Principles to Live by and Lead by!!!

“To lead people, walk beside

them ... As for the best

leaders, the people do not

notice their existence. The

next best, the people honor

and praise. The next, the

people fear; and the next,

the people hate ... When the

best leader’s work is done

the people say, ‘We did it

ourselves!’”

- Lao-tZu

Don't Get Bullied

Today, the word “bully” is the

latest buzzword for parents, students,

news agencies, and political figures.

There have always been bullies and

those being bullied since the first one

room schoolhouse opened their doors to

school age children. What’s different

today is the speed and spread of the

apparent threat from bullies. Before,

we had to wait for recess and then for

the bully and bullied to be in the same

place at the same time. Now, the bully

or bullied can text, email, Facebook, or

instant message the threat and the same

method can be used to spread the rumour

to hundreds or thousands instantly.

As Principal, there are two forms

of bullying you have to get a hold of

quick or you will get bullied. One fool

proof way to handle this is, “don’t get

bullied.” Confession- 9

This is done on the student level

and the staff level. There is a bully

(student) that can’t wait to get to

the new Principal and there is a bully

(staff member) that can’t wait for your

arrival. You have to have a plan to

handle the bullies when they arrive.

With the student and staff, you

have to win over the bully immediately.

Notice I didn’t say, “kiss up.” ALL

bullies bully because they have a need

that has never been met. This need is

your ticket to winning them over. On

the student level, you want to find out

what is their fear that causes them to

act other than themselves. The bullying

aspect they use is a smoke screen to

something they are hiding. Your task is

to find out what it is.

The staff member is the same. There

is a human need to be validated. Meaning

to be acknowledged for the value you

bring to whatever endeavour you pursue.

The bully staff member often starves

for this validation. It’s your task to

find out what that accomplishment is that

hasn’t been validated. Find it and you

will have the bully on your side.

Now some veterans will say, don’t

waste your time with the bully, I

disagree. All modern medicine teaches

that cancer spreads unless it is treated

in its early stages. This bully allowed

to run loose in your building will infect

the entire staff with their disdain for

your administration. When this cancer

takes over the entire school, you will

be the one that’s removed and the cancer

will continue to find a host in the next

Principal victim. Don’t get bullied.

Confessions Testimony

I know you asked for 1 to 2 sentences about your leadership...lol sorry for being so winded and providing a paragraph.  If you have to pick one or two of the sentences here be my guest.  I'm just go proud of your dedication that I've had the pleasure of witnessing.  Any questions please let me know.

Thanks, Carnellia

Principal Muhammad here is my testimonial:

Principal Patrick S. Muhammad!
In a time when most schools have very limited budgets, making it difficult to implement innovative new programs. Patrick S. Muhammad, finds new programs and materials proven to benefit his students. He intentionally manages to forge high quality relationships with those in the community who will align with him in support of 21st century learning, technology, science, math, and innovation programs needed for his school. He actively creates partnerships in efforts to help and ensure the enrichment of his school's curriculum and teacher development.
Whatever challenges he faces, great principals, such as Principal Muhammad lead the charge in raising the bar of providing innovative education and building strong school communities. He makes it his top priority to identify how his school can excel, and does everything he can to make that happen. Certainly not an easy task to achieve with the maze of budget cuts, teacher turn over, and educational policy seemingly standing in the way of progress.

One dedicated person can have tremendous impact in the new revolution of education in the 21st century and beyond.

Carnellia Ajasin, CEO and Founder of Mind Katalyst

  bit.ly/Tfa7tF 

Be Selfish Today

Sometimes in life, you have to be selfish to survive. Every time you sit on a plane and the flight attendant gives instructions, she says," in case of emergency, the oxygen mask will release, place the mask on yourself first before attempting to aid others." Often in life, we have a tendency sincerely to help others pursue, fulfill, or accomplish their goals. In doing this, we often place on hold our desires, ambitions, or dreams. Why? We want for them what we want for ourselves, true. However, can you truly help someone else when you are not fulfilled or empty inside. This becomes worse when you don't set a timeline or perimeters on when you will refocus on yourself. Today, be selfish. Take time to plan, prepare, and propel yourself on the path of your survival. Be Selfish Today, if so, you will have enough oxygen to help others after you help yourself.

Never feed your Enemy

Do you have those permanent detractors? Are they ever people around you that breed negativity? What are you doing to block that energy from your person? Follow this wise from me. " Never feed your enemy, let them starve from non-validation!" Use this strategy and your enemies will quickly begin to dissolve from your midst.

Stay tuned.

Life Is Just A Minute

“Life Is Just A Minute”

Life is just a minute—only sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon you—can’t refuse it.
Didn’t seek it—didn’t choose it.
But it’s up to me to use it.
…You must suffer if you lose it.
Give an account if you abuse it.
Just a tiny, little minute,
But eternity is in it!

by Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, a past president of Morehouse College

Your Autobiography

The phone rings, its a publisher with a multi-million dollar offer for you. The only requirement, the publisher wants your autobiography. With this opportunity in front of you, you have to tell your life story. The struggles, success, failure, accomplishments, disappointments, pain, joy, fun, sadness, and more. The biography will be backed by millions of dollars in advertising, media publicity, interviews, photo shoots, and appearances. The only catch is............is your autobiography worth selling.

What have you done with the life given to you by God that's worth selling to the world. What accomplishments in your life are that inspiring that millions want to learn about you. What failures, disappointments have you bounced back from that can save others from facing the same or similar situations.  Is your story worth selling? What is the value of your life? What have you done? What are you doing? What direction are you headed? Are you a leader or a follower? Do you have the wherewithal to go the extra, extra mile? Are you lazy, shiftless, trifling, and complacent with all three?

It's your biography, you write it everyday. Will you read your own story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Twitter @psmenterprises
facebook.com/patricksmuhammad
psmenterprises.com

Scholarship Information

Passing this on in case there is someone who might be interested in this Scholarship Info.



Jackie Robinson scholarship is now open, deadline February 15, 2013, please start the application now it is a long process.

http://www.jackierobinson.org/apply/programs

http://www.jackierobinson.org/apply/instruction.php

Scholarship Award
Through its Education and Leadership Development Program, the Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships of up to $24,000/four years to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice.

Eligibility
To be eligible for a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must:
Be a graduating, minority high school senior;
Plan to attend an accredited and approved four–year institution within the United States;
Show leadership potential;
Demonstrate a dedication to community service;
Present evidence of financial need;
Be a United States citizen;
A minimum SAT score of 1,000 combined on the math and critical reading sections or a composite ACT score of 21; and
Not possess a degree from a 2 or 4–year College when applying for the scholarship.
Application Components
The required components of the Jackie Robinson Foundation application are:
A completed and submitted online application;
One (1) letter of recommendation submitted online only
SAT or ACT scores sent to the Foundation directly from the testing agencies. The Foundation’s college codes are: SAT 4248/ACT: 6570.
You will need to have a copy of your SAT or ACT scores and your latest high school transcript in order to complete the questions on the online application.

Mailing Materials
We will not accept the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship application or supporting documents via mail, email or fax. Applications and letters of recommendation will only be accepted via our online application program.

Verification
Applicants invited to interview with one of the regional committees will be required to bring copies of the documents listed below to the interview.
Official high school transcript
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Student Aid Report


http://www.jackierobinson.org/apply/instruction.php
.

__,_._,___

Motivation

Mom, where is my dad?

Several years ago, when talking with students and needing to gain support from home, I would state, " do you want me to call your father." As an 80's child, I and many others assumed that all homes resembled the Cosby, and mom and dad lived together under the same roof. After several years of disappointment from the responses of my students and the occasional reaction, " you know where my dad is?", my methods had to change.

Today, when talking with students, I have to state first, " who do you live with." There can be no assumptions and the responses I have gotten over the last 15 years would bring tears to the eyes of the harden criminal.

To aid my students, I wrote the book, " Mom, where's my dad?", as a conversation piece to be used by single mothers. This book can start that pain staking conversation regarding the absence of the child's father. In conjunction with the book, I got several request to reach out to the absent fathers by the children who read the book. This prompted me to begin to ask mothers, " Let me call your children's father." We've had some success, heated conversation, and storybook reunions.

It's time to extend the opportunity beyond my school of influence.

Mother who know that their child is in need of the relationship with their father and you don't, won't, or can't make contact with their father, Let me call your child's dad. If you are interested, email info@psmenterprises or call (516) 209-3241.

http://psmenterprises.com/psm-products/mom-wheres-my-dad/

For Immediate Release

Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Lisa ‘Chase’ Patterson    
p. 800-956-3395
e. airiaconsulting@gmail.com

Lil G Faces the Brooklyn Bully

New Children’s Book Addresses Real-Life Concerns

“Nobody owes me nothing so I have to get it on my own.

Mom says don’t call us homeless, we just don’t have a home” Lil G

It’s not every day that a children’s book tackles tough subjects like homelessness and bullying in a way that young people can relate to and understand. However, ‘Lil G Faces the Brooklyn Bully’ more than tackles these issues that are unfortunately a reality for too many of our children. Author and legendary hip hop pioneer, Glenn Toby, brings Lil G to life in a way that makes you smile at the young man with a heart of gold, who manages to keep a positive attitude, regardless of what life throws at him.

Although he’s homeless, Lil G faces his day with a pragmatic attitude and a clear love for life and his mom. He seems to know that we are more than our circumstances and that our circumstances don’t have to dictate how we treat others. As such, he imparts a much-needed lesson for today’s youth who will see themselves in Lil G’s attitude towards wanting a better life, his rapping ‘skills’ and the lessons his mom gives him.

“Lil G is evidence” says Glenn, “that every child must have the right and opportunity to grow into a world that is greater than it was before they were born.” He goes on to say, “We hope to inspire and develop a child’s mind to better understand the reality and challenges of the world they are living and growing in, through learning, critical thinking and understanding life’s natural progression through a child’s view.” The story resonates deeply with the author because when he was a child, his family became homeless; evicted, with their clothes, books and toys being thrown in the street. Having to live on the streets, on subways or find warmth on hotel hallway floors, he found solace in reading as it allowed him to travel to foreign and distant places; allowing him to travel beyond his reality. “It was a frightening time for me and my siblings” says Glenn, “but it was also an enormous lesson in real character development and personal integrity.”

Glenn is also the founder of The Book Bank Foundation is a non-profit promoted by heroes such as Carmello Anthony, Bernard Hopkins, Dr. Cornell West,  G Unit and 50 cent, Swiss Beats, Saigon, Congressman Meeks as well as the Mayors of New York, New Orleans and many more. It has amassed over 450,000 hours of community service in the last 10 years, with their mission being to promote and advocate literacy for all as well as promote positive behavior, scholastic achievement, and resourceful thinking in communities where illiteracy exists. The Book Bank Foundation was established as a reminder that “To whom much is given, much is required”.

twitter: @meetlilg
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MeetLilG
website: www.meetlilg.com
author site: www.glenntoby.com
foundation site: www.thebbf.com

@ the fork in the road, trailblazers go straight.

My first year, I was assigned a

mentor, a retired principal. Her task

was to guide me through some decisions

without the fear of being evaluated.

This was cool. I was to be able to lean

on her even if it seemed like I needed

to vent about my boss (even though I

never did, don’t fall for that one) and

she was to keep it to herself.

One day, she was sharing some old

school advice and instructed me to walk

a little harder in the hallways. To my

disdain, I questioned, “ What do you mean

walk harder?” She wanted my teachers

and students to hear me coming down

the hallways and to hop into shape from

the sound of my footsteps. I honestly

thought she was joking, but when she

offered to demonstrate the technique, I

knew we came from different schools of

thought.

There are many theories of how to

lead effectively, how to administrate

with confidence, and how to rule with an

iron fist. All of these theories have a

place and/ or school where the method

maybe most effective. However, you

cannot add a template to your leadership

style, because it will never be yours.

You don’t have to fit a mold, be

just like you predecessor or imitate

some other principal so much you forget

who you are. Remember, at the fork in

the road, trailblazers go straight.

Confession -16

Don’t try to fit into some others

perception of you, lead from within.

Don’t do things a certain way, just

because you were told that’s how it has

always been done. Be Bold. Be Innovative.

Be Fearless. Be Brave. Be Different. Be

One of a Kind. Be You.

Get guidance from those you trust,

but be unique, an original is always

better than a copy.

http://www.confessionsofa1styearprincipal.com

Answer the Phone

Some days, the day will seem

uncharacteristically smooth and

uneventful. You are packing your bags

and ready to set the building alarm

for the evening. To your surprise,

the phone begins to ring. It’s true,

often at this time of the evening, it’s

bill collectors because staff give the

school number as their main number. But

it doesn’t matter, answer the phone.

Confession- 13

On the other end of that call is

often one of the 4 C’s, Complaint,

Concern, Conflict, or Compliment.

Students have been home for an hour

or two, but parents are just arriving

from work to assess how their student’s

day transpired. That’s when the phone

begins to ring off the hook.

A story just doesn’t sit well with

the parent, and they want someone to

explain it better immediately. If you

are there to receive the desperate call,

perfect. If you are not, depending on

the severity, you end up on the other

side of the phone call from the county

office. The parent is irate, they called

the school 30 times, nobody answered or

addressed their concerns, so next phone

call,county/district office.

When parents make this call, the

small situation gets a little more energy

from either end and becomes an attention

grabber. If the county doesn’t answer or

resolve, you end up watching or hearing

the story on the evening news from the

investigative reporter who, answered

the phone.

This unfortunate scenario can be

avoided, by answering the phone. You

have the ability to quail the situation

by just being present. Listening to

the parents concerns and offering your

assistance in rectifying the issue on

the following day.

This small habit will cause days to

end smooth and mornings to begin without

the line of parents out the door with

previous days 4 C’s, Complaint, Concern,

Conflict, or Compliment.

Even though the last C does not

happen much, one evening, I answered

the phone late to my surprise. On the

other end was a fifth grade mother. She

first thanked me for answering the phone.

She stated, “ I just knew you were gone

for the day or nobody would answer the

phone.” The mother then went on to

thank me for creating the single gender

classes. She shared that her twin

daughters were going through anxiety

about leaving elementary school soon,

not being cool enough for boys, and

beginning to develop as young ladies.

The simple change to having the single

gender setting for their fifth grade

year, allowed them time to go through

these anxieties with other girls. This

she attributed to me, Taking the risk.

I received one of the C’s that day,

because I answered the phone.

A Father's Library

Father's what does your library look like that you are educating your children with? Take a picture and share it. Let encourage other fathers to increase their reading to increase their children's reading. It starts with You and I. Here's mine:

Do You!

When was the last time you were you? If this life of keeping up with the Jones's, whoever they are, You dies. What is yourself? Who are You? Have you become an imitation of someone else or a combination of multiple personalities, or a mutated unidentifiable human species. Where is the real You? More importantly, how do You get back to You! Something to think about!!!!!