District Administrators Corner

by Loren Glasbrenner,  River Valley School District Administrator  Much can be learned from beloved children’s literature.  While none of us can estimate the next steps from local, county, or state officials, we can appreciate the need to find a lesson in simple terms.  We can pause to remember that sometimes the most important elements in life are not the most complicated.   • The Little Engine That Could, by Watty Piper:  Never give up; “I think I can, I think I can.” • The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein: Give and give some more; “...even more than she loved herself.”  • Corduroy, by Don Freeman:  Accept yourself and others; true friends accept us... buttons or not. • The Rainbow Fish, by Marcus Pfister:  We are richer by sharing; generosity is true beauty. • The Invisible Boy, by Patrice Barton; Never let someone feel invisible; “Emilio nods at Brian as he makes room for him at the table.” • Winnie-the-Pooh, by A. A. Milne; Be grateful for what you have; “You are braver than you believe…” • Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White; Cherish time together; “...by helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a little.” • A Wrinkle In Time, by Madeleine L’Engle:  Believing can take practice. • The Little Prince, by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry: Look after the earth; “I love to listen to the stars at night.  It is like listening to five hundred million little bells.’ • Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck:  Seek and protect the vulnerable; “I’ve got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you…” • Where The Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak:  There is no place like home; “Let the wild rumpus start.”  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl:  Don’t get obsessed...you will miss what the real world has to offer.  • Good Night Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown:  Recognize the simple; “Goodnight cow jumping over the moon.” • The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle:  Eat and celebrate; “...but he was still hungry.” • Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst:  Things don’t always go your way; plain and simple truth. • Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes: Acceptance of others helps even you; “It’s everything you are.” • Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls:  Remember to remember; “It’s strange indeed how memories can lie dormant in a man’s mind for so many years … yet be awakened and brought forth fresh and new…” • The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate: Expect the unexpected; “Is there anything sweeter than the touch of another as they pull a dead bug from your fur?” • The Little Red Hen, American fable:  Hard work and initiative matter; “... Well, then I will.” Literature can be the solution if you are pondering a problem, or at least an escape from the worry.  Seemingly complex issues may have less complex solutions.  The value of re-reading a story as an adult comes from viewing a simpler message with fresh eyes.  As Fred Rogers reminds us, “In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is listen with our ears and our hearts.”   I need to get out a cardigan sweater and tie my shoes...