Gratitude Part 13-Year 14- Fear Complacency

Gratitude Part 13-Year 14- Fear Complacency

On the front of the card:

Peace, Love, Optimism - on the inside: It’s as simple as that- with a handwritten note:

Dear Dr. R.,

Thanks for another inspirational year at Belhaven! Have a great summer!

Mia

Hello Frank,

We really enjoyed the PennJersey Co-op last Friday! I never miss a chance to hear you in breakout sessions. Your passion is contagious!

Thank you so much and keep up the great work!
Hayden (teacher at Glen Landing)

Dear Dr. R.,

I wanted to compliment you on a terrific job last night at Almost Anything Goes school event. What a great time for the students who participated, the students who watched and cheered and the younger children who will soon be at Belhaven. I was also impressed with our alumni high schoolers. Their enthusiasm, along with the obvious enjoyment made this night the kids will always remember.

Thank you,

Donna

Dr. Rudnesky,

Back in the fall you shared with me a draft of your book and invited me to have a read through.. I apologize for the delayed response as when I am not given a deadline, working full time and managing household ends up first.

First, let me say the book is awesome! You do inspire and are an amazing leader. I think it is because of where you came from in your youth and how you have evolved as an adult. I sure hope you share your background with those children who do have difficulties focusing on academics rather than socialization in school. youth truly do live for today and cannot see their futures. I guess sometimes ignorance is bliss. I use your quotes every day in my profession.

Second, some parents wrote a very nice letter to you regarding their son. I know you know them from sending their children through the school district and I am not sure if the ever shared this information with you, however, he was raised in Catholic school. She attended public schools in NJ in affluent areas. To  receive a complimentary note from the two parents who are truly invested in their children is a high compliment.

Third, the letters and feedback you receive from staffulty hold the utmost respect for you as a superior and educator. Again it comes from your evolution and knowing you came from and being able to transfer that perspective onto others and make them feel superior.

Fourth, incorporating your personal life with your professional life shows just how real you are as a person. It makes others know they are not alone in life’s journey.

Thank you for sharing.

Hey Dr. R.,

It’s Nick L. I graduated from Belhaven in 2010. I am emailing you to say that I just read your book and I loved it! I learned so much reading 50 Great Things Leaders Do. The first thing I did after reading it was to set my short term goals. I can’t wait to knock them out. I really want tot thank you for passing on such important life lessons that seem to be fading away as the importance of leadership and not just following the crowd. I plan to pass the book on to my friends and I’m sure they will enjoy it just as much as I did!

Dr. R.,

Just wanted to let you know that not too long ago I discovered your blog. I have to say, it is awesome. Your posts get me fired up and help me to assert myself as a leader in school.

“50 Ideas to Improve Culture” was great list to read as a Belhaven alumni. The inspirational quotes that were up and down our hallways, Almost Anything Goes, ice cream socials and all of the other things that make Belhaven great were what really brought us students closer together. Also, the list gave me ideas for how to improve any organization I am a part of from my basketball team to summer jobs and so on.

Hope all is well with you and everyone else at Belhaven!

Brent

Dr. R.,

Thank you for the tribute. Thank you for all you do.

Carolyn

Dr. Rudnesky,

We just received your book. The timing was perfect. I was having a discussion with my principal about “no excuses” and admitting when we don’t know something. The book just confirmed our thoughts.

Thanks again,

Linda

OMG! You made me cry! Throughout my journey dealing with repercussion of a brain injury, I have always looked to those words (especially “don’t make excuses”). As a matter of fact, when I accepted the challenge of returning to school I did it with your inspirational words in mind. Check out the custom logo I created fro my “team” as our first assignment. I’m sure you’ll see once again the legacy you bestowed upon me.;)

Kris

Handwritten card:

Dr. R.,

I can’t thank you enough for your inspiration, support and leadership throughout the last seven years of my life! Your motivation has made me the leader I have become and will stay with me forever! Thank you for lighting a fire in me that will stay forever! Love and respect always!

Michelle

Hi Frank,

You should be really proud. You are the one that redirected Brent from being so cool many years ago! And who knew what a lasting impression attending the renaissance conference could make him!!

Brent came home so pumped after visiting you over spring break. I trust you know you are his idol and he quotes your blog frequently. He had his first meeting with the GLC administrators yesterday and talked about you! Look for some new Twitter followers at Gettysburg.

Words are truly inadequate to thank you for everything you have done for both of our children.

With sincere and heartfelt thanks!

Barb