Once Again, The School Year Begins - Thank You Milton Staff Members!

 It is here already – Labor Day Weekend 2024. While our Rising Red Hawk students do not begin classes until the day after the holiday, for the past week our school buildings have been abuzz with staff members preparing for that day.

I have always respected and valued our school staff members, but this past school year ramped up my respect several notches. I was privileged to serve as an AVID tutor at the Middle School. This involved working with small groups of 7^th and 8^th grade Red Hawks for four hours each week. This responsibility so opened my eyes to the challenges faced by many students and, thus, our school staff members.

I applaud each one of you whatever your position and responsibilities. You are the puzzle pieces that combine to create a complete picture. Working collaboratively, you create a synergy – a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. No small task by any means.

Helice Bridges is credited with saying, “I am not here to make a living. I am here to make a difference.” This is so true of the teachers, staff members, and administrators of our phenomenal school district. Truly, you live the mission – Opportunity, Achievement, Community.

Please do not ever sell yourselves short. You are providing Milton kids – our kids – a positive imprinting that will last for life. Your voice, your lessons, your treatment of them will condition how they look upon themselves and the world.

Thank you for your dedication, effort, expertise, and sacrifice of personal time to make things happen for “our” kids.

 After all – Kids Matter

#WAM

 

A Story That Needs To Be Heard Often

Last week, one of the heartbeats of our community – our phenomenal school system - marked the close of another grading period. This meant the end of the 2^nd Trimester for Middle and High Schoolers and more like the end of the third quarter for Northside, East, West, Consolidated, and Harmony. As part of this march of time, our elementaries and Northside hosted parent/staff conferences.

My personal belief is that life is about connections and establishing relationships.  Conferences provide a great opportunity for parents and guardians to connect with and become acquainted with many of the significant adults in their children’s lives. These are adults who may very well spend more waking hours with “our” children than do parents.  

I understand that conferences take extra time for parents and require planning ahead and working them into already busy, complicated family schedules, but what an opportunity to gain insight into a huge part of our children’s lives.

Another very strong personal belief I have is that our teachers and other professional educators pour their hearts and souls into their calling. The result of this dedication is that they provide Opportunity, leading to Achievement, resulting in Community. They strongly contribute to a better Milton for all of us.

I cannot thank and affirm teachers and other staff members enough for the time, preparation, and absolute caring they invest in this process and “our” kids. Conference week, while great, also has a huge impact on the lives and families of our teachers. Their schedules, their routines, their other obligations are totally disrupted in their efforts to make conferences work for parents and families.

A huge thank-you to our teachers, administrators, custodians, and other staff members for your dedication to and investment in our families and, thus, our community.

 

After all – Kids Matter!

#WEAREMIlton

Hey, Milton Educators

 I know you have already been heavily involved in the ramp-up to the new school year. While the first day for students is not until tomorrow, I know that classroom readiness, lesson materials, communication with families, in-services, required updates such as blood borne pathogens and the like have all consumed much of your time for a couple of weeks. In addition to teachers, this includes all staff members – custodians, coaches, administrators, office staff, aides, tutors, buildings and grounds staff, and the host of other individuals who collaborate as a team to present outstanding educational opportunities for our Rising Red Hawks. I and many, many other Milton citizens are so grateful for your dedication and efforts.

There are some who would say that this is “just” your job so “get on with it”. I agree that it is your job but I also believe, that it is truly your calling and I have seen and repeatedly experienced the dedication, the love, the passion, your very essence that you pour into “our” kids. Most of us cannot begin to fathom the time, the energy, the knowledge, and the true constant caring that your career demands and which you consistently deliver.  I and many, many others applaud and thank you.

On reflection, during the school year, “our kids” likely spend more waking time with you than they do with we parents and family members. You are such a positive influence for good. Please do not ever undersell or denigrate yourselves.

As stated by Mitch Albom in his great book, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, “A teacher’s shadow can hover for life”.  

School District of Milton Staffers – THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CASTING THOSE POSITIVE SHADOWS RATHER THAN LIVING IN SHADOWS. YOU ARE AWESOME AND WE SO APPRECIATE ALL THAT YOU DO. HAVE A GREAT YEAR PRESENTING THOSE OPPORTUNITIES THAT LEAD TO ACHIEVEMENT THAT, IN TURN, LEAD TO COMMUNITY.

 

After all – Kids Matter!

#WEAREMILTON

 

 

A Shout Out to Milton Heroes

This post is a shout out to employees of the School District of Milton at the start of the 20/21 school year. Whatever your job title - teacher, administrator, aide, custodian, coach, food service worker, grounds keeper, social worker, grounds keeper – I consider you a professional educator. Day after day you positively influence our kids by pouring your skills, your knowledge, your caring into them. In my book, you are heroes. On reflection, you heroes may well spend more waking time with our kids than we do ourselves. Your work is impactful for our kids, our families, our community, and the world.

This poem crossed my desk a few years ago. At the time, it struck me to the core and it still has that effect on me. In it, I see layers and layers of meaning. I thought it would serve as an affirmative nod to you and your significant contributions. Perhaps, as the poem states, “the good guy note you needed”.

BURNT OUT – By: Jim Rhodes – a teacher

So what if he can't read

Teach him how to love

Himself? Me? Others?

Lost in a stack of paper

That good guy note he needed

I needed the look in the eyes

When you finally dig it out

The eyes say for me? From you?

A warm moment in a cold day

it passes math time

you forget – they remember

 For you, from me - Thank you so much for all that you  do. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.

After all – Kids Matter and so do Milton Educators!

#cruzan4 milton#WEAREMILTON

A "Start of School" Message To School District of Milton Educators

A Message For All School District of Milton Staff Members - 

 First, let me state that I admire all of you so much.  Your skills, your knowledge, your dedication, and your caring for our kids gives them such an advantage.  Our community is so fortunate to have you. 

 While educators do experience some wonderful highs observing students respond, achieve, and grow, I also know that there are those dark times when you feel totally ineffective and impotent. This year, 2020, presents with unprecedented challenges; challenges which most are finding daunting and looming large.

 The excerpt I have attached is lengthy so you may choose not to read it.  I get that.  I have chosen it for you because, to me, it speaks eloquently to the wonder and power of people like you.  Wallace Stegner is my favorite American author and this selection is from his novel, Crossing To Safety.  It would be best read aloud but I have found that I cannot read this passage aloud without being overcome with emotion. So, for you, Aunt Emily’s porch.

 Aunt Emily’s Porch – Crossing To Safety – Wallace Stegner - Book One, Chapter 6

 Aunt Emily's porch is less porch than command post.  It is fifteen feet deep and runs across the entire front of the cottage, railed and low-eaved and sheltered even in the worst weather.  I never saw it empty of people, never saw it without a partly solved jigsaw puzzle spread out on a card table and the swing full of dominoes, rummy, and Chinese checkers, rarely saw it without someone playing bridge, either Aunt Emily teaching some children or Aunt Emily and George Barnwell engaged in their intent, competitive afternoon rubbers with Uncle Dwight and Aunt Heather.

 The bridge table is at the far end, out of the traffic, which is incessant.  Though the Ellis daughters are grown, Charity out of Smith, Comfort halfway through. There are innumerable cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces. grandnephews, neighbor children, and the children of visitors and guests.  Just inside the door is a circulating library of wholesome books, among which I have noted The Wind In The Willows. The Boy Scout Handbook, the entire Pooh canon, Black Beauty, Little Women, The Yearling.  There are also piles of the National Geographic.

 Aunt Emily believes in the freedom of summer.  She doesn’t much care what the children do so long as they do something, and know what they are doing.  It is idleness and randomness of mind that she cannot abide.  When the children go on a hike, she packs bird and flower guides into their knapsacks, and quizzes them on their return to see if they have learned anything.  When she accompanies them on an overnight camping trip, sleeping in her own worn pup tent, they can count on instructive fireside talks on the stars.  And on rainy days such as this she sits like a confident spider in the midst of her web until boredom drives all the children on the Point to her porch, where she reads to them or teaches them French.

What she is doing now is reading Hiawatha.  She is fond of Longfellow, whose house is a landmark on Brattle Street hardly a block from her own, and she perceives the rightness of Hiawatha in this setting of northern woods.  She reads loudly, to be heard above the rush and patter of rain.

By the shores of Gitche Gumee,

By the shining Big-Sea-Water,

Stood the wigwam of Nokomis,

Daughter of the Moon, Nokomis.

Dark behind it rose the forest,

Rose the black and gloomy pine-trees,

Rose the firs with cones upon them;

Bright before it beat the water,

Beat the clear and sunny water,

Beat the shining Big-Sea-Water.

 All the little Indians in a half circle around Aunt Emily are getting an imprinting that will last for life.  The sound of her voice reading will condition how they look upon themselves and the world.  It will become part of the loved ambiance of Barttell Pond, a glint in the chromatic wonder of childhood.  These small sensibilities will never lose the images of dark woods and bright lake.  Nature to them will always be beneficent and female.

 When he heard the owls at midnight,

Hooting, laughing in the forest,

“What is that?” he cried in terror.

“What is that?” he said.  “Nokomis?”

And the good Nokomis answered:

“That is but the owl and owlet,

Talking in their native language,

Talking, scolding at each other.”

 Some of those children, years later, may awaken in the night from a dream of that strong voice chanting Iroquois myths in Finnish trochees, and their souls will yearn within them for the certainty and assurance and naturalness and authority of the time Aunt Emily dominated.

Please, do not ever sell yourselves short.  You are providing Milton kids – our kids – an imprinting that will last for life.  Your voice, your lessons, your treatment of them will condition how they look upon themselves and the world.  Their souls, too, will yearn within them for the certainty and assurance that you provided in your interactions with them.

 Have a great year!

After all, Kids Matter!

 Jon Cruzan 

#cruzan4milton#WEAREMILTON

 

 

 

A Lesson In Public Participation

Speaking in front of a group of people is often noted as one of the top fears of many. Not so for young Rising Red Hawk, Troy.  Troy will be entering 7^th grade when school begins this academic year.  That makes him 12 or 13 years old.  Last Monday night, he did something that I found truly courageous and awesome – something from which many adults would shrink away. He chose to attend our local School Board meeting. Not only did he attend, but he stood up and spoke during the public participation portion held at the beginning of nearly every open School Board meeting.

In case you have never attended or watched a live stream of a School Board meeting here’s the setting. You’re going to walk into a large room with lots of chairs set up (social distancing space right now). The Board members and District Administrator will be seated behind tables facing the audience.  Even though Board members try to be as informal as possible, the setting is likely to seem very formal and even intimidating to many.  Anyone from the School District may speak at the Public Participation / Comment section near the beginning of the meeting. If you are a speaker, you will be asked to step to a lectern with a microphone, state your name, etc. and then you will be allowed 3 minutes to address the Board and the assembled public.  So, there might be as many as 30 or 40 people and you will be standing in front of them.  Additionally, you be video recorded and live-streamed, so you are likely speaking to many, many more than that. You are only allowed to speak on issues that are included on the formal agenda for that particular meeting.

The main topic of last Monday’s meeting was re-opening plans for the impending school year.  A few adults spoke, and then, as is the custom, Board President, Joe Martin, asked if there were any in the crowd who had not signed-up but wanted to address the Board. That’s when Troy’s hand went up. He approached the microphone and then he spoke eloquently and courageously from his heart.  He shared his own personal experiences and challenges from the last couple of months of last school year. He was calm, measured, and mature, showing great poise for a young man beginning 7^th grade. He didn’t have an axe to grind, he wasn’t emotional, he wasn’t over dramatizing. Simply, and effectively, he was congruent and transparent, speaking from his heart about his own experiences that were pertinent to the topic at hand.  I was impressed.  I know for a fact that several others were as well.

I am heartened when I see our Milton young students, products of our schools and the values taught by our outstanding professional staff members, performing in this way, and participating in our community building processes.  

Thank you, Troy, for investing your time to share your perspective with our elected officials. This is your right and your responsibility, and you demonstrated how to do it in an exemplary manner.

If you would like to take view and hear Troy’s comments, this link will take you there: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQoXF8Nn2wnlQb6jpc8ZZqQ

After all, Kids Matter

#cruzan4milton#WEAREMILTON

Inch By Inch

Do you ever experience a reflective mood? A state in which your mind floods with thoughts, ideas, and memories, of all those vicissitudes of which our lives are composed? Today is a reflective day for me and I feel compelled to share those reflections with my readers.

The subject of my reflection is a long-term friend & colleague. A man whom I admire and from whom I have learned a great deal.  Indeed, my life is richer because I have known and had the opportunity to work with him in a variety of capacities over the years.  As I sit here letting my mind do its thing, I realize that this span of time is now more than 50 years. I used to think that those sharing friendships that long had to be quite old, but my perspective has shifted a bit on that particular issue.

This friend, let’s call him Tom, was born and raised in Milton. He grew up on a farm a bit to the north east of town. He was blessed to have several siblings and the undeniable advantage of being surrounded by a loving family steeped in strong values of hard work, responsibility, accomplishment, and love. He learned early-on that life was not centered on himself but on the greater community.  He absorbed that lesson well and let it guide the way he lived.  Tom embodies these words of Helice Bridges, “I am not here to make a living. I am here to make a difference.”

Not only a Milton native, Tom remained a local, graduating from both Milton Union High School and from Milton College.  He taught school briefly before joining General Motors in Janesville where he spent 32 years. The last 20 of those 32 he served as Administrator of the Rick Holte Education Center.  Tom was also busy paying his civic rent by serving for 19 years on the Blackhawk Technical College Board of Directors as well as a variety of leadership roles at St. Mary Parish here in Milton. I think you can begin to see his draw to education and his life focus of giving back.

I knew Tom in high school but not well. I was a transplant from the East Coast when 16 so I am not a native, but I strongly identify as a local. My wife, Sue, is a Milton native and knew Tom pretty much all through school. We saw Tom and his family from time to time over the years, so I was acquainted with his activities.

In 2010 I was working on establishing the Milton Area Youth Center so was looking for Board members.  I reached out to Tom. As I explained the plans for MAYC, I saw his eyes light up and I knew he was all-in.  I was so pleased to have his experience and his passion. You see, that’s Tom. When he agrees to participate, he is always all-in. He gives himself fully to the programs and organizations in which he believes. MAYC was no exception and its motto, Building Lives, Building Community resonated with Tom and fit him so well.

I began to serve on the School Board in 2008. Tom was elected to the Board in 2011. Once again, I was pleased to be officially working and collaborating with a person of Tom’s character. He was consistently prepared, asked great questions, and fulfilled his responsibilities in an admirable manner. He broke the mold on how to be an effective board building rep. in his assignment at Milton East. The School District’s motto is – Opportunity, Achievement, Community. Tom continues to mirror this in his life. After 9 years of service to the School District of Milton and our kids, last night was Tom’s final School Board meeting.  This makes me sad and is the cause of my reflection today.

Tom’s approach to life reminds me of a great old folk song written by David Mallett and covered by many artists. I prefer Peter, Paul & Mary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHhRyjwYnX0). The words go like this, Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make this garden grow. All it takes is a rake and a hoe and a piece of fertile ground. Inch by inch, row by row, someone bless these seeds I sow. Someone warm them from below till the rain comes tumbling down. Plant your rows straight and long, temper them with prayer and song. Mother earth will keep you strong if you give her love and care.” Perhaps that is Tom’s secret from the farm and his family because he plants the rows of his life straight & long. He does temper them with prayer and song as he gives his community love and care.

Tom, you believe in something bigger than yourself. You exhibit no ambiguity when it comes to the question of – does the community owe us or do we owe the community? You always stated that it is about the kids. This is who you are.  Your remarkable record of service is because you made a choice, a conscious decision to step up, to serve, to create a preferred future for those coming behind. What a record! What a legacy! What a sower of positive seeds!

Thank you, Tom, for your service, your time, your dedication, and for showing us the way. Let me leave you with these words from Jim Will, “As individuals, everything we do affects our organizations, our community’s culture. We have no choice whether or not we leave our mark. Our only choice is what type of mark we will leave.”  When it comes to community service, you are a positive Outlier when compared with the general population.

TOM WESTRICK, I am proud to be associated with you!  After all, Kids Matter

#cruzan4milton#WAM

School Board Election Musings

About three weeks ago I composed a letter in support of Mike Hoffman’s candidacy for the School District of Milton Board of Education.  I promptly sent this letter to both The Janesville Gazette and The Milton Courier.  The Gazette responded immediately, asking me to submit the letter in a bit different format. I complied with that simple request and they promptly printed my letter.  I watched The Courier for the next two weeks but, alas, my letter was never published. This seemed odd to me as I believe my letter conformed to their published regulations regarding length, content, etc. I was a bit fussed up about this but then realized that I might have sent it to an incorrect e-mail address, it may have ended up in Spam (many consider my thoughts & writing spam anyway), maybe I thought I sent it but did not, and on with the rationalizations. Of course, I would rather this was someone else’s fault rather than mine, but I try very hard to accept responsibility for my behavior. I like to think I live my life that way – at any rate, I have tried over the course of my now 70 years.  I then discovered that another letter in support of Mike was also not published.  So, I don’t know what’s up with that. I do not know how to run a newspaper. I have no useful knowledge concerning how papers decide what to publish and what to ignore.  So, this is out of my control and I will leave it. But this important election is now upon us and I really wanted to share my strong support of Mike so, here is my letter, followed by some comments about a couple of other candidates.

Editor – The Milton Courier

Are you looking for a School Board candidate who has 30 years of experience working with students not only in a classroom setting but also one-on-one as a tutoring specialist? A person of high integrity and deep personal faith? A person who has invested personal time in earning an advanced degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis? A person who has significantly served others in his world-wide not-for-profit endeavors notably in Africa and Haiti? Then Mike Hoffman is your candidate.

I have had the opportunity to observe Mike working with students. His knowledge, preparation and caring were so apparent. He is a master teacher who has positively influenced all those Milton students who have had the good fortune to experience his skill.

Mike and I have been friends for at least thirty years. My life is richer for that. Milton children are richer for his influence on them as are our teachers for having had Mike as a role model. Mike is a consistent man of character. I have every confidence that he will bring these skills and attributes to bear as a School Board member. Mike Hoffman has my vote and I recommend that you give him yours as well.

Jon Cruzan

Milton, WI

Thank you to my half a dozen readers for listening.

But, wait, I wanted to say a few words about a couple of the other candidates as well, namely, Shelly Crull-Hanke and Dave Holterman.

I was fortunate to serve on the school board with Shelly. In my mind, she was clearly an asset.  Shelly was always well prepared & informed. She did her homework. She spent time in our school buildings & attending activities.  She spoke her opinions & positions clearly, articulately, and with respect for others. When the board voted, she supported the vote of the majority.  Her experience as an educator in another school district brought with it great perspective.  Based on this record, she has my vote and support.

Dave Holterman is a great guy.  I have worked with him in the community and like his style and approach.  I worked on his behalf early in this election cycle.  I believe he would make a good school board member. However, as life would have it, Dave has slipped down my list, not because of anything he has said or done, but because of my experiences with Mike & Shelly. Sometimes when it rains, it pours.

I am grateful for this community. I am grateful for our phenomenal school district and the leaders over the years who have made it what it is and for the leaders today who build on that foundation and carry it forward.  I am grateful for all the interested candidates which provides us with a contested rather than an uncontested election. Janesville does not have that luxury or, apparently, degree of interest from citizens in their school district.

Let’s celebrate what we have and make it even stronger by casting you vote in this most important election.

After all, KIDS MATTER

#cruzan4milton#WAM

Southern Lakes Anthology

Have you ever discovered something – a program, an initiative, excellence - so good that you just have to share it? This happened to me recently. You may be aware of this good thing I’m about to describe, but I’m guessing many are not. Quite frankly, I’m a bit embarrassed that I didn’t know much, as it's likely the information has been there. I just didn’t pick up on it. To add to my embarrassment, I discovered that the program is in its 30^th year. Once informed, it took little time for me to believe that The Southern Lakes Anthology Project deserves to be in the spotlight.

Last week, Sue and I were privileged to serve as judges at the Southern Lakes Anthology Competition. This is a program sponsored by the Southern Lakes Advanced Learners Network. Each year, SLALN invites students in participating school districts to enter this Competition. In October, Rising Red Hawks in 3^rd through 8^th grade, along with students from 30 -35 other southern Wisconsin school districts are introduced to the theme for the year. For instance, last year's theme was, Not Always Black & White. This year's theme is Beneath The Surface. Students are encouraged to enter original work connected to the theme in these genres: prose, poetry, art, cartoon, or illustrated writing. Local judging in December leads to those selected being entered in the SLALN final judging in January. Work selected at this final judging is published in the Anthology and student winners are honored in May at a special program and reception at UW-Whitewater.

This compilation, this book, this anthology is incredible! It is a bound book nearly a half inch thick of 8.5 by 11 pages which are choc-a-bloc full of truly amazing student work. Perusing any of these collections is an emotional experience as your senses are overwhelmed by example after example of absolute excellence held in your own hands. We are talking kids 8-15 years old here. And then you realize that these are our kids, our futures, our legacies, and you can't help but smile and say, “AH!”

I found my judging duties challenging but fun and energizing. My team, judging 8^th grade poetry, included two middle school teachers, one from the Kettle Moraine District and one from the Waterloo District. Additionally we had a facilitator, from the Beloit Turner District, who introduced each piece and recorded our scoring. As I looked around two very large banquet rooms filled with judging teams, plus those in charge, I began to comprehend the scale of this undertaking. It is huge and it is absolutely wonderful.

The Anthology Project inspires creativity, introspection, self-expression, risk, and the pursuit of excellence in academic channels. Think of the pride and sense of accomplishment to have your own work selected and then published for any and all to view and read. (I encourage you to look at the SLALN website (www.slaln.org) where you will find many programs in which Milton students have the opportunity to participate.)

I believe that a wide variety of school activities are key components of a good learning environment. Programs and activities run the gamut of academics, sports, the trades, music, the arts, and the list goes on. These opportunities encourage the pursuit of excellence and the creation of well-rounded individuals. We celebrate and publish sports information a lot. I am not against this but I also feel compelled to help our community know of these other competitions and demonstrations of student excellence. Throughout the Anthology's 30-year history, Milton has had its share of students selected as winners and, thus, published in the Anthology. Let's become aware and celebrate this. Ask your kids, ask your kids' teachers, ask your administrators. Go to your libraries and ask if they have copies of these Anthologies. I know that the Milton Public Library has some. I also believe that our individual school libraries may have some. They are a treasure. If you are searching for specific individuals, these books are well indexed by student name and school district. I urge you to seek them out.

Of course, no program like this even gets off the ground without caring, competent, professional teachers, building administrators and staff members all teaching skills, encouraging and advocating for our kids, and pouring themselves into their work. Milton is blessed to have outstanding educators at every level. I can't name them all here, but our Reading Specialist and Prism Coordinator, Amy Mertes, clearly deserves a “Shout Out”. She is a positive outlier and serves most ably as our connector to SLALN. She, along with her fellow Milton educators, believes deeply in kids and it shows.

Why? Because here in Milton, Kids Matter.

OPPORTUNITY – ACHIEVEMENT - COMMUNITY

#cruzan4milton#WAM

Warmed & United by Milton West Winter Sing

It’s early evening at the Platts Performing Arts Center. The crowd is pressing in quickly to find good seats and save places for family members who are still on the way. Parents, grandparents, and young siblings of those soon to be performing make up this audience and it’s heartwarming to observe groups greet one another, wave, or call-out to those across the room. The atmosphere is electric and the anticipation palpable. Throughout the audience, young children can barely contain themselves. It seems that many parents and grandparents are not far from this state themselves.

Adding to the excitement, the stage, bathed in bright lights, gleams and a variety of instruments reflect the light. The long curve of the risers forms a welcoming smile not only to the audience but also to those Rising Red Hawks soon to be standing on them, pouring out their very being in song.

That veritable fixture of the PAC, High School teacher Michael Dorn, unobtrusively makes his way across the stage completing his final mic checks.

And then those Milton West 2^nd & 3^rd graders begin to file in. Cries of, “there they are!”, “I see her!”, “Where is he?”, ring through the room. It’s showtime. Music teacher, Alison Jewer, makes a few introductory remarks and the music begins.

The 2^nd grade starts the singing. Their voices are clear, bright, and so enthusiastic. They just nail their final number – ‘I Promise’ by Teresa Jennings. Read these words –

“When I make a promise, I will keep it.

When I give my word to you, I will act with honesty.

I will tell the truth you see.

When I give my word to you, you will know my word is true.”

Do any of you remember songs you sang in elementary school programs? I do, some of them remarkably well. I find the words and meanings imprinted indelibly on me even as I approach my 7^th decade. Does music teach our children and enrich their lives? I think so, and what great lessons are bestowed on them. This is so important because kids matter. Oh, the things we can learn from kids.

The 3^rd graders continue the lesson with another Teresa Jennings song, ‘Just One Candle’.

Pretty awesome words here as well featuring 3 great soloists.

“If I light just one candle

And you light just one too

And we pass the flame from wick to wick

From us to you and you.

And if we keep it going

Around the world you’ll see

The world is glowing with light that comes from you and me.”

“With one candle, just one candle. Yes, one candle burning bright.

With one candle, just one candle, we can fill the world with light.”

Just to be sure of the lesson, another Teresa Jennings song, ‘A Song of Peace’, also featuring soloists.

“If I could write a magic song that everyone could sing

I would write of love, of hope and joy, and things that peace could bring

And when we sing my magic song, all hate and war will cease.

If I could write a magic song, I’d write a song of peace.”

“One song for all of us. One song could bring us peace.”

Out of the mouths of babes! This night we were privileged to be taught, to be entertained, to have a preview of Rising Red Hawk members of Choralation, Octave Above, & Revolution. We experienced community building in action (I have long believed that our schools are our community centers), we reaped the rewards of all those staff members who did extra work to allow this program to take place in the PAC rather than the tiny gym at Milton West. We enjoyed ourselves, we nearly burst with pride, we were overwhelmed with good will, we participated in building lives, in building community.

After all, Kids Matter!

#cruzan4milton#WAM

Milton Educators, You Rock!

Last week, the teachers and staff members of the School District of Milton hosted parents, guardians, and family members of students at “conferences”. My guess is that most families take conferences for granted and are positively anticipatory about them. It is also likely that most value the opportunity to get up close and personal with a professional adult who may well spend more waking hours with their children than they do themselves. I believe that this contact is critically important for both sides of the equation. Thank you, families, for participating.

I also want to acknowledge that “conferences” don’t just happen. There is significant extra time and effort on the part of all school personnel to adequately prepare for this key activity. The custodial crews take pride in ensuring that our buildings are clean, attractive, and welcoming. Our teachers invest hours and hours in preparation to ensure that conferences are as efficacious as possible. They sacrifice their own personal & family time to provide evening hours for families who just can’t make it in a “normal” work day. Some educators are energized by conferences but most are exhausted. Please don't misunderstand me - this is a good exhaustion, a pleasant and contented tired - not unlike an intense run or a good bike workout. It's the feeling that comes with the knowledge that you worked hard, expended significant energy, gave all you have for that in which you believe. You feel good and our kids and grandkids are the beneficiaries.  After all, Kids Matter.

Milton Educators, thanks so much for your time, your dedication, your professionalism, and your caring. You are building lives and thereby building our community. I applaud you! You are Milton and, together, we are Milton.

Jon Cruzan

#cruzan4milton#WAM

Out of The Mouth of Babes

If you attended the regular School Board meeting last night, watched the Facebook live feed, or caught the video from the live feed sometime later, I hope you noticed a bright light of hope and courage.  Four Milton students owned the rostrum and addressed not only the Board but also School District Administrators, more than 50 citizens, and the press. 

I call this courage because many Miltonites would pale and shrink from the prospect of speaking in front of this many people in a small, relatively enclosed space, especially if that audience included those who might take issue with the position they were presenting.  Speaking in public rises to near the top of the list of our greatest fears.

I call this a bright light of hope because of the manner in which these students delivered their message.  Alexis, Chelsea, and Kennedy are middle school students, maybe 13 or 14 years old.  Macy is a third grader, maybe 8 or 9.  These girls were prepared. They were articulate. They were passionate. They were mature beyond their years.  They gave up their personal time (one came directly from swim practice & returned to the pool immediately after her presentation) to speak to the community on a topic about which they care deeply.  They were awesome!

Alexis, Chelsea, Kennedy, & Macy are young girls.  They are products of our school system and our outstanding programs and teachers.  The bright light of hope I saw was that they were passionate, opinionated, and willing to share their perspective in a way that clearly demonstrated the core values of RESPONSIBLE, RESPECTFUL, SAFE, and KIND.   These values are presented, taught, and lived throughout our school district from 4-k to 12^th grade.  Alexis, Chelsea, Kennedy & Macy lived those values at the Board meeting and modeled behavior we could all do well to emulate.  I do not personally know these girls but I was so proud.  There is hope. These girls are Milton. We Are Milton. #WAM

The Lessons I Learned From "Annie"

I recently had the privilege and the challenge of being a member of the cast of Annie. Live theater is magical. This show was no exception. As many of you know, the Annie story is one of optimism.  It’s upbeat. It’s forward looking.  It’s fun and it delivers a strong message with which people resonate.  As a cast member I not only heard this message but became caught up in helping deliver it.

If you have been a performer in a live production you understand the feeling, the vibe, and the buzz that occurs as a group of near strangers come together, and bond as the chaos of first rehearsal matures and grows into a show. It is a powerful and nearly palpable atmosphere and experience. 

There are always lessons to be learned from any group activity.  The Stage One, Inc.  Annie cast was no exception.  About half the cast were children – mostly young girls around 10 or 12.  After all, the show does feature young girl orphans.  Closing in on 69 myself, I was nearly the eldest actor on the stage.  Of course I was joined by many other adults. These fellow adult cast members were great but it was from the kids that I learned the most.  As I rehearsed and performed with these kids I was stuck by so many things; lessons we adults would do well to emulate.  

First and foremost were energy and engagement.  These kids wanted to rehearse and perform. They were thrilled to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They threw themselves into their characters and created new personalities.  They participated in long rehearsals and repeatedly worked their lines and blocking. I never heard complaints from them.

Next comes common courtesy. These kids proactively and respectfully greeted us old geezers and all cast members. I heard please and thank-you often.  This is so refreshing in today’s world where we are bombarded with disrespect, name calling seems to be accepted, and there is a dearth of courtesy. Cast members never descended to these levels.

This one, coachability, is huge, especially in a play.  A Director’s job is to guide, coach, make suggestions, and correct. It has been my experience in community theater that many adult actors seem to think they know more than the Director.  They bristle against and resist redirection, suggestion and correction resulting in much wasted time for all concerned.  Not these kids. Rather, they appeared pleased to have coaching that would make their performances stronger.  When redirected, their typical reply was, “Thank you”. Then I observed them immediately incorporating those directions into their performances.

Hard work and focus are such a great combination and, boy, did these kids bring this.  They knew their lines early on.  They knew their dance moves. They knew their blocking.  None of this happens without dedication, focus, and plain old effort. 

Adaptability had a great role also.  Theater demands constant adaptability as rehearsal spaces change, musical accompaniment varies, a fellow actor inadvertently jumps several lines, the Director moves in a new creative direction, or your carefully positioned props get moved.  These kids flowed with and even thrived on these challenges.

Annie kids actively practiced support for and affirmation of each other and all cast members.  Many were the high-5’s, the thumbs-up, the nice-jobs that greeted fellow performers as they exited the stage after completing a scene or as they passed each other in the wings.  Often I would hear the concerned query, “How’s it going tonight? Are you doing okay?”  Such caring, such concern.

That’s what happens when we get out of ourselves and participate in something bigger than we are.  Maybe it’s a play, maybe it’s a work group, a church, a community.  It’s that sense of unity and purpose that we are so missing.  And there I was, sitting in the wings at JPAC, being taught these so basic values by kids.

After all - Kids Matter

Getting Along

I don’t know about you, but it seems like everywhere I go I hear people lamenting the lack of civility in the world.  Unfortunately, flagrant examples of adults behaving badly literally assault us daily.  Even more unfortunate, in my mind, is that we experience this negativity, this lack of respect for each other, and basic dearth of common courtesy right here in Milton.  I find it embarrassing and disheartening.

On the other hand, I look at our kids and my spirit soars.  In every one of our school buildings we have a majority of kids behaving in very positive ways that we adults should emulate.  How do I know? Because every day our kids are caught doing things right – caught by their classmates, their teachers and other staff members – and then they are called-out, recognized, and celebrated for the way they go about their day and treat others.

The School District of Milton is clear in its expectations of students.  You will see these words (or variations on them) everywhere throughout the District – RESPONSIBLE / RESPECTFUL / SAFE / & KIND.  Some buildings, like Northside, have additional guides:

S afe                                                             C ooperation

O rganized                                                    P articipation

A ccountable                                                 R espect

R espectful

They are great guidelines but what do the words really mean? How would you articulate the behavior expected by these guidelines for your own everyday life?  Our kids clearly know.  Let me provide some examples.  Recently I had the privilege of attending a Superstar Lunch at Northside. Principals Jon Lyon and Julie Musgrove hold these lunches monthly and separate lunches for each grade level.  As I arrived for the fourth grade lunch I found the Large Group Room filled with students along with parents and grandparents.  Everyone was brimming with pride and anticipation.  Jon and Julie began to introduce the students and showcase the actions – the daily behavior – that brought them honor.  This is what I heard:

• ·         Works through conflict in a fair & kind way
• ·         Demonstrates willingness to work with all
• ·         Works hard at getting along
• ·         Shows that it’s important to be kind
• ·         Willing to lend a hand
• ·         Gets along with everyone
• ·         Demonstrates good listening
• ·         Shows a positive attitude
• ·         Has a kind demeanor
• ·         Shows respect for others
• ·         Models kindness
• ·         Exhibits thoughtfulness
• ·         Supports classmates
• ·         Sets an example of how to play fair
• ·         Is helpful to others
• ·         Knows how to let others be special
• ·         Includes everyone
• ·         Welcomes others with a smile
• ·         Shows a getting-along attitude
• ·         Is accepting of others
• ·         Makes others comfortable
• ·         Will help anyone
• ·         Makes a friend’s day better
• ·         Excels in the way she treats others
• ·         Works in a kind & helpful manner
• ·         Is kind & respectful of everyone
• ·         Shows a smile
• ·         Knows how to SOAR
• ·         Lives the Golden Rule Daily
• 
  

WOW!  And this from 10 year olds.  I was and am impressed; impressed by this positive behavior and further impressed that similar recognition ceremonies are duplicated at all grade levels across our School District.  It’s fun.  It’s uplifting.  It’s inspiring.  It is truly a “feel good” experience.  It is wonderful.

I am so glad I was able to participate but it created this question for me.  Where is the disconnect between the students of Milton and the adults of Milton?  The gulf seems deep and wide.  Let’s take a lesson from our kids.  While we may not agree, let’s be responsible, respectful, safe, and kind with each other.  Let’s SOAR in our homes and our community.

Let’s pledge together to rise above this miasma of local divisiveness and rancor.  Let’s allow our kids to teach us how to truly live and treat each other.

After all – KIDS MATTER – and so does our community.

Jon Cruzan

Community Catalyst

cruzan4milton

Reflections On 'The Greatest Generation'

Recent comments from readers (who, of course, remain anonymous or use a pseudonym = #howbraveisthat) of our regional local newspaper have reminisced about and glorified their own school days.  They fondly recall the three flights of stairs, the smallness of the building, the sense of making do with what they had.  In my opinion, this is all good and all very natural. I don’t believe there are many of us who do not look back with mostly fond memories to the lives and memories we lived and experienced.  They reference “the greatest generation” (no argument from me about that), the force of character, the work ethic.

Often, these same commentators lament the plight of the senior citizen, these denizens of that greatest generation.  They claim that Milton taxes will force these people from their homes or put them in an awful bind.  I can’t presume to know what anyone else can or cannot afford but what I do know is that School District of Milton taxes are the absolute lowest in the entire area and in the Badger Conference.  I am not stating this for the sake of argument.  I am simply offering perspective.  If these people feel they must move, and, if in fact, they like the way of life of the Milton community where they were likely raised and attended school themselves, where will they go to find lower school taxes?

When does a person earn the positive, honorable label of senior citizen?  Is it a magic age, a mindset, a state of health or wellbeing?  I’m not sure and that is not the topic of this blog but may be worth considering.  I am 67 years old and have lived in this community now for 51 years.  I am not native but I am proud of being local.  I graduated from what was then Milton Union High School in 1968 – 50 years ago next spring.  Am I a senior citizen?  Perhaps.   I also know that there are many Milton citizens who are the next click or generation older than me and my contemporaries. I don’t always agree with them but I do value and honor them.  They raised me, they taught me, they tolerated me, they encouraged me, they corrected me, they praised me, and they celebrated with me. And, most important of all, through the legacy of the school district they built and of which they were so proud, they gave back to me and the future by building schools and facilities that created a platform for Milton kids to keep pace with the progress of a world moving at lightning speed.  So, in addition to making do, the greatest generation gave back and created the expectation that we who came after them would also do the same.

Allow me to share this except from Philip Gulley’s essay, The Compact.

“Almost every benefit we’ve ever enjoyed happened because our ancestors were generous enough to share their resources for the good of the whole (the social compact).  Their tax dollars educated us, secured our health, promoted our safety, and enhanced our lives immeasurably.

Take my money, please.  I don’t want it if it means my children and grandchildren will be afflicted with second-rate schools, third-world health care, shuttered libraries, busted dreams, and broken cities.

Shortly after my wife was born, the township she lived in voted not to pay its library tax.  Then, a relatively prosperous township made up of small family farms, it believed that particular tax was a waste of money.  As a consequence, the children of that township were not allowed to use the public library.  My wife didn’t check a book out of a public library until she was twenty-one.  She remembers wanting to enter and being told it was forbidden.  Today, that township is one of the poorest townships in the state’s second poorest county, less than ten percent of its children go to college, and they still believe they can’t afford to pay their library tax.

When American thrived, it thrived because its citizenry invested heavily in one another.  If America fails, it will be because we have placed our personal gain above the common good.  If that day comes, a few of us might be richer, be we will all be infinitely poorer.”

Voting ‘Yes’ on November 7 is clearly a vote for kids. BUT, it is so much more.  It is a vote for Milton, our lives, our legacy, our survival, our heritage, our expectations. It is living up to the role model created by that greatest generation who came before us. I feel privileged to honor and fulfill that expectation.

After all – KIDS MATTER.

Jon Cruzan

Community Catalyst

cruzan4milton

Milton Pride & Inspiration

With the world so full of negativity and animosity, I try hard to “catch” people doing things right.  I have found it’s not that difficult; that it’s just a matter of being mindful, and observant.  The next step is then finding a way to acknowledge and reinforce that positive behavior. We must tell these positive stories and revel in them if we ever hope to change our mindset from negative to positive.  We must become intentional about this because it simply won’t happen on its own. Dan Siegel captured this well in these powerful words. . .

“To be the change we wish to see in the world, we need to be aware of our awareness, to hold within this place of knowing our unfolding sense of being awake. It requires that we hold our own intention in the front of our minds – that we pay attention to our intention.”

So, with that being said, let’s cut to the chase.  The School District of Milton is teeming with people doing things right.  Let me focus on one aspect today – our buildings & grounds.  I walk in Milton a great deal and spend time at our various buildings.  I am extremely impressed with the appearance and upkeep of our properties.  The lawns, the shrubbery, the exterior image is one of excellence and pride of place.  I interact with the buildings & grounds staff and find them friendly, upbeat, and professional.  It is clear to me that they are engaged in their work.  Their pride shows clearly in the results of their efforts. 

By contrast, I often drive by schools in other communities when I am out and about.  Many look great but many others look like they are owned by uncaring, absentee landlords.  The shrubbery is taking over the buildings, the lawns are unkempt, the driveways & approaches are not welcoming and inviting, the signage is dilapidated – you get the picture.  How sad.  What is your impression when you enter or go by a restaurant, an attorney’s office, a bank, a clothing store that has fallen off the edge of upkeep? I know what mine is.  First impressions, right or wrong, are strong and lasting. Not only that but you never have a chance to erase that first impression. In my opinion, there are no small things!  Perhaps these communities simply don’t have the funds but I believe it is far more than that.  I believe this is a question of leadership or, perhaps, the lack of it.

The kind of pride and excellence that Milton enjoys comes from the top.  Our culture supports, leads, and inspires staff members to these levels of excellence.  To be precise about buildings and grounds you need to know that Building & Grounds Supervisor, Stephen Schantz, is an absolute rock star. From my observations he does it right.  He believes in his work and inspires those working for and with him to levels of excellence not enjoyed by other communities. I have had the privilege of watching him in action at meetings where he is prepared, concise, accurate, pleasant, and professional.  I have watched him interact with citizens in outstanding ways.  Clearly, the work of his people speaks for itself.  Just take a look.  Give Stephen and his crew a shout out. Their pride is obvious, their engagement is obvious, their excellence is obvious.  Their work creates such a positive, statement about who and what it means to be a Red Hawk.

Thank you, Stephen, for your dedication & leadership. You make it better for our kids (after all – Kids Matter) and you inspire me.  #MiltonPride#MSDinspire

Kids Matter

Jon Cruzan

Community Catalyst

Cruzan4Milton

Shadows Hovering For Life

Last Sunday, I had the distinct pleasure of selling tickets at the Milton Chicken BBQ and Arts & Crafts On The Lawn sponsored by MACC and The Milton Historical Society. Of course this event also included a Concert In The Park presented by The Gathering Place and the Milton Lions Club Car Show plus a myriad of vendors & crafters. What a demonstration of community!

Some would say they “worked” at the event but for me it was a joy. I was paired with an long-time friend and colleague, Theresa Rusch, and we had a great time becoming reacquainted and catching up on things. When you sell tickets you get to see a lot of great friends, neighbors, and visitors so it was a time of connecting and helping people enjoy one of the great events of our city. My shift flew by.

It would be risky to try to mention all who made this event successful but Dani & Kricket from the Chamber and Kari from The Historical Society deserve our accolades. A few might suggest that they were just doing their jobs but, I must say, they sure do their jobs well!

I observed large numbers of volunteers working their various tasks, supporting their particular interests & groups, thereby contributing to that sense of community. But far more than that, I saw "teachers"; because all of these volunteers were teaching. They were modeling the way to create something bigger and greater than themselves – something for the future of Milton. After all, the future is where we are all going to live. I strongly believe that we adults must realize that we are teaching, for good or for ill, all of the time. Our actions, our behaviors, speak so much louder than our words and rhetoric. Our beliefs don’t make us better people, our behavior does. And, also for good or for ill, “a teacher’s shadow can hover for life” (credit to Mitch Albom – The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto).

Also very heartening was the large number of Milton students investing their time in the ranks of the volunteers helping to create their preferred future – a community that comes together to make good things happen for the greater good of all.

Last Sunday, in North Goodrich Park – Milton, WI – there were so many "teachers" creating wonderful, hovering, long-lasting shadows. Shadows for their neighbors & friends, and those visiting our community.

Image driving into a small city and experiencing Milton Arts & Crafts On The Lawn plus the Chicken BBQ. You would not be able to leave with anything but a positive sense of community. Visitors were likely saying, “Wow, those people have it together. How do they do that?”

Why do people want to move to Milton? Why do they want their kids to go to school here? It’s because they want to personally experience that phenomenon of “community”. They see us behaving in ways that resonate with them, that inspire them, that make them want to belong. All of us want to believe that our existence matters. We all hunger for a sense of purpose and meaning in life. We need to feel that we matter and that our lives make a difference. In Milton, we have come a long way along that journey.

Kids Matter

Jon Cruzan

Community Catalyst

Cruzan4Milton