Nocking the Arrow

"One great thing about this " Empty Bowls " project is seeing the students and staff connecting and learning in a fun, naturally authentic way." - Erika Varela, NBCT - Family & Consumer Science Teacher This time of year, for about as long as I can remember, our Chemistry of Foods students, and their teachers, create a variety of delicious soups, and serve lunch to the staff in their decorated kitchen classroom. Minestrone, chicken noodle, broccoli and cheese; faculty and staff pay a few dollars to eat some hot, tasty soup while providing aspiring culinary artists the opportunity to demonstrate their skills authentically. For a few dollars more, the diners can keep the ceramic bowl, also created by our students. Proceeds from the Empty Bowls project are donated to the Palatine Food Pantry . Service with a smile, and also a few tears, students take tremendous pride in presenting a check that will help feed many people in their school community. " ...

The first email request came a few weeks ago, " mentors needed for student s", it read. I thought, hmmm, I've heard this program is helpful, but I'm already up to my eyeballs serving on committees, and helping with initiatives around the district. I just don't think I have time to commit to a student mentee right now.  The follow-up email came last week, "we are still in need of mentors for our program." I was about to delete the message when I notice one of Angela Maiers tweets hanging on another browser tab.  I could hear her voice, " Be brave. Help someone else be brave. You matter. We all matter. " Angela would be disappointed, and I would be hypocritical if I ignored this opportunity to make a difference.  I responded to the email, " I'm in. You can count on me. " I promptly received a reply of gratitude along with a request to invite my mentee, Robert, to share a pizza in the Principal's conference room during his l...