A Letter of Inspiration

I just received an email from Mr. Varney Sherman, Academic Supervisor here at Ricks.  Mr. Sherman works tirelessly to try to improve Ricks, the performance of each teacher, and the life of each student here.  I was inspired by his email, and thought I would share it with you all.  I think it gives you a good idea of what it's like to teach here at Ricks and the heart of the mission of the school.

"Many thanks for your hard work that brought us to a successful conclusion of the first marking period.  Administration genuinely appreciates your efforts and hope that you will continue to do your best as we strive to distinguish ourselves from others by what we do here at Ricks...

Talking about distinction or the way we are different from others, please see attached a little story that I stumbled over on the internet that tells about some of the challenges involved when people venture to do things different from the status quo.

The story is about a farmer who decided to plant a different crop (bamboo) instead of the traditional one (corn and wheat).  The bamboo tree is a very delicate plant to grow.  No matter how rich the soil and fervent your care, it doesn't grow the first, second, third and sometimes even in the fourth year.  But when it finally comes out it grows exponentially in height in a very short time; sometimes sixty meters in just ninety days.

The reason for the delay in growth of this plant is simple; it needs to develop the necessary root system to support its tremendous height.  In the story, the farmer has to wait for three consecutive years before the bamboo could sprout.  But during the period of the three years, he never gave up on his crop; he cred, supported, and protected it.  He was indeed patient.

My friends if you read this story with an open mind you will find out that it is much akin to our situation and commitment here at Ricks.  We have decided to do many things differently in order to meet teaching and learning needs of students and so must exercise patience for the desired result.  Like the farmer in the story you are about to read, first and foremost love and care and support your students in a way that will help them develop the firm foundation needed to support their educational growth.  To do this, we must be patient, accommodating and invariably do the right things.  We will eventually see results in our kids if some of us are not already seeing results.

Please remember this as we commence the second marking period: with a very firm foundation your students will do amazing things, they are able to grow to the highest peak of their god given potential; but it takes time, patience, perseverance, trust and hard work to build this foundation.  Know that your students are kids and you are adults and kids depend on adults for their success.  This is a huge responsibility but I know that we can make a difference in the lives of our students because we are special and different from others in the way we cater to them.

Thank you again for the hard work."

If you would like to read the story Mr. Sherman included, send me an email (holly.wegman@gmail.com) and I can send it your way.