A Change Would Do You Good

Last night was our open house.  I will be perfectly honest and say that normally, this is something that I don't look forward to.  In the end, I always have a good time and am happy with the turnout, but the preparation for and anticipation of open house usually stresses me out.  For the past few years, I have created brochures and hand outs, art projects, packets, and some pretty impressive flipchart pages to dazzle the audience with my techno skills.  As I prepared for this year's open house, I began to think about the years past and realized all that "stuff" is what makes me not excited for the event.  Students and their familes come into the room sit at desks, fill out paperwork and then listen to a "speech" I have prepared, followed by a Q & A session.  In reflecting on this, what I have realized is that I have been talking AT people and not talking TO people.  There's a big difference.

This year, I kept it low key.  I didn't feel the need to dazzle.  I didn't think of the people coming as an audience, but rather, as friends.  I had a blast!  I had conversations with people.  I met new people for the first time and reconnected with families from the past.  I got to talk to former students. No one even sat down.  Not a piece of paperwork was given that needed to be filled out before people left.  This year, my room was an open door where people could come and go as they pleased and then come back again if they wanted to.  This year, open house was FUN.  It was what I had always wanted it to be.  I left last night with such a positive feeling.  I thank everyone who was able to come, whether it was to introduce yourself, to ask a question, or just to say hello.

Now that my oldest son is in school, I am getting my first taste of what it is to be a "parent" of a "student."  It is overwhelming and has given me a whole new appreciation for all the incredible parents I have met over the years.  You have all helped to shape me into the parent I want to be for my boys.

Chasing dragons with paper swords,
Mr. Fletcher