A Story
Several years ago I was the head coach of the
Plymouth North football team. I enjoyed
having a direct impact on the lives of the student athletes I coached and also
enjoyed the many lessons they taught me.
One season a wonderful young man, who happened to have intellectual
challenges, approached me and asked if he could be an assistant coach. I told him he had to earn the title of
coach, but that I’d be happy to give him a shot. He proceeded to show up early every day, stay
late, fill up the water, clean up the locker room, run errands, lug equipment,
motivate players, and even draw up plays for me to use with the team. After we completed preseason the coaches and
I were so impressed we decided to make him an honorary coach. I wanted to ensure that we announce it to the
team and make a very big deal of it.
After all, he had modeled work ethic, pride, dedication, love of team
and love of the game better than any other person on that staff, including the
head coach! I went out that night and
shopped for the best whistle money could buy.
I came in early the next day and cleaned out the locker next to mine in
the coach’s room and put his name on it.
At the end of practice I called him up in front of the team and told him
we’d be honored if he would accept the very important, and much deserved, title
of “coach” for the Plymouth North Eagles football team. He was overjoyed and proud – I presented him
the whistle and placed it around his neck.
There was not a dry eye on the field.
After practice I showed him his new locker. At that time he looked at me with a tear in
his eye and said “thank you coach, today you made me feel important.” I smiled,
gave him a hug, and said “that is because you are important.”
A Focus
I mentioned in my letter home to families (Click HERE for Principal Message Home) the importance of establishing a school culture that is safe, caring, positive and exciting - a "Home Away From Home." To do so, we will need to focus on establishing a set of core values that reflect our collective beliefs. I am a firm believer in the Todd Whitaker doctrine that states "it's people, not programs" that make great schools. I envision our school as a place where individual relationships among students, staff, administrators, families and community are cultivated with care, and built one interaction at a time. This is extremely hard work. It takes patience and sacrifice. The best advice I've seen on this topic is from Mary Kay Ash, who once said "no matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person feel important." Imagine how powerful the impact if EVERY student, EVERY staff member, EVERY family, EVERY community member, and EVERY guest that walked through our doors was made to feel important? I have committed to making this happen and would love for you to join me. Long after our students graduate, they may forget the algebraic expressions, figures of speech, historical landmarks, scientific formulas, pronunciations, and techniques...but it's up to all of us to focus on making sure this year is the one that ALL our students will never forget how we made them feel!
A Focus
I mentioned in my letter home to families (Click HERE for Principal Message Home) the importance of establishing a school culture that is safe, caring, positive and exciting - a "Home Away From Home." To do so, we will need to focus on establishing a set of core values that reflect our collective beliefs. I am a firm believer in the Todd Whitaker doctrine that states "it's people, not programs" that make great schools. I envision our school as a place where individual relationships among students, staff, administrators, families and community are cultivated with care, and built one interaction at a time. This is extremely hard work. It takes patience and sacrifice. The best advice I've seen on this topic is from Mary Kay Ash, who once said "no matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person feel important." Imagine how powerful the impact if EVERY student, EVERY staff member, EVERY family, EVERY community member, and EVERY guest that walked through our doors was made to feel important? I have committed to making this happen and would love for you to join me. Long after our students graduate, they may forget the algebraic expressions, figures of speech, historical landmarks, scientific formulas, pronunciations, and techniques...but it's up to all of us to focus on making sure this year is the one that ALL our students will never forget how we made them feel!
We pride ourselves on our thorough, inclusive and rigorous hiring process. It is my pleasure to introduce to you the 10 new faces joining MRHS this year!
"Superstar" Teachers New to MRHS - Click HERE
Town Hall Meeting Schedule: Click HERE
On August 31st a photographer will be in our gym to take staff photos of all district employees. Drop by the gym between 8-10am and smile!
MSBA Impressed with visit to MRHS-Approves as NEW Model School: Click HERE
"Superstar" Teachers New to MRHS - Click HERE
Town Hall Meeting Schedule: Click HERE
MSBA Impressed with visit to MRHS-Approves as NEW Model School: Click HERE
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