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