Day 13 Closing Statements

The final day began like most others, bus ride and assembly in the classroom in Larsen. We had the opportunity to debrief and share some final thoughts of the events of the prior two weeks. This day was like every other, perfectly orchestrated and expertly delivered.

Joe Zolner, co-chair encouraged the group to be strategic and thoughtful as we make re-entry into the real world. We have been feeling like our mouthes have been fixed over the live end of a fire hose. We need to be mindful that if we are not careful our staff and co-workers can feel the same. Think strategic.

Finished the 12 page program evaluation and adjourned to the Radcliffe Gymnasim for graduation and lunch.

Probably the best way to close is to borrow words from some of the cohort:

• I was confused on the topic before your remarks. Now I'm confused at a higher level.

• If it ain't broke, we can fix it.

• We have managed to figure out how to do the wrong thing in many, many ways

• Love what you do and know that it matter

• Need to open FOUR windows every morning,.

• Look for the white space, the space between the boxes on the chart. This is the space where creativity can
happen.

• The most important thing is an absolute conviction that we can perform miracles. A famous painter.

• Remember the $5 story from Brownsville, TX.

Jim Honan and Joe Zolner
at the closing of the 41st IEM
Graduate School of Education
Harvard University