“How many days do we have left? We are almost done. I have senioritis.” Everyone is saying it, even the underclassmen. All over the building kids are counting down the days until school is out. But for some, it is the final countdown until graduation. While many kids are taking AP and IB exams this month, others are struggling to stay engaged in meaningful work… drawn to thoughts of the beach, the sun and other activities. Thankfully the weather has not offered too much competition. It is important for students to stay engaged until the very end. As challenging as it may sometimes be the days move quickly and summer vacation will be here before we know it. All of us look forward to the warm summer days when there is time for rejuvenation. Many of us are sending seniors off to college. The end of the year for us is bittersweet. I would venture to say that for most the last four years flew by at an unbelievable rate. Somehow it seems that the older we get, the faster time passes.

What is the typical schedule in your home? Do you feel like you are overscheduled? Do you talk about take out menus and wonder about your quality of life? Are you bound to your calendar? In the quest to do more, or to do as much as possible for your family or with your friends, do you ever wonder if you could be doing things differently? The film, Race to Nowhere, explores these ideas and others, looking at pressures faced by students, families and teachers. Have we put so much focus on the end result that we have forgotten to enjoy the moment?

The director interviewed students across the nation, who presented their views of academic life. Many were very high achievers, their message was fairly consistent. They spoke of self -inflicted pressure and fear of failure. During interviews students discussed stress, and the lack of balance in their lives. They described hours and hours of homework and commitments which still left them fearful and anxious about whether they would be "good enough for a top college."

Perhaps these questions are about  expectations. Perhaps the real issue is  balance and emotional health. Maybe we all need to slow down a bit. Maybe students who are racing need to stop and take a deep breath. Maybe those that are walking so very slowly, would benefit from a little more adrenalin. In the end, perhaps it is also about what we, as parents, communicate to our children; how much is enough, and how much is good enough.

My take-away from the film was how important it is to remember that these years, the teen years are no picnic. These are some of the toughest years to go through for all students. The most important thing we can do is continue to have these conversations, as teachers, as parents and as a community. I'd love to hear what you think! rclay@rbrhs.org

Which side of your brain do you use more? Are you a super creative, ultra talented writer like the students who performed Friday night at Voices? Do you write poetry and prose like no other? Can you produce award winning art work like the winners of last week’s Teen Art’s Festival? Take this quiz to see how you rate and let me know what you think....

http://www.wherecreativitygoestoschool.com/vancouver/left_right/rb_test.htm

 A special shout out to Evie Athanasiou of our VPA Vocal Program. Evie was named the highest scoring singer in the state of NJ at the All State Opera auditions. She also earned the Governor’s Award for Opera and the C. Schripps Scholarship. If you have ever had the pleasure of hearing Evie sing you know why she won these coveted awards. rjrculls@rbrhs.org

Spring is definitely in the air today. It seems like the change in the clocks brought the warm weather. Suddenly daffodils are everywhere! Today we celebrated our CyberPatriot team’s success. .. The team has grown to 37 students. Just a few years ago cyberforensics was not a term that would be familiar to us, now our students are winning competitions and gathering accolades. Today the Lt. Gov. and the Chief Information Officer for the state were here to talk to the students about their accomplishments. They recognized our teachers, Mandy Galante and Jeremy Milonas. The students and the teachers spent hundreds of hours working toward their goals. As they came forward to collect their certificates, Lt. Gov. Guadagno asked them to pause and have their family members come forward for a photo, and the pride in their parent’s faces was fantastic. There were even some hugs and kisses…

Congratulations to our Teacher of the Year Mandy Galante for her perseverance and her success with the team and the program. Be sure to not to miss the Battle of the Classes, this week on Thursday night. Email me with the grade you think will be the winner. If you are right, I will treat you to cookies on Friday at lunch! rclay@rbrhs.org


They had a traditional greeting that they passed between each other. The greeting translated to, “and how are the children?” The traditional answer was, “all the children are well.” The point being the purpose of life and life’s struggles and existence is to provide for our kids, meet their needs and ensure that all of our children are well. Adults working together, with a common goal, to care for the children in their society. If the children are well, society prospers. If the children in our school are well, we can move forward. If only some of our children are well, our school cannot succeed. If the focus of speeches and politics became the health and well being of our children, how might things change? It is easy to focus on our child or the children in our town but expanding our view to a bigger global picture truly benefits all the children and our society. Take this as a challenge to join with us to make RBR a stronger community for our children. Join a parent group, mentor a student through the college application process, become part of the diversity committee, join a Foundation... there are many opportunities to become part of the solution. rclay@rbrhs.org


Today we had our Black History Month assembly. Our students worked together to present an amazing tribute to the music and dance of African Americans. King Rice, Monmouth University Men’s Basketball coach delivered an inspiring message, reminding our students to learn about each other. Our talented performing arts teachers coached our kids and they were up on stage today showing our school why we are a model school of the arts. Our teachers brought the house down with their skills. But most of all, today we saw our kids working together for a common good, to do something that they believed in and that they wanted to share with other students. We see this often at RBR but sometimes we forget to celebrate it. Tonight I want to recognize our students and staff that made this happen; that believed in something and saw it through. At the assembly today I asked for student and faculty volunteers for a diversity committee that we are in the process of forming. RBR is a diverse community, but like any community, we still have work to do. I challenged our students, and I challenge my readers to be a part of the solution. Stand up and be counted and be a part of the plan to promote justice and equality at RBR. Together we can create change. And in the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” rclay@rbrhs.org


What does it mean to be the underdog? Does it make you work harder? Play harder? The definition of underdog references “one who is expected to lose a contest or a struggle.” Giant Justin Tuck has been quoted saying that the team is enjoying their position as the underdogs, and that although people haven’t been giving the Giants a shot, “they like it that way.” So I have been giving this some thought in honor of Super Bowl Sunday. When people doubt you, or doubt your convictions, does that make you give up? Or do you dig in and dig deeper? Perhaps like Tuck and Manning, the underdogs possess raw talent and strength that spectators have underestimated. As the team gathers Sunday for the last pre-game talk, what thoughts will they have? Will they be filled with self-doubt or will they have visions of the final win? The difference between the win and the dream of the win is the vision. Of course there is hard work that happens 365 days a year, but when you lose the dream you lose any chance of the win. So maybe when Tuck talks of being the underdog, what he really means is the underdog who has persevered and risen to the top, but remembers the path he traveled. rclay@rbrhs.org


But it is not without it's challenges. There is the iPad, iPhone and iPod. My Mac with the big screen so I can have six windows up at once including Pandora streaming in the background. Not too loud though, otherwise I can't hear the delightful noise of a new email as it arrives in my inbox.  My iPad and I now have this very special connection. Where else can I find every student's schedule, a great new book and yoga tips all within three minutes? And if I want to, I can have anything I need translated into the language of my choice.  Not sure how many of you have an iPhone. I waited for my contract to expire so that I could get the new 4s with my new friend, Siri. Well, she was my friend until some people in my house began to talk to her rudely. She is fairly forgiving. If you ask her a personal question, she always reminds you that she is a computer and doesn't have feelings... It does have an element of science fiction to it and  takes some getting used to.  Sometimes though I do miss the old days. The days when you were able to turn everything off. No text, no email, just plain old conversation. I actually remember begging for phone time growing up. We had to share time on a house phone, one with a cord. Wow. Now I am dating myself. :) Back by popular demand, blog contest! First five students to email me that they read this post with reference to something in it will be winners. rclay@rbrhs.org


New Year’s Resolutions, I just don’t really believe in them. I think they are a big set -up. People make them, and they break them. How many people decide on December 31st that they are going to quit something or start something? By January 30th so many people have forgotten what they pledged the month before. The gyms are filled with new members who keep on paying long after their attendance dwindles. I think resolutions should be a daily occurrence. This way you never have to regret the things you didn’t get to do today. So you can go to sleep at night and resolve that you are going to do something differently tomorrow. Then the next day, just get up and do it. No regrets, no broken resolutions. Give it a shot and let me know what you think…. rclay@rbrhs.org

Last week I attended Kaleidoscope, a great fundraiser that our National Art Honor Society students and Ms. O’Connor put together. With my ticket I received five activity tickets and I decided to use mine for a caricature.

Now all of us know that these are exaggerated views of how we appear to others, but after I looked at mine I started to think---how different, or similar is the way I appear to others to my true self? Now of course we all have “those days,” but really, we strive for congruence between our inner and outer selves as much as possible. Not total transparency, but a fairly close balance. So why is this worth a blog spot? (Besides the fact that I am hoping I don’t look like my portrait? ) Truth be told, a lot of time and energy is spent convincing kids that impressions are important and the person that you appear to be on the outside to others is also important. It doesn’t matter if that is not who you “really are,” impressions are made quickly. So making a good impression really does matter. And if someone has the wrong impression of you it really is important to work that through, and to find a common ground. As for my caricature, I prefer to chalk it up to artistic impression…. rclay@rbrhs.org

What a great weekend. Where else can you enjoy culture and school spirit all in one weekend? Our fall show opened yesterday and you must get out there and see it. I went last night and it was a perfect presentation of drama and laughs. The set was great and the music upbeat! And if you haven't had the chance to see our new auditorium you are in for a treat. This is a wonderful production. This morning we had a juniors vs. seniors Powder Puff Game. Now, I would be lying if I did not mention that we had some anxieties about bringing this tradition back to RBR. But I need to say that our students behaved in an exemplary manner! The number of kids that came out to play was amazing and the stands were filled. Loved our announcer too. Not only did this benefit the senior class but money was also raised for Make a Wish Foundation. And the cheerleaders were just out of this world. :) Tied score. First marking period grades are posted. Please be sure to log on to the Parent Portal as soon as possible to see grades and teacher comments. Parent / Teacher conferences are scheduled for the evening of December 1st from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Call early to make an appointment. Wishing you a relaxing Thanksgiving Holiday. Hope to see you at the Varsity Football Game vs. Long Branch and the traditional breakfast before the game, a Culinary Club fundraiser. The first two students who mention this blog to me will win free tickets to the game!


Future Bucs and their families came out in huge numbers tonight as we hosted Eighth Grade Night. Thanks to great staff and terrific student reps who talked about clubs, sports and programs to our future students. It is so important for students to be able to talk to their peers about their high school experiences. Our kids always shine in these situations:) One of the highlights of my day today was seeing our strings ensemble performing for our pre-school children. What a great way to start the day! Tomorrow join the Better Bucs as they build their terrariums for the media center display. All are welcome to pitch in. Better Bucs have been keeping a bulletin board updated daily in the commons area with activities and events. Glamour Gals continue their community service project at Chelsea Assisted Living working with seniors. The group has been visiting the seniors and helping them revitalize and reenergize while spending time with them in an intergenerational effort. Be sure to come out Tuesday and cheer for our Boys Soccer team and our Girls Volleyball team; both teams have made states! Monday is Halloween. Please check your local towns for curfews. We do allow students to dress up. Our handbook contains guidelines. Masks are not allowed. Please use good judgement when choosing a costume. And a special thanks to our PTO for the fall planting project which made our campus look so festive.


Monday the students in the Applications of Math and Science course began building wind turbines. This is a fantastic course for students interested in pursuing a future in any of the math, science or engineering fields. It is the keystone for the math and science academy with lots of hands-on projects. Tomorrow students will be participating in a teleconference using our Polycom System, part of the technology purchased through a grant to enhance our International and Cultural Studies Program. This gives kids a chance to "visit" with other students and discuss relevant topics. Girls volleyball had a fantastic win last night. Plus it was senior night. I really love the senior games. There is something very special about seeing kids, coaches and families on the field recognizing those final games in a player's high school career. Our Glamour Gals group visited the Seniors at the Chelsea Assisted Living to bring some sunshine into their day. Tonight our dancers treated us to a dinner and Cabaret performance. They did a fantastic job. This week we continue with activities aimed at providing increased education for violence prevention. Our Peer Mediation (Buc Team) will be participating in a training with two other high schools and bringing back new information and skills to RBR to continue their important work. STS leaders will be meeting with the freshman. Friday night is the Homecoming Dance. Please see the main page of the website for details. It is always well attended and lots of fun. Saturday be sure to come out and support the football team at our Homecoming game. Finally, next week is our EIghth Grade information session on Thursday, 10/27. Please share this information with parents and families of eighth graders. We will have an information session, activity and athletic fair and lots of great info. This and so much more! rclay@rbrhs.org


The passing of Steve Jobs can be a teachable moment. He leaves behind a legacy of ideas and a vision. There is an opportunity for conversation. The message, not to be afraid, to be creative, to "think outside of the box," is one that so often gets left behind as we struggle to complete the finished product. Continue to live life to it's fullest and pursue your dreams, do not let others tell you that you do not have what it takes. And if you believe in something, see it through. Innovators and visionaries were those that others often said were crazy. The Apple video Think Different says it best, jump to You Tube and take a minute to view this classic clip of 20th century icons. "Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do". - Apple Inc.


Still recovering from a fantastic football win yesterday as RBR football stomped the Holmdel Hornets 41-0. Go Bucs! Catch the Bucs as they vs. Raritan (away) Thursday night. This is a big week in sports as Volleyball and Field Hockey face RFH tomorrow and Girls soccer meets the Bulldogs on Tuesday all on Buc turf. Our Boys Soccer team will also meet the Dawgs at RFH, but you can catch them at home on Thursday. Our tennis team is home this week on Tuesday and Wednesday against RBC and Henry Hudson. Go fall sports! Last night I had the pleasure to hear two of our former graduates speak at a Latino Chamber of Commerce Dinner. They told the crowd at Branches about their lives as students growing up in Red Bank, the odds they overcame and the challenges they faced. One student, a recent graduate of the International Baccalaureate program, amazed the people in the room as she described how quickly she learned the language, her drive to succeed and her academic triumphs. Last week our STS (Student to Student) Peer Leaders met with freshmen to begin the first of several sessions. Leaders go through hours of training and each session is devoted to a specific topic. Freshmen have the chance to work with the same leaders throughout the year, parents, ask your freshman about it! Thursday night our guidance department is sponsoring a special workshop for those stressed out parents of seniors (like me) who are working on helping their student complete their college applications. Don’t miss it. See the guidance website for more information. Seniors, you should be scheduling visits with college reps, getting your recommendations in and finishing those applications, let’s go! Be sure to use Naviance. This week kicks off the start of RBR’s “Week of Respect.” Schools around NJ are recognizing the first week of October as a week to promote respect and anti-bullying awareness. We have several activities planned. We certainly have implemented some new procedures, but overall, our response to bullying is fast and comprehensive. Discipline alone is not enough, education and intervention are vitally important. So please join us in sending a positive message. And of course, one week does not do this topic justice. So at RBR, this week is just the start of what we believe to be a yearlong theme... acceptance, education and respect. Finally, next week we have a special schedule on October 12th for all students. Our freshmen have the Renaissance Faire. Grades 10 and 11, PSATs!! And for our seniors, a great opportunity to work on those college apps, you have a delayed opening, with school starting at 10:30. Please see the website for more details. rclay@rbrhs.org

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to a small town in Vermont for a wedding of a very close family friend. We go through our daily lives very task oriented seldom stopping to realize just how lucky we are. When hurricane Irene hit our area many of our families were hit hard by the rains and floods. The devastation we witnessed in Vermont was unbelievable. Despite the total elimination of roads, bridges and many homes, schools opened in Vermont and students walked miles down a mountain to attend their first day of classes. After we saw the  damage I emailed the principal of the school featured in a recent NY Times article to see if our RBR students could help. We have some of the most motivated, community minded kids and staff, who are always willing to offer a helping hand. Fortunately the principal assured me they had received so much assistance they were back on their feet. It is so important, however, to step back and be thankful, for all that we have.

 This weekend there is a SOURCE BBQ before the RBR vs. Holmdel game. In keeping with my new tradition, I have FIVE FREE tickets for the first FIVE students who stop me in the hallway or at lunchtime who have read my blog. Or email me at rclay@rbrhs.org

What an awesome win for Red Bank this weekend as the Bucs defeated Matawan! I hope that you have been out to see our fall sports. After a very invigorating Pep Rally during the first week of school fall sports began. Parents, if you have not heard, ask your kids about the maroon men! This week is Back to School Night. Please take the time to come out and meet our teachers. Even though it is high school, it is still very important to make an early, personal, face to face connection. Our teachers will have lots of valuable information for you and it is a fact filled evening. Please be sure to log on to the Parent Portal before you arrive to access your student's schedule. Students, this blog is for you too! I would love some suggestions if there are topics you would like to hear about:) My last entry was a blog contest and I am happy to share that I do have the winners of that contest who will be treated to a fantastic breakfast! Don't worry though, there will be another chance to win!


This "blog" has been active for more than a year and I am not sure how many folks actually read it. So I am going to try something new. The first five studnets that stop me and tell me that they read an entry will win a prize and the same goes for the first faculty member. Contest begins right now! UPDATE...we actually have three winners, but it is not too late. Stop me in the halls, on lunch duty, or email me at rclay@rbrhs.org for your chance to WIN!


It is finally here. The day you have all been waiting for… tomorrow, the first day of school! All over town parents have been saying the same thing, “ I can’t wait until you are back in school.” In some houses they are saying, “did you finish your summer work yet?” I am very happy to have your children back in school. Although summer school was busy, fall signals new beginnings. Fall brings a fresh start. Not unlike that new notebook, opened for the first time. Or the unknown of a teacher you have yet to meet, or a new friend. September is about the promise of a new year. For freshman, everything is new. Yes, it can be a little scary, but we are there all along the way. For sophomores, they are no longer the new kids, the youngest ones. Our juniors suddenly look older. And our seniors, well we know what is right around the corner for them. Come out and get caught up in the fall spirit. On Friday night join us for football under the lights at Count Basie Field in Red Bank. Check our schedule and catch all of our great teams in action. And there is still a chance for grown-ups to meet new friends at the annual Buc Backer Bash happening this Saturday night!

Blog Archive

Senioritis
Race to Nowhere
Right Brain, Left Brain
Spring Forward
And How Are the Children
Together We Can
What Does It Mean to be the Underdog?
New technology I Do Love It
Do You Make One, or Two?
How Do Others See You? How Do You See Yourself?
Juniors vs. Seniors
Future Bucs
This and So Much More
Think Different
Pay It Forward All Year Long
A World Outside Our Own
Who ARE the Maroon Men?
Try NOT To Read This
The Big Day