Pep Rally

Today is our Homecoming Pep Rally!

A rather energetic atmosphere has engulfed our school this week. Students and most of the staff look forward to the daily dress up themes as they help lighten the overall mood of the school day. How cool is it that we can come to work in our pajamas? Seeing the majority of students in their class colors and the staff sporting the ever fashionable black pants, sweaters, and shirts has always been special for me. I like the feeling of so many different people coming together for one cause; Fremd High School. Although class competitions exist and freshmen take the brunt of many ill placed jeers, we really are one body and move together in an amoeba-like herd to the gym excited to partake in one more event where we can all be proud to be Vikings. Ah, the Pep Rally.

I’ve watched students and staff participate in the Pep Rally over the years in their own way, whether it is being on the floor, cheering in the stands, or not at all. I see a similar level of participation with the Tablet PCs and the word from my TC colleagues is that Fremd is not alone with teachers participating at different levels. All of us are struggling with the fact that teachers are not coming for training as quickly as expected.

How cool is it that I can come to work with my computer in my bag and be mobile with it throughout the day? Seeing different staff members carrying their tablet around is exciting. That signals something new is happening with that teacher and their classes that was not in place one year ago. I like the feeling of so many teachers coming together for one cause; our kids. I don’t think we are an amoeba-like body yet. More like a mass of conflicting impulses at times. Movement is there, though.

The movers and shakers in the building are having their own quite Pep Rally with the Tablet PCs. Competitions do not exist, however, as teachers are eager to share techniques that helping them make a difference. I continue to believe we have to work with and celebrate those who are on the floor, nudge those in the stands, and hope the non-participators watching from the wings will begin to think that participating in the Tablet Pep Rally can be fun even though technology in any form might not be their style.

Ah, the Pep Rally.