Day 20: Golden B.O.O.O.T

As World Cup fever drains my students of the last vestiges of their attention span, I am reminded of one of my proudest moments as a teacher. During my 3rd year at my old school, I won an award that, until now, I have never been able to speak about: the Golden B.O.O.O.T. A takeoff on the European Golden Boot that is awarded to the premier league’s most prolific scorer, ours stood for the “Best of Our Obsequious Testimonials.” It consisted of a heavily used L.L.Bean work boot that had been gilded and mounted. Winners were not allowed to display their award publicly but were rather encouraged to hang it on the inside of a closet or some other lightly visited area. The Golden B.O.O.O.T was bestowed each spring to the member of the faculty who was best able to craft recommendation letters that transformed generally dull students into compelling candidates. If ever there were a prize custom tailored to my skill set, this was the one.

The counselor recommendation, which aims to encapsulate the social, academic, and personal qualities of each graduating senior in a one-page letter while smoothing out some of the rough spots on their transcripts, is the area where a counselor has the greatest ability to put his/her finger on the scale of college admissions. And I take this responsibility seriously.

The outsize success of Al-Noor Academy in college admissions is one of the most remarkable features of a remarkable institution. Our tuition (topping out at roughly $8750) is by orders of magnitude the lowest of any school in the Niche Top 100, an organization which last year named Al-Noor the top Islamic school in the country. Our graduating class, which averages about 15 students, is among the smallest of any of our peer schools. Yet year after year we send our graduates to some of America’s best colleges. This allows us to use the magic of small data sets to make misleading boasts about placing more than a third of our students into T20 colleges. The very first student I helped place got in early to Harvard. Over time, we have sent 4 to Brown, 3 to MIT, and a handful to top-flight colleges such as University of Chicago, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Williams, Wellesley, and so many more. While this list might seem fairly pedestrian by New England private school standards, most of these institutions have a budget, and concomitant resources and facilities, literally 7-10 times per student larger than ours.

So, what is our secret sauce? There are, of course, a number of ingredients. In his admissions classic, On Writing the College Application Essay, Harry Bauld extols the virtue of the NSTK or the neat, small-town kid in college admissions. These students are the unexpected gems whose unusual backgrounds and captivating stories help them stand out from the “leaden shadows of sameness [and enter] the sunlit tropics of acceptance.” NSTK’s are like catnip to an overworked admission officer’s soul. They salivate when reading their applications, knowing how easy it will be to make a compelling argument in their favor to the full committee. As New England’s first full-time Islamic school, we are an NSTK breeding ground. In addition to the standard “secular” classes, our students also take Islamic History, Arabic, Quranic memorization and exegesis, Islamic Sciences, and Arabic calligraphy. We have an innovative dual enrollment program in which our juniors and seniors take a full course load of college-level classes at local state universities and community colleges. This has the dual (pun lightly intended) benefit of getting the students out of the Islamic school bubble and allowing them to design a plan of study that caters to their individual strengths and interests by digging deep in the huge college course catalog.

Over the years, I have recruited an all-star team of alumni admissions mentors who work with a tiny caseload of three mentees. After having received help from older peers during their own admissions journeys, these alumni aim to give back to the school by helping with essay and supplement advice, building activities lists, and providing relatable moral support.

And then there are my recommendation letters. By the time they graduate, I know my students almost as well as their parents. I have taught many in 6th, 9th, and 10th grade English; I have prayed before sunrise and late into the night with many of them and know the ins and outs of their family dynamics. In short, we leverage our status as a tiny school with a family atmosphere and a shared religious ethos to showcase our students in an enticing, natural light. I see the letter I write as the most significant single thing I do for my students over the course of their time at ANA. Every spring, I laminate the letters and present them to the seniors as a parting gift after they have decided where they will be matriculating.

I do not want to take too much credit for our success, however. I think one of the real keys is that our staff, in particular our principal/Islamic studies teacher, inspires in the students a genuine connection to their faith by teaching authentic Islam in an engaging manner that stimulates critical thinking. Al-Noor means divine light, and any success we may have achieved ultimately stems from Him imparting His light to our students.

This is also not to say that our system is flawless. Despite our efforts to change the culture, I think we focus far too much on prestige over fit, which sometimes creates an atmosphere where students who don’t get into name-brand schools feel like failures. I believe we do a far better job with the top half of the class than the bottom and our frequent boast that “100% of our graduates have attended a 4-year college” masks the fact that not all of them actually earn their bachelor’s degrees. We push students towards college who are not always ready and who would likely be better served if we encouraged them towards a more immediately lucrative path such as HVAC repair or plumbing.

But every school has its warts, and, no matter how I restructure my career, helping Al-Noor seniors achieve the best of this word and the next will always be a top priority. I think schools with many more resources than we could benefit by examining us as a case study of how a lean operation has achieved asymmetric results. As more or less a one-man show, there is no one available to award the Golden B.O.O.O.T at my school, but one change I hope I have made is to change the third O in the award from obsequious to outstanding.

36 thoughts on “Day 20: Golden B.O.O.O.T”

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    The nylon version of the Rogue straps is much more sturdy than the cotton. If
    you’re training with heavy weights, especially deadlifts,
    I suggest them over the cotton straps. However,
    nylon is much less comfortable and doesn’t
    handle moisture nearly as well. Cotton may be a better choice to forestall slippage should you sweat a lot.

    This implies that they can provide the confidence to raise more,
    for longer. If you’re seeking to increase weight however seem to have plateaued, try a pair of lifting straps.

    The loop is sewn on correctly, making them easy to wrap tighter
    than others, and the stitching may be very properly accomplished.
    Carrying lifting straps or lifting hooks will help you raise heavier for most pulling exercises, particularly throughout high-rep sets.

    It also supports your wrist sufficient for you to do a few extra reps
    than usual. Overall, I am very pleased with the Iron Bull Energy Lifting Straps.

    Nonetheless, studying how to use lifting straps
    correctly isn’t at all times as straightforward as it could seem.

    Made from high quality materials like leather, cotton,
    or nylon, wristbands with hooks are made to carry throughout demanding exercises.
    Their building helps them to resist lengthy lifting sessions without breaking or fraying.
    Gymreapers provides premium Determine eight lifting straps made from
    durable cotton with bolstered stitching.

    To use lifting straps effectively, place them around your wrists, and you’re prepared to begin out your lifts.

    Gymreapers Olympic Lifting Straps are constructed from high-quality cotton with strengthened stitching.
    The teardrop-shaped strap design ensures a secure grip around the barbell, making them excellent for cleans and snatches.
    They say the straps are good quality for the worth and
    great cheap lifting straps to raise cumbersome snow blowers.

    Whether on land or sea, Bishop is uniquely poised with a rental fleet of lifting and
    hoisting equipment in your demanding tasks.
    Generally you just need everyone to know that you simply really
    feel like lifting! We provide full customization in your brand,
    including emblem, design, colours, and packaging.

    They discover it sturdy and well-made, assembly their excessive
    expectations for high quality. Customer Evaluations, including Product Star Ratings help clients to learn more in regards to the product and resolve whether
    it is the right product for them.
    The straps have a small loop sewn in a single finish, you wrap the strap around your wrist and feed it through the
    loop, allowing you to tighten it to your desired comfort stage.
    The different finish is wrapped around the bar and enclosed along with your palms.
    A wrist strap is a simple loop of fabric, often leather-based or thick
    material. The fundamental premise is that the strap goes around your wrist and around the barbell.
    They are made with thick padding and a strengthened metallic loop that ensures
    a firm and supportive grip for deadlifting, rowing, or performing different pulling actions.
    Heavy and light-weight duty webbing are provided, delivering various ranges of defending in opposition to the everyday put on and tear that a
    sling will encounter.
    They’re usually a single loop of sturdy fabric
    that’s stitched into an “8” determine, creating two equal loops.
    We are a group of experienced powerlifting coaches
    who’ve competed and labored with athletes at the highest ranges.
    We additionally love powerlifting and weightlifting for private targets and pleasure.
    Additionally, the strap end is long enough to be wrapped across the bar multiple
    instances for extra safety whereas lifting.
    The IronMind option is made from nylon webbing, is marketed as sturdy enough to
    hold an elephant and is obtainable in a royal
    blue color. Finally, note that these straps are only $23.00, come in 9
    colors, and are assured with a lifetime alternative warranty.
    Nevertheless, this will be harder to do if you have smaller arms, as a end result of hook’s bulky design which creates extra separation between your
    hand and the bar. You’ll have the power to do all of this whereas
    guaranteeing you’re coaching the muscle tissue you actually
    want to develop, without the constant concern of your grip giving out at
    any time. This can particularly be an issue when you favor a “top-down” setup for deadlifts.

    You can even specify extra finishes, including an eye catching polished look,
    in case you have need of a tailor made pump lifting chain solution.
    About the 2 Tonne Round SlingRound slings are an appealing lifting possibility if y..
    With a closed loop strap, start by placing your hand through the loop so that
    the strap lays comparatively flat in your palm
    with the purpose of the stitched seam dealing with
    ahead. The part of the process that takes somewhat little bit
    of time to get the hold of is setting up the second hand.

    Since 1964, Lift-All has taken on the challenge to design and manufacture the safest
    solutions for even the most troublesome projects.
    Through exhausting work and a skilled workforce, Lift-All has become the trusted name
    for quality lifting and securement products.
    Whereas cotton is a comparatively sturdy materials, it can’t
    evaluate to the power and sturdiness of real leather.

    There is double stitching on the end of the straps, which makes them extra durable.
    The Harbinger Cotton Padded Lifting Strap is a lasso-type strap manufactured from cotton.
    It will assist you to get a tighter grip whereas defending your arms and providing
    you with consolation. Cobra Grips PRO is a mixture of
    a lifting glove and a wrist wrap. Which one to determine on is decided by your private choice and the
    type of weightlifting you intend to do. We have all of the rigging gear you need to carry
    safely and stay in compliance. That’s why we provide on-site secure lifting
    and inspection providers to each Lift-All® buyer.

    If you do that persistently you’ll be capable of achieve energy and use more weight before having to interrupt out your lifting straps.
    Lifting straps enhance your grip energy by doing the massive majority of the work for you.
    This works great when working with heavier weights
    that you may not otherwise have the ability
    to do. They each use the word wrist, they’re both used for lifting they usually
    rhyme so I get the confusion. However, wrist straps and wrist wraps are two very different items of
    drugs used for two very totally different functions.
    Let’s begin with the preferred and most used kind of lifting strap (and most beginner-friendly), lasso
    straps. Lifting straps are an amazing tool that must be in any serious
    lifter’s health club bag.
    These weightlifting gloves come with further padding to protect your
    palms and assist you to achieve a greater grip. The three main strap sorts are
    a closed loop, a lasso sort, and a figure-eight.
    Lifting straps are usually manufactured from cotton, nylon, or leather-based and come
    in several kinds and kinds. When choosing lifting grips, concentrate on the material
    across the wrist, as the grip pad is typically a normal dimension.
    These are the best lifting straps, padded with Neoprene to
    forestall discomfort and digging. Using lifting
    straps enables you to grip any amount of weight without discomfort,
    ache, slipping, or tugging. The loop fashion of strap is obtainable in a variety
    of lengths, starting from round 18 inches to 22 inches.
    The Intense Metal straps are appropriate for bigger
    wrists, however you will need to regulate the stitching area, which is true of most
    cotton straps. Regardless Of being a easy design,
    they’re quite costly, however IronMind grips do have a powerful following because they are thin and light-weight.
    Our wrist wraps offer the support we all need once in a while, to see us via these
    important big lifts. Wrist wraps are a lifting accessory
    that wraps around the wrist and is often secured by Velcro.

    They’re useful for all lifting types and are available in a number of colors.

    Like the Gymreapers straps, the Element 26 straps are lasso-style
    and made with cotton. These are among the thickest cotton straps I’ve tested, making them best for
    heavy training. I’m impressed with their high quality
    and the additional steps they took to bolster the straps with
    tight stitching.
    Combining our extensive testing process and years of expertise within the health club,
    we’ve supplied credible, in-depth evaluations you’ll find a way to trust.

    While the strap materials largely influences sturdiness, you should also
    take notice of stitch quality and edging. Loose threads or stitched seams
    too close to the edge may indicate long-term sturdiness
    considerations. Moreover, fraying at the seams or edges might create sturdiness issues.

    The general craftsmanship is excellent, with quality stitching and constant edging.
    Every strap is 19.25″ lengthy, which creates a safe grip and a
    neater setup. In terms of sturdiness, leather falls between cotton and nylon, in my expertise.
    They can accommodate heavier lifts better than some softer cotton straps, however they aren’t the most fitted choice for ultra-heavy lifts.
    The apparent difference between these straps and others is that they
    use leather-based as an alternative of cotton or nylon.
    These hooks are guaranteed to safely hold as much as four hundred lbs, cost
    $29.99, are available 6 colors, and additionally have a lifetime substitute guarantee.
    Lifting hooks are ideal for novices or people who aren’t yet lifting plenty of general weight (less than 300 lbs).
    While hooks can theoretically support the whole weight, there’s a danger that the bar/weight might slip out of
    the hooks.
    Leather-based is a durable material with some good qualities for a lifting strap, together with
    sturdiness, aesthetics, and even odor. Lasso straps are usually the preferred and well-rounded sort of
    lifting strap. They present wonderful safety, and you have to use them for almost each raise.
    These straps from Gymreapers are 18″ lengthy, which is shorter
    than most straps (20″-24″). I discover the shorter
    size advantageous as a end result of it’s simpler to set up,
    limits bulk within the hand, and stays very safe.
    The Rogue Fitness Leather-based Lifting Straps are 20 inches long, 1 ½ inches extensive, and 1/8 inch thick which signifies that they’ll comfortably wrap across the bar
    a few occasions. Your grip strength may be the one limiting issue that prevents you
    from lifting serious weights and maximizing
    your gains. If you’re confused about whether lifting
    straps is a worthy funding, here are the highest the purpose
    why you’ll have to get one. Examine out my other article, the place I explain this exercise variation. Your grip power
    is weaker than your higher again, lats, traps,
    or hamstrings. When you’re doing a pulling
    motion or posterior chain exercise with maximal
    or near-maximal weights, your grip will give out sooner than the
    the rest of your muscular tissues.
    They’re best for barbell and dumbbell training and are nice for beginners and high-level
    athletes alike. Evaluate our selection of one of the best lifting straps beneath based mostly on key specs.
    These grips use a straight wrist enclosure with three sizes starting from wrist diameters of 5″ to
    over 8″.

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