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Monday, October 5, 2015

The Four Agreements: A unifying reference for the Lifeplan community

As the new school year begins I'm reminded of a quote from William Butler Yeats that speaks to all who work to inform, teach and prepare young people for this challenging world. He said:

"Look up in the sun's eye and give
What the exultant heart calls good
That some new day may breed the best
Because you gave, not what they would
But the right twigs for an eagle's nest."

So we do our best to teach well, hold aspirations, make everyone feel included, acknowledge for their efforts and recognize the students for their competence. In Lifeplan, we augment these core qualities and assets by inviting the 8th graders to share their dreams, identify their top five values( and live by them), build short term and long term goals, grow a very positive attitude, and recruit a board of directors who will help them thrive.

This summer I was given a copy of Don Ruiz's book, The Four Agreements. I commend it to you and have given copies to the faculty and Board of Trustees. My hope is it will provide this community a unifying reference when we are challenged to navigate challenges throughout the year.

There is enormous resonance between The Four Agreements and the content of Lifeplan. The four agreements are:
  1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
  2. Don't Take Anything Personal
  3. Don't Assume Anything
  4. Always Do Your Best
I will leave these for you to ponder and am sure there are many examples of how these four qualities can support us individually and as a community facing the daily challenges of life.

So, as the school year begins I am thrilled by the opportunity of being at MTS full time this year and spending precious time with all the students. I have this wonderful feeling its going to be a very special year.

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