The Power of the Paw

Date: September 9, 2013

Location: The Oregon Public House

Cause: Fences for Fido- What else is there?

Watching tonight in action I knew that I was watching
the power of paws.

Us, dogs folks are all alike...

Besides being basically the best humans on earth,

we, like our furry best friends are ready and willing to lend a paw.

Whether the paw is for play, or difficult work, we stick together.

Need help? Sure, I'm in!

Need food? Gotcha covered.

Need a sympathetic ear? You got it...I'm here.

See, dog folks are instant friends.

We don't have to exchange long introductions, or even names really,

we're just friends.

We like each other because we have commonalities that make us connect.

We love dogs.

Period.

What more needs to be said?

I knew all of this,
but as I was leaving I realized how many folks I had spoken to
and how I only knew their dogs' name!

But the funny thing was, as I introduced myself (walking out the door) 

one of the owners that I had spoken with all evening said,

"Names?! Does it really matter?! It's all about the dogs!" 

Ha! So true.
So true.

We don't need names, we're already fast friends.

Tonight was amazing.

It was fast paced.

It was hot and loud.
It was a packed house.
It was beautiful.
It was filled with smiles and laughter.
It was a night to remember.
And the best part?

It will change the lives of dogs throughout 2014.
All it will take is hungry pub consumers going to eat at The Oregon Public House
and selecting our name from the board.

We had one night.
One night to show The Oregon Public House
what happens when dog advocates come together.
One night to make it on the charity board for 2014.
What is that you ask?
Oregon Public House is the first of it's kind...
the first non-profit pub in the nation.
And they choose 8 local charities to donate all of the profits to over the course of the year.
We had one night to bring in $3500 in sales to make it on the board.
"Could we do it?" we asked ourselves.
Well, we can't do it alone...
But when we join together, it's a powerful force.
Not only did we raise $3500 dollars in sales,
we exceeded that amount by $1300!
$4800...now that is an example of The Power of the Paw.
And now we have another partner in un-chaining dogs with
The Oregon Public House.

The Impact of Little Things

I've lost track of the years now.

But I continue to carry the note with me, wherever I go.

It's in my wallet.

It's just a piece of paper,

folded into a little bundle,

Given to me on the last day of school...years ago.

But to me it's so much more.

It's the reason that I wake up at 5:30 am, 

coach volleyball, 

basketball, 

and all the million things that teachers do everyday.

It's a reminder of impact.

Written years ago by one of my students...

I read it and cried...not because it was sad, no...

I cried because of it's kindness.

I cried because I had no idea of the impact I had.

I cried because I wish I had known...

See, this girl was quiet.

She wasn't the type of student who drew attention to herself 

or demanded the intense interaction that other students did.

She sat, did her work (mostly), and was sweet.

But I wish I had known.

I wish I had known that this was one of the first stable years 

where she stayed in just one school.

I wish that I would have drawn her into more discussions.

I wish that I had known more about her hopes and dreams.

But, man...she knew me.

She wrote about the stories I told, 

and about my stupid, yet surprisingly funny jokes.

Mostly, she just thanked me.

She thanked me for a great year and for being her favorite teacher.

See, I wish I had known.

But I do now.

Each year I read her note at the beginning of the year
to remind myself of the impact we have on our students.
Most of the time we have no idea...

I always tell my students that words are powerful,
so be careful with them.

They can break or build a person.








 

But her words build me up.

I might start off the year reading her note,
but it makes an appearance often,
especially on the really challenging days when I question everything about my job.

In those moments I take out her note...
all crumpled from years of use...

I read and remember.

I don't teach for money.

I don't teach for control.

I don't teach for the praise.

I teach for students like her.

Tomorrow as you move through the world,

Remember that you are seen...for the good and bad. 

Make it a day that your impact on the world will leave a good mark,

an impact worth writing about.

Thank you Savanna, for teaching me...again and again.

With Love,

Ms. Chambers

How to Survive the Year

At the end of last year, I asked the 8th graders what advice they would give to the students next year.  I wasn't sure how serious they would take it...but the answers weren't surprising.
But what surprised me was that so many of these answers could relate to any point in life.

Though I'm going to take their advice and try to get a little more sleep tonight, but it's not easy.  I enjoy staying up late...but somehow, we'll all survive.



Way to Survive 8th Grade (According to 8th Graders):
**All emphasis is from students, not me. ;)

Don't talk about someone in a bad way (gossip/rumors)
Stay organized
Get involved
Own up to your mistakes
Turn in work on-time
Don't look at the clock because it makes time go slower
Don't take stuff too seriously
Find some good friends that are REAL and stick with them
Don't be that person who dates EVERY girl or guy
Be yourself
Don't be fake
Be honest
Get sleep
Stay after and come in the morning
Don't get involved in drugs
Find who your friends are
Do you work- Even the little things add up
STUDY!!
Stay out of trouble
Make friends
Be nice to everyone
Not leading boys on
Make sure you bring your own food- NOT the school's food
Get help
Don't start drama-if you hear rumors, don't spread them
Don't lie
Remember, if you're going through a hard time,
                       keep your head up and think that every little thing is going to be okay
Violence isn't the answer- it just gets you into more trouble
Don't give up
Pay attention
Don't skip class
Surround yourself with GREAT friends
Girls, don't focus on guys
Guys, don't focus on girls
Don't procrastinate
Show a decent amount of respect
Don't make eye contact
Don't talk to anyone, ever
Be original
If you are going to date, actually like the person!
Find a couple good friend-quality, not quantity
Make good relationships with teachers
Know your locker combination
Get involved
Pick reliable friends
Be on-time
Play at least one sport
If you have a question, ASK THE TEACHER!
Good binders
Be nice to the 7th and 6th graders
Bring supplies
Do you work, ALL OF IT!
Be nice to teachers
Don't give in to pressure
Bring back-up pants and female supplies!
Nice guys DO NOT finish last
Separate you real friends from your fake
Bring own lunch...don't eat prison food
Try to always keep a good attitude
Watch what you wear
If you have a problem with someone, confront them nicely or walk away
Do homework. I know it's boring, but just do it

The most common response:
Stay out of the drama!
-------------------------------------------------------------
I think that's a good reminder for everyone.
No one needs drama in their life, so don't stir it up.
Just be yourself and for goodness sake, please, please be nice to your teacher.
Have a great school year!