Mentoring

Today on the Oprah Winfrey Show, she had a TV special focusing on the National Crisis occurring in our schools, the failure of many urban school children. She also had some influential guests who are making a difference in their areas. They are Geoffrey Canada (CEO & Founder of the Harlem Childrens Zone), Hill Harper (CSI: NY actor, author of Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny), three teachers from California who established the Village Nation, and Susan L. Taylor an Essence magazine executive.

The show was very inspirational and heartfelt. If you could get your hands on a copy of it please do so, and if not email the show and request a copy.

What really struck me about the show was the intention to get 1 Million Mentors signed up. Essence Magazine has launched an initiative, “Essence Cares” that they hope will enroll 1 Million Mentors across the United States. Essence understands the importance of working with today’s inner-city youth who more then likely do not have a positive role model in their life.

I commend and applaud them for going out and stepping up and looking to make this a reality.

Anyone who is out there and is reading this post please go out and sign up and make a difference in the life of a student. Far too many people do not think this problem of failing schools doesn’t affect them, well they are wrong it affects us all, as a city, state and country. We must address this issue now, or later may be too late. As many in education have stated, “Not on my watch!”

Living the Dream!!!

Anibal

High School Graduation Rates

Recently it was reported by the Democrat & Chronicle that the Rochester City School District has a horrid 39% Graduation Rate the lowest of any of the Big 4 in New York. The Rochester City School District quickly refuted the claim and said that the number was inaccurate. The RCSD said their number is actually 53%. The RCSD did acknowledge that the number is still too low. Read the RCSD's response here.

As an Administrator in an urban school district I see all of the various issues educators and administrators face in educating our youth. I also see the difficult task in getting students to succeed and really understand the value of graduating from high school.

Our inner city youth live in a world where they need immediate feedback and affirmation. It is very difficult for most students to see the true rewards of a high school diploma and the doors which are opened from it. Many of them are worried and concerned about how they will make it through the day or night. Many of the students come from home structures that understand the importance of completing high school but do not reflect that in thier daily practices with their children.

I am not sure that there is one single thing that can be done to improve graduation rates other then building a solid foundation early in the educational career of a student. We need to invest a large amount of time and dedication to make relevant and engaging connections with our students. If we build these relationships with the students during their 9th and 10th grade years they are more likely to see it through till the end. When students have a vested interest in the school either through a teacher or a group of peers they are more likely to succeed and see themselves reach the end.

Waiting until they are in their senior year to try to get them to graduate is too late in my eyes. By this time they have already made a concious decision to put themselves in a difficult situation.

The work ahead of urban schools is difficult and rigourous, but I strongly believe that it will take everyone in the community to make a true difference in increasing graduation rates. Schools cannot be the only entity responsible for completing this task.

Graduation 2007

This weekend was St. John Fisher's commencement ceremony. For me it was the official walk across the stage and final chapter to my graduate experience at St. John Fisher College. It was also the last time I would have the opportunity to see my peers from my Educational Administration Program.

Looking back it was a great 18 months spent together, there were a lot of ups and some downs during the program. I think everyone in the program grew and gained knowledge from one another. Another positive during our time was that a handful of us were fortunate enough to obtain administrative positions before completing the program and many are obtaining positions now.

At graduation only 15 of the 28 members of Cohort 10 participated. I was somewhat disappointed with the turnout I think it would have been great to see everyone together one last time. Our Cohort was also honored by having one of our own deliver the closing speech to all the graduate students.

In closing I want to remind everyone in my program, that I like the program have a lifetime guarantee!! If you ever need anything, or if I could ever be of any service please let me know. Good luck with your lives and careers I will be watching. Congratulations Class of 2006-2007!

Living the Dream!
Anibal

A difficult day...

Today was one of the hardest days of my life... sometimes life seems so unfair to good people. I know it will take time to heal the wound but if anyone will make it in the end, it will be us. I can only hope God, has a bigger and better plan for my wife and I. I want to thank all of you for your support, encouragement and kind words.

Living the Dream!
Tracy & Anibal Soler, Jr.

Graduate Awards Ceremony

Last night I was privileged enough to receive an award and attend the Graduate Student Awards Ceremony at St. John Fisher College. I, along with many of my educational administration peers recognized for various achievements throughout the program. I was selected an awarded the "Who's Who Among Students In American Universities & Colleges." I was very honored to have received this recognition.

While I was there I started to think about what is next for me, what will I do now that I have a Bachelors and two Masters degrees? Do I go forth with the pursuit of a Doctorate in Education? Do I focus on achieving my other goals such as guest speaking, writing a book, etc.? I am not 100% sure what life has in store for me, but whatever it is I will give it my all.

Living the Dream!
Anibal

Birthday Weekend

Well my 30th birthday weekend has come to a close. It was a great three days that begun on Friday with a visit at school from New York State's, Department of Education. The State's Education Department was visiting our school as part of the process to help remove us from the "persistently dangerous schools" list. A list which any educational institution is not proud to be on.

In retrospect I felt that the visit went extremely well I was the first person on the agenda to present. I presented to the "team" from State Ed. our schools' Microsoft Sharepoint Intranet site. I mainly focused on how we as a school our using this to increase our electronic communication and collaboration as a school building. I emphasized the power of having a digital library of resources for staff to reference from our site. I also spoke about how we use it to post school news, events, meeting minutes and weekly bulletins.

The visit had other presentations and facets to it that I rather not go into detail about. I will end this piece by saying that the visitors were very cognizant of the realities of urban education. They understood the importance of our work and how difficult it is when you have a numerous amount of external factors that we cannot control going against us.

The highlight of my weekend was my birthday party. My wife spent a lot of time coordinating this event. As usual we had a plethora of food and entertainment. My gifts ranged from educational books to gift cards. The highlight of all my gifts was a shadow box my wife created for me. The shadow box was a snapshot of my 30 years of life. The shadow box is unbelievably amazing and I can't wait to hang it up in my office at work. I have included a photo for those of you who may never have a chance to see it.

Lastly the weekend ended better then I could have ever expected. I was able to spend time with those individuals who matter the most to me in my life. My wife, family and friends really know how to make every moment together enjoyable.

Thanks!

Living the Dream!

Anibal Soler, Jr.

The Lose of a Colleague

It saddens me to say that the search of William “Bill” Thurston, a Rochester City School Vice Principal, father, and mentor has tragically ended. This afternoon Police Officials have revealed that they have found the body of Mr. Thurston.

I unfortunately did not have the opportunity and privilege to meet Mr. Thurston, but from the reactions of the students he served at John Marshall High School, and the information I received from fellow district administrators he was an amazing, loving and caring man.

I cannot imagine the pain and suffering that his family, students and dear friends will face. The road ahead of them must be filled with the positive thoughts, memories and influence that he had on their lives.

There are many questions still left unanswered.

I want to take this moment and send my condolences to the Thurston family. I want the students at John Marshall High School, although extremely difficult too continue to succeed in the name of Mr. Thurston. It is important that his legacy be never forgotten and that students demonstrate this through their positive attitude and success.

Mr. William Thurston, you will be missed! Rest in Peace.

Living the Dream,
Anibal
www.anibalsoler.com