Time. How We Use It, Where It Goes, Who We Should Be Spending It With And Why

At the Walter C. Polson Middle School Stepping Forth Ceremony Thursday morning, more than 250 students received their promotion certificates, numerous students received the President's Award for Educational Excellence, and several students received special recognition:

• Connor Bondarchuck and Catherine Florentine received the Connecticut Association of Schools Scholar Leader Award
• Lauren Cole and Jeffrey Okamoto received the Connecticut Association of Boards of Educaiton Student Leadership Award
• Connor Bondarchuk and Catherine Peng received the Mark K. Hershnik Excellence In English Award
• Meghan Wood received the Rotary Club of Madison Student of the Year award
• Makayla Pardo received the Women's Club of Madison Grace Lippincott Music Award
• Alexandra Nelson received the National School Choral Award
• Jack Driscoll received the Madison Youth Football Bob Davis Football Scholar athlete Award

And all of the students, along with their parents, received some good advice from Polson School Principal Frank Henderson. His remarks included the following:

"My advice is simple – listen to your parents, look out for each other, and believe in yourself and respect yourself. Never lower your standards!!

 If I started to talk about the accomplishments of this class in the classroom, on the playing field, on the stage, and the numerous fundraising that was done for people less fortunate, I would be here all day.

Thank you for representing Polson and the town of Madison so well in all areas of school life!

 I want to keep my message simple and straight to the point. What I want to talk to you about today is Time. How we use it, where it goes, and who we should be spending time with and why.

 It seems that everyday there is a new technological invention that is faster and more efficient than the one before. We gather information at light speed, we communicate with each other in a split second, without any interruptions.

(I don’t think these young people have ever heard, nor know, what a busy signal sounds like)

And all of this instant communication has been developed to make our lives more efficient. I am not going to argue with that. But why does it seem we are busier than ever before and we have no time for each other and the simple things in life? We can blame a number of different things for this, even technology. But the ultimate decision regarding what we do with our time is up to us.

 I listen to country music (you want to clear out a room of middle schoolers – just turn on some country music)

…and there is a song I out recently called “Just fishing”. And the song is about a father and a daughter and their fishing trips. You see, it may be just a day of fishing for her,–but uninterrupted, quality time with his daughter means everything to dad.

Now I’ve never caught a fish in my life – but I can relate to the enjoyment of quality time with my kids… and I know the parents here share that sentiment.

 I love being in the car heading to a game or an errand with one of my kids just talking. I love on a Friday night when I announce that I am going out to get the pizza and one of them says “I’ll take a ride with you!” They have no idea what that means to me! As long as one of them rides with me I will never have pizza delivered.

Now, I know my kids are a little younger than you…and you’re much older and way to cool to be seen with your dad in town getting pizza …or going to Stop and Shop with mom, or taking a walk around the neighborhood or at the surf club with your folks… but do me a favor– just try it – you may get out of it more than you think.

 And parents, when they surprise you… lower their standards, and actually get in the car willingly with you, stay off the phone and keep the conversation light. Who knows – you may begin a new ritual or two. For those of you who find the time to do these things…keep it up…don’t let the business of life steal that time away from you!

 We all need to make the commitment to find that time… You do as teenagers and we do as adults. You need to get off facebook, put the phone down, go for a walk, play some ball…find your fishing trip…whatever it is.

 Why??? Because time flies by…and you will learn – if you have not figured it out already – that the people in the bleacher seats here today are the most important people in your lives. They are your number one fans and the people who will be there no matter what…and sometimes, rarely I KNOW, they may actually come up with an idea that makes sense, or even say something funny.

The thing I am most proud of in my life – other than my own family and this school - is my relationship with my parents. I did not listen much to speakers, principals, or lecturers either at your age…but I listened and never forgot when I was told:

“You can disagree with your parents….but never disrespect them”

 These are the people who will always be there when you need someone…and trust me…you will need them time and time again as you move through high school and beyond!

Your Family is a gift…cherish it…and don’t take it for granted!

Parenting is hard work…respect and appreciate that…and Parents, remember – teenage years are not easy…

 Class of 2011…The TIME has come to say Good Bye…

 I hope you take with you the 5 Core Values that make up Polson PRIDE:

Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Enthusiasm.

 I also hope you remember and take with you the lessons from Rachel’s Challenge:

Look for the Best in Others

Dare to Dream

Choose Positive Influences

And Kind Words and Actions have a great Impact

And I hope you find the TIME to enjoy family and appreciate all that you have.

Today you end middle school and high school begins.  It is truly a very exciting time for you and your family and I have every confidence that you will have the same positive impact on Daniel Hand High School, or any other school you may be attending, that you have had on Polson Middle School.

On behalf of the entire school community I would like to say THANK YOU for making our work meaningful, enjoyable and for the vast majority of the time….manageable and easy.

Congratulations…Good Luck, God Bless."

The students with asterisks after their name on the list next to this story were the recipients of the President's Award for Educational Excellence.