Go, go. . .go, Kadima!

I am a strong believer in the theory that little things can have major ramifications over time. I believe that if we develop a culture of good citizenship--starting by encouraging, reinforcing, and reinforcing again positive behavior that is community oriented (such as not clogging the parking line by making an illegal left turn out of the parking lot at Kadima)--we slowly, over time, develop a culture of community, and a community of people who care deeply about Kadima.

We've been working on this all year--by making the car pool lane more efficient, by calling out people who park in handicap spaces, by reinforcing school deadlines, and by making transparency a key pillar of board activities. The goal is, as stated, to create a place where people feel they are not just sending tuition payments, but believe they are part of truly wonderful and important institution. I work hard to include people in the process and decisionmaking; indeed, one of the reasons I write this blog is so people will have some sense about what were doing at the school. The blog is one the "little things" that helps, I hope, begin to create a sense of community.

Last week, our Head of School, Bill Cohen, led a pep rally for our school. It was the first pep rally in many years; and, it was a total success. As parents picked up their kids, they heard booming cheers "Go, go...go Kadima!" They saw the school's mascot, the Kodiak, encouraging the crowd. Even otherwise cynical middle school kids got into the act, enjoying and participating in the display of school spirit. The cheers continued for the basketball game, which, although not a victory, still energized school pride and spirit.

Little things make a difference. For every cheer for the school, school pride increases. And when school pride increases, everything else seems to work a bit easier and a bit better.

Kudos to Bill, the administration, the faculty and the staff for making putting together an excellent pep rally.

Go, go, GO KADIMA!