Principles of Principals

Caveat Emptor: I am not a medical doctor, nor do I play one on TV. More and more we are reading research that extols the benefits of UV rays, Vitamin D, and exercise when it comes to fighting disease. It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves, that we might take care of others, and not be a drain on an already tapped system. What other ways can we prepare us Northern Hemisphere residents for what will likely be a long winter, especially in the dog days of February? Here are three point five ways to flourish this fall, and conquer old man winter like a boss; Get outside - you've heard me say this before. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a GORUCK sandbag, or your BlackDiamond hiking poles and get after it! Are you getting enough sleep? How much blue light do you ingest before you hit the hay? Well, adjust and limit your screen time . As in, how about none after 5:30 pm? Are you getting enough of the right supplementation necessary to a healthy gut? What nutrient dense fo...

In the past week we've received several emails and phone messages from the school districts where our children attend. The pendulum swings from one side to the other, often within 24 hours.  If you're like us, head scratching, teeth grinding, and confusion swarms what might have otherwise been a normal day. But, these days are anything but normal. As our girls shed tears about the loss of connection around their friends and teachers, cancelled sports, postponed extra-curricular and arts programs, we try to find solutions to these challenges. First, let me unequivocally say that I do not, nor will I ever, apologize for working for and acquiring the resources to support my family. It has never been, nor do I expect it to be, easy (whatever that means). I only know that it is worth it. I know that it is my responsibility as a father, and I do the best that I am able under the circumstances. Here are seven point five ideas for parents who have students who are forced by unelected o...

As a child, I was often deployed to spend my summers on ranches near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Before you say, "Oh wow! That place is beautiful!", which by the way it is, understand that this was very much a working vacation .  I love my family. I loved my time on the ranches. I was outside. I was free. I learned by doing. I was tutored by experts who cared deeply about me and about the work. The ranch and the animals treated everyone equally . There was diversity of experience and life. We were all included in the tasks. My grandpa's sister, Eula, kept sheep. Lots of them. This day was my day to help, while the others cut, raked, and bailed hay. One day while we were riding around in the flat bed Chevy, checking irrigation and fence, as we headed back to the pens, she was telling me about how she knew each of her sheep by their voice. I was inwardly incredulous, as they all sounded alike, echoing one another with their baa-ing. As we wound our way up the dirt road tow...

Today, we are honored to host a recognized professional educator, Mr. Bill Denham.  Mr. Denham holds a Bachelor's from Northern Arizona University, and a Master's from Marshall University. He is is Veteran of the Arizona Army National Guard. Bill teaches Spanish at Riverside High School of Kanawha County Schools , he is a father of 4, active in local politics, a published author, devoted partner, an award winning barbecue chef,  and an exceptional friend.  All of the resources we discuss today are found on his site, profedenham.com for free. Dr. J: When it comes to virtual classrooms: as a high school Spanish teacher, what do you want parents to know and do?  Profé Denham : I want parents to know that one of the best things their students can do to learn a second language is to read . I would also add that this is true of all levels of language learners, even the most novice of them. With proper scaffolding, such as providing vocabulary in context or reading materi...

"Dad, I know what I'm not going to do. Sit in a desk. I just wasted the last 13 years of my life doing that. I'm done sitting." My son graduated this year. He gets asked all the time what he wants to do next. He has plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and then pursue a career in law enforcement. My heart hurt. He's right, in a way, that it was sitting. Not entirely wasted, mind you, but he makes a great point. Here are 8.5 mandatory high school classes, not time wasters; Money management - it's a resource that requires skill and knowledge. Debt is poison. Mental health - statistics on this, for this generation, scream for education and support. Time management - instead of yelling get off your phone, teach replacement behaviors. Taxes - see #1, and #7. Self-confidence - coping skills, self-facilitation tools, conversational and manners. Self-care - awareness, attention, habits of work, habits of play, leadership....