Thanks to all the parents that were able to join our parent seminar last night with Sam Rockford from SJA. I will let you know when the recording is available.

When we were talking beforehand, I was reminded of a story about my son trying out for the baseball team. He asked me if I could drive him to school early so he could go to Mass on the day they found out who made the team. On the way their he said, "It would really be terrible if I don't make the team for the one sport I think I am good at..." I assured him there were options - he could be a manager and practice with the team. I reminded him about our talk before try outs about teams needing people for different roles - coaches like people who contribute, who help, and so on.

The minute, he got out of the car that morning, I was in tears. I couldn't even do announcements that day because I was still in tears. I called my dad. He said, "I remember the day you didn't make the volleyball team - it was the worst day of my life." I thought really - I know I didn't make the team but now I don't even remember how they told me.

As parents, we feel the aches often more than our kids. We worry about many adult things connected to our kids dreams that don't occur to them to worry about. My son did make the team - he won the Mr. Hussle award each year because he was a team player. He knew his role wasn't to be a starter or the star. He contributed how he knew he could.

I wish I could take credit for his growth mindset - his willingness to learn from failures. His willingness to do his best and learn from it. We are in the season of taking our MAP tests to show where we are. I know we are all going to be at different levels and that is ok. Our goal should always be to improve! Please praise your students for sticking to it and working hard. It will make a difference.