01-28-2010 (4.66 MB)

Duration: 5:02 m

Lessons from Lincoln: Attitude makes the difference

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• I love to read. Those of us who are passionate readers probably have more books on our nightstands than we have time to read. That’s my story. It’s why I’m just getting to Doris Kearn Goodwin’s A Team of Rivals. This biography of Abraham Lincoln describes the qualities that brought him from obscurity to the White House—his compassion, his honesty, and his ability to empathize with others. The book highlights Lincoln’s ability to bring disparate people (including his three main rivals for the 1860 Republican nomination) into his presidency and how he used their talents to hold the country together throughout the Civil War. Some historians attribute President Lincoln’s success during our nation’s darkest days to his remarkable emotional intelligence.
  
  Mr. Lincoln once said, “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Spot on.
  
  I’d like to introduce you to Jett, a first-grader at Lincoln Elementary School. About a year and a half ago, Jett was a typical kindergarten student at Lincoln. He had friends, he was learning, and he loved school. One day, his teacher noticed that Jett’s eyes seemed to wander.
  
  Although he had known most of his letters and numbers by the time he was four, he was forgetting much of what he had learned. He also complained of headaches. Jett’s mother took him to a local hospital where a CAT scan was performed. A malignant tumor was found in his brain. Jett was rushed to the hospital by ambulance to Doernbecher's that same day to have surgery. His prognosis was not promising. Since that first emergency procedure, Jett’s treatment has included additional operations, chemotherapy and radiation—all of which have impacted Jett in profound ways—impaired cognition, disorientation, and persistent shakes. These symptoms very likely will be permanent.
  
  In Jett’s own words, his story sounds like this: “When I was five, I came to Lincoln and I was in Mrs. Kornell’s class. I had a lump in my head and that’s when I went to the hospital. I ate healthy food and the doctors made me better. Now, I am in first grade. I do the Pledge of Allegiance every morning.” Jett tells the facts, but to know Jett, you’ve got to understand his heart. He is a remarkably resilient, inspiring, and charismatic young person. He is simply joyful.
  
  Jett loves coming to school, and he has an amazing attitude. He always has a smile on his face and he loves other kids. Lincoln staff constantly overhears Jett telling others, “You’re my best friend,” or, “I really like you.” His passion for Lincoln Elementary and personal regard for his peers is unmatched. His spirit is infectious! For example, one of Jett’s favorite TV shows is “Dora, the Explorer.” Jett believes he can speak Spanish and says “hola” over and over again at school to everyone he meets. He tells others when he grows up he wants to teach Spanish and be called “Mr. Jett.”
  
  I’ll honor that request. Mr. Jett has taught the Lincoln staff a great deal already—about courage, hope, and maintaining a positive mental attitude.
  
  I’d like to close by sharing this last story which so powerfully illustrates Jett’s unbounded optimism. Jett has a very difficult time getting on and off the bus. So, the Lincoln team implemented several accommodations, including front door drop-off and staff assistance. Secretary Eva Johnson volunteered to help Jett. One day as she did this, she told Jett that it was Friday—her favorite day of the week. Jett looked at Eva, paused, and then responded, “Every day is my favorite day of the week.” Talk about emotional intelligence!

I know these are difficult times—for families, for business, for local and state government.  Times are challenging, too, for Vancouver Public Schools.  It would be easy to view the glass as half empty.  I think I’d prefer to listen to the wisdom of Mr. Lincoln and to follow the example set by Mr. Jett. 

Like a family, we will get through this together, and Vancouver Schools will be well positioned for the brighter days that are sure to come.  Thanks again for all you do, each and every day, to inspire hope and optimism in our district, schools, and classrooms. 

Have a wonderful February and restful Presidents’ Day weekend.

Take care,