Recently on Facebook I took a survey asking if I wanted prayer in schools. I answered No! Surprisingly all the comments I received were positive.

I can remember back when I attended Kerr Elementary, a Tulsa Public School we prayed every day in Speech class. It was the Lord's Prayer. I don't remember always closing my eyes though..I know, I know...

I don't think reciting the Lord's prayer was a big deal back in the 60's, however, I think it would be now. Not to the majority of people, but to the minority. Believe it or not there are students at our school who do not attend Church or attend a Church that uses the traditional Lord's Prayer. At my school I know for a fact that we have students and parents who are Muslim, Agnostics, and Atheist's. Shocked...I'm not, it is a public school. We serve the needs of the public.

I would even venture to say at many religious schools, they to have the same make up of students who may not believe like the majority of kids believe in the school.

On my facebook survey I made the comment that: Whose prayer would we use if we had prayer in schools? Would we have a Muslim prayer, Christian Prayer, a chant, a Buddhist Prayer? Or would we demand a Judeo Christian Prayer?

In my school I think we have what I feel is the best for all involved. Each and every day we take a few moments at the beginning of every day to have a moment of silence. You can pray, meditate, reflect or just be quiet. It is up to you.

Has our schools gone to Hell in a handbasket because the government took prayer out of schools? I hope not! Why would parents, students and teachers stop praying because the government told you it couldn't be mandated to pray? If you want prayer to be a part of your life and the life of your kids....PRAY...Do not let the government dictate to you what you can and cannot do.

Prayer in Schools...I'm all for it!!!! Pray!!!

I have been enjoying audiobooks recently. I don't know why but I really like listening and absorbing information this way. The most recent book I am LISTENING to is, "The Principle of The Path", by Andy Stanley.

The premise of this book is that the direction or path you take, not intention determines your destination.

In the book he shares many stories of people and their lives and the direction and decisions that they make along the way is the reason they are in the predicament or place that they find themselves. He shares examples of both good and bad destinations people have chosen.

Sometimes the PATH or direction has to do with finances, relationships,marrieage, kids, parents,academics or your profession. Whatever the case, the people ask, "How in the world did I end up here?"

All of us I believe have good intentions when faced with the direction or PATH of our lives, but in the book he says that it isn't about intentions, it is about the direction or PATH that we choose. Oh how true!!

How many of us have been asked the question, What do you want to be when you grow up? I know I have, and believe it or not when I was asked that question it wasn't to be an a teacher or an elementary principal. Sorry to disappoint you! I wanted to be a veterinarian. That is what I intended to do, but that is not the direction I took.

In fact, the PATH that lead me to the position I am in today as principal of a school is very bizarre. If you want to find out what PATH I took to get here...just ask me when you are up at school or email me, that way I know you are reading this blog.

I want to encourage you as a principal to examine the PATH you are taking with your children. What do they need in order for them to be successful in school and in life? What PATH do you need to guide them toward? What do you need to do along the PATH to insure that the end destination is what is best for your child?

What I mean by that is, the things you intend to do to help your kids academically do you actually do them? Or is the PATH you have chosen one in which does not assist your child in reaching that chosen destination? For instance, if you have younger children, the PATH is you want them to be good readers, are you reading to them every night? For older students, you may want them to grasp Math, or Science or Social Studies, are you making sure they are doing there homework and studying on a regular basis?

Is the direction or PATH you are taking with your kids correct and focused or is the PATH you are choosing not in-line with this PATH? Think about this and be honest with yourself! As a school we are here to help you and your child down that PATH. If you need more help or encouragement, do not hesitate to ask...you will not be viewed as a failure..I will view you as a parent who wants to help your kids get on the PATH.

Click on the title of the post to get more information about this book.

Have a great day!