Failing forward...

Friday, April 21, 2023

Dear MNPS & Community Member:

For generations, individuals from all walks of life have been pounded with the notion that "failure is not an option," which is not surprising in a culture that, more than ever, rewards achievement. Arguably, many young people, in particular, have adopted that mindset in recent times, especially with the unprecedented levels of exposure that the digital economy provides.

However, both anecdotal and empirical data consistently show that failure, concurrent with success throughout our human existence, can have a positive side by helping individuals learn from the experience, become stronger, and press on. The annals of history are filled with countless people who succeeded in attaining their highest goals and ideals by developing the necessary resilience and grit through failing not once, but multiple times.

Therefore, as we engage in conversations particularly with our children and youth going through any type of failure, let's make sure we affirm them that failing in itself is not the end the world; rather, a road, while rough, they can embrace or "fail forward" to restart the journey, for as long as it takes.

Until next time!

MNPS students in STEM programs provided by the district in partnership with Vanderbilt University won numerous awards at the recent Middle Tennessee Science and Engineering Fair.

The Vanderbilt Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach partners with Metro Nashville Public Schools to provide several programs for middle and high school students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math.

Dinkel, the 2022 Tennessee School Social Worker of the Year, has been an integral part of Metro Nashville Public Schools and the Hillsboro cluster for nearly 22 years, serving as a dedicated school social worker. Her unwavering passion for helping others began at a young age; she credits her faith and supportive family, particularly her late brother Mark, who passed away when she was 21 and he was only 23.

The Tennessee Immigrant & d Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) invites the community at large to their Open house Thursday, May 11, from 4 to 7 p.m @ TIRRC. Like TIRRC’s past Open Houses, folks may come out for resources such as free Covid-19 vaccines & boosters, diapers, and English class info. They'll also have free ice-cream and plenty of outdoor games & activities for all ages. It's a great chance for people to come out and meet TIRRC’s coalition partners, mingle with folks from across the area, and learn more about TIRRC's community organizing & current campaigns. For additional details, please refer to the English and Spanish flyers (with other languages coming soon.)