It Is Never Too Late to…
Source/Author: Mike Murphy, Headmaster
May 26, 2017
It is never too late to create summer goals with our children. Knowing how they will maintain and sharpen the skills and knowledge they have gained in the past year is essential for future success. Planning time to read, write, do math, perform experiments and add new skills will allow your child to stand out in the coming year. Our Shorecrest teachers would be pleased to help your son/daughter and you with a plan.
It is never too late to have a plan to develop a physical ability. We have heard about the 10,000-hour rule. That is the number of hours needed to become masterful at a skill. 10,000 hours of shooting baskets, kicking or catching a ball, jumping, rowing, sailing, swimming, diving, running, lifting or playing... Want to make the team next year? Want to excel? Any one of our coaches would be pleased to offer guidance.
It is never too late to learn how to play an instrument. Some students are so talented they can learn from YouTube. Some students benefit from a teacher. Summer is a great time to get started or advance one’s skills and talent with an instrument. Our Band Director, Ethan Updike, would be the perfect person to go to for guidance.
It is never too late to develop the drawing, painting, ceramic, digital film, and other creative skills that add beauty to the places we live and work and bring joy to our creative students. I am sure our art teachers would be more than willing to help you set up a plan.
It is never too late to set up a regular volunteer regimen with a local non-profit. Individuals, groups and families can engage in meaningful and memorable work with all types of organizations that serve our community and make St. Petersburg and Pinellas County a better place to live. Our Director of Service Learning, Diego Duran-Medina, would be pleased to offer ideas if you need them. Some may also be found online at: https://www.shorecrest.org/page/student-life/service/summer-service-opportunities
It is never too late to go out and get a job. One can learn how to work with others, how to manage a workplace environment, how to be on time, how to pay taxes and how to save money. A job can help one decide what he/she may want to do or what he/she does not want to do. A job can help one develop discipline and commitment. Jobs are also a nifty way to earn money.
It’s never too late to make plans to be with friends. There is one kind of skill needed to participate in organized games and activities. There is a whole other set of skills needed to create unstructured, safe and creative activities and adventures with our friends. Entrepreneurial spirits are great at finding meaningful ways to use free time with friends.
It is a mistake to do nothing. It is also a mistake to do hours and hours of violent video games. It is a mistake to think that solid relationships are developed with people we seldom if ever see but with whom we interact on social media. As important as technological fluency is for future career success, let’s not kid ourselves. Person-to-person interaction is needed for the social and emotional growth of all people.
I wish all the members of the Shorecrest community safe, productive and enjoyable summer activities. I look forward to seeing you in August, if not sooner.
Cheers!
Mike
