Comments for Panther Country

Comment on Living in a democracy by Harry Grzelewski

Harry Grzelewski — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:30:34 +0000

Fabrice, Over the years I always tried to attend as many sporting events as I could. For some reason, I saw more basketball and volleyball games than soccer matches. So I was grateful for the opportunity to go with the team and see all of you interact, prepare and perform. It was a great event for me and I’m glad I got to be a part of it and share in your success. Thanks for taking the time to respond. You and your class will always have a special place in my memories.

Comment on Living in a democracy by Fabrice

Fabrice — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 04:18:52 +0000

thanks for a great senior year Mr. G.
You were great with us the whole year, and it was great to have you with us in Panama as well. we wouldnt have won it without your support. By now this incident is forgotten, and thankfully it was just a tiny bump in the road.

Comment on Looking ahead; part I by Harry Grzelewski

Harry Grzelewski — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:59:38 +0000

Thanks for your comment…I think a little of this, a little of that…I would start with grades. I am absolutely convinced that if we could do away with grades all the other changes would be things we would insist on. I think grades prop up the whole system…

Comment on Looking ahead; part I by Blair Peterson

Blair Peterson — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:02:02 +0000

Dear Harry, just ran across this quote from Ricardo Semler that I think is just perfect for this topic. He turned his Brazilian company upside down with serious changes during the 80s and 90s.
“If only minds were as easy to change as machines. I’ll wager that it’s easier to invent a new generation of microchips then get a generation of middle managers to alter the routes they drive to work every day. Technology is transformed overnight; mentality takes generations to alter. Who can blame us for thinking technology will cure all that ails the workplace. It’s so much easier to acquire.”
Good luck with recruiting for the new order.

Comment on Looking ahead; part I by Josie

Josie — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:00:03 +0000

Hi Harry:

Nice post.
What are you ready to turn upside down?
The schedule? The curriculum? The grading system? Admissions criteria? Grade level and divisional structure?

What would you like to change?

Looking forward to part two.
- Josie

Comment on Looking ahead; part I by Tim

Tim — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:53:55 +0000

I’ve had students ask me to lecture, in fact, beg me to lecture. When I confront them about why, they provide two answers, “One, Mr. Bray, you are a great story-teller and we like to listen; two, because some of us want to tune out.” We need to push our students. All modes of instruction are useful at different times and places, but you are absolutely correct about students learning that schools are institutions that can be “worked.” Heck, I learned that when I was going to school.

Comment on Looking ahead; part I by chris

chris — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:27:11 +0000

The wheels of progress always grind s.l.o.w.l.y…..

Comment on Looking ahead; part I by Andy Hanson

Andy Hanson — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:12:32 +0000

This is a great post-you have nicely articulated a complex problem. I can’t wait for the second part!

Comment on Living in a democracy by Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:20:16 +0000

I’m another senior.
You have not lost my respect. I do feel bad for having the senior lounge closed, but If you considered closing it as a good choice, you are the principal and you have the right to do it and the reasons to do it.Your desicion was triggered by our actions, not yours.
I consider you a great person and educator.

Comment on Living in a democracy by Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 21:19:00 +0000

Whoever wrote that is an idiot. ‘We’ is not the right word, and by using it that person is dragging all of us into his or her own opinion which is ridiculous. You did a great job as PRINCIPAL, not director, and we will miss you.