As soon as I arrived at the Middle School football game last Thursday, the buzz had already began. We were facing an opponent with a Goliath at running back. A player, by most accounts in the stands, who would dominate the game and create an unfair disadvantage against our young men. As I watched the game unfold, it was an amazing sight. Down 21-7 in the third quarter, hope was running out. Our young men in 6th-8thgrade, greatly outmatched by this player, fought back in the game to tie it 21-21 in the fourth quarter. The score was not the story though; it was the tackles by Nolan, Thomas, Michael, Wells, Walker, and many more players who were half the size of this young man. How could they possibly convince themselves to run full speed and hit a player twice their size? Why would they sacrifice themselves for their team? They did, and they learned more than we could possibly have taught them out of a book – and it is not only in football but also in other athletics, extracurriculars, recess, and relationships.
Our students in Middle School will face adversity this year. It could be academic related, discipline related, family related or a host of other variables. I must remind myself that the “how” and the “why” are more important than the “what”. As a parent and educator, no other book has encouraged my thinking on this topic likeMindset from Dr. Carol S. Dweck. I encourage you to read it and use her strategies in parenting, business and relationships. I also encourage you to discuss with your children the “why” when they experience adversity and be less concerned with the “what” – even when details matter. Please, celebrate and support these challenges as they build all of us to become stronger individuals.
As the players were walking off the field, I wanted to see them. I went down to field level to get a sense of how they felt about the loss. They were proud of their performance and disappointed about the result. But they gained a confidence through their courage that would likely not have been achieved by playing an easier opponent. They did a wonderful job in the battle.
All the best to your family with our new year….my hope is for your child to gain courage and confidence through their challenges this year.
Nathan Watts
Important October Dates for the Middle School—
- Standardized Testing— September 30 to October 5 (5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade)
- Interim Trips— October 7 to October 10 (5th, 6th, 7th, and 8thGrade)
- Fall Break— Friday, October 11 and Monday, October 14
- Make-Up Picture Day— October 16
- End of Academic Quarter 1— October 17
- Report Cards Released— October 25
- Spirit Week— October 21 to October 25
- Homecoming Varsity Football Game— October 25 @ 7:30p
- MS Halloween Dance— October 31 @ 10:20
Looking ahead
- Monday, November 4th – No School – Professional work day for Teachers
- Friday, November 22nd – Grandparents Day – Noon dismissal
From the Grove 