Just got back from a visit to the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. A group of about 60+ teachers/administrators were selected to go and observe teachers and students in their classrooms and learn teaching strategies used to promote success in the classroom. Needless to say, we were blown away by the enthusiasm and energy that was exerted from every individual there, from the students to the faculty and all staff members. Ron Clark is a very high energy individual who makes me want to learn new things!! And I am old and worn out!!! I must say that as I sit here typing, I'm having to struggle with my body wanting to go lie down and take a nap because I am tired from just watching all of their exuberance, dancing, and singing!! They must take mega vitamins!!! I don't know how they keep up that level of energy and excitement all day long!!! But the kids are learning and benefitting from all of it!
And, I am proud to say, that at the end of the day I survived the slide!!! They have a huge slide, two stories high, that greets guests as they enter the lobby, and if students want to go from second floor to first floor, in lieu of taking the stairs, they can slide down the gigantic, spiral, blue slide!!! And at the end of every tour, teachers are invited to do the same!! Well, we all survived it and none of us was injured or banged up in any way!!!
Hats off to Ron Clark and all he and his staff are investing for the sake of these students, who otherwise would possibly be looking at dropping out of school at an early age, and being on the streets by the time they are 16 or 17 years old. Because of his vision, these students now have their OWN vision as to what they can be when they grow up...a positive contributor to society!!
