issues that are impacting school boards across the country.

• Get a national perspective from top-notch speakers, receive updates on federal legislation, and understand the legal implications of recent federal court decisions. Speakers include:
• Condoleezza Rice
• Daniel Pink
• Juan Enriquez
• Share experiences and best practices with your colleagues from around the country to get new insights, more efficient strategies, and build relationships for the future.
• Covering topics such as STEM, Web 2.0 and social networking, 21st century skills, and effective—and cost-efficient—technology integration.

 An awesome opportunity to expound, expand and experience subject matter experts in action!

Knowledge is Power PEOPLE!

Tennis Anyone? Real "LOVE"!