You may have received the Linda Ellis poem, "The Dash" in your e-mail, or you may have viewed it in movie form online (www.thedashmovie.com). At a recent company conference CEI staff viewed the movie, which tells of a man who spoke at the funeral of a dear friend:

He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came her date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years.

"The Dash" offers some sage advice for how we might interact with our students and our colleagues over the course of this school year's dash:

Slow down. Consider what’s true and real. Try to understand the way other people feel. Be less quick to anger.

Show appreciation more. Love the people in our lives. Treat each other with respect. Wear a smile.

If you haven't already, log onto www.thedashmovie.com and view "The Dash." Consider its message. And think about how your role in this school year's dash just might be the one that could inspire and enable your students to achieve academic, social, and professional success.