Like many of you, I was obsessed with the 90s Chicago Bulls (especially Michael Jordan) and never missed a single game. For months, ESPN has been promoting a 10-part docu-series aptly entitled "The Last Dance" all about Michael Jordan's last season as a Chicago Bull and the basketball dynasty the team became. This documentary gives us a look at Michael that we've never had before, and getting into his mindset has been fascinating. (Note: "The Last Dance" is not a show for our Eagles as it contains quite a bit of adult language and other themes not appropriate for children.)

Leading up to the premiere, ESPN.com had an article written by Jackie MacMullan who exclusively covered Jordan in the 80s and 90s, and there was a quote from Michael that has stuck with me that I think is highly relatable to our Eagles (and ourselves) in everyday life. In his career, MJ hit 28 game winners at the buzzer. No other player is even close (LeBron has 17, and is obviously the best player in the game today.). Jordan said: "I believed every time out I was the best. And the more shots I hit, the more it reinforced that. So, when you miss - because no matter how great you are, you will miss -- you don't waver, because you've built yourself a nice cushion of confidence."

Thinking about our Eagles, Michael is getting at resilience. The game is going to be on the line, you're going to be trusted with the last shot, and you're going to miss. It's impossible to hit that shot every time. Once we realize that perfection is not an attainable goal for ourselves or our children, we can let go of a lot of stress. Perfection is a nice ideal to strive for, because we know we perform better with a high bar. However, we also know that we cannot look at every mistake as a failure or crushing defeat.

Whenever Jordan missed a shot that would have given the Bulls the win, he knew that he was still Michael Jordan, and that the Bulls had another game the next day to win. Learning from mistakes and moving on from them is a wonderful way to build resilience and success. The same holds true for our Eagles. Whatever happens today, they are still the amazing person that they are, and there are countless opportunities ahead for success.

While working from home can present its own challenges, I also keep telling my wife that I'll never be around my family this much again until I retire. In every cloud, there's a silver lining. Enjoy the weekend, Norton Creek!

PTO COMMITTEE CHAIRS/CO-CHAIRS 2020-21 (K-5) nortoncreekptopresident@gmail.com

A giant THANK YOU to everyone who has stepped up to chair a PTO committee for the 2020-21 school year. A special shout-out to Jessica Denk, who has volunteered to be a candidate for PTO Secretary! Several committee chair and co-chair positions remain open. No experience is necessary! Please check out the OPEN POSITIONS and see where you may be able to serve our school!

PTO MEETING, TUESDAY, MAY 12 AT 7 PM (K-5) nortoncreekptopresident@gmail.com

Our final PTO meeting of the year will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 12 at 7 PM. Agenda items will include the presentation of the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 school year as well as the nomination of and voting on board executive officers for the 2020-2021 school year. Stay tuned for the virtual host and meeting log on information.

COUGARS READING CLUB/COUGARS GAME UPDATE (K-5) srosscnm@comcast.net

Any student who earned a ticket voucher in early March may use it for any game this season. Families who have already purchased tickets can email Kane County Cougars at tickets@kanecountycougars.com and exchange their tickets for another game this season. Please contact Stephanie Ross srosscnm@comcast.net with any questions.

PTO SPONSORSHIP FOR 2020-21 (K-5) nortoncreekptotreasurer@gmail.com

Many thanks to those who have already paid their PTO sponsorship for next year. Your financial support helps all of the students at Norton Creek through our fun events, programs, books and more! You may pay your family sponsorship of $25 HERE or through PushCoin when you pay your school registration fees. Your support is greatly appreciated!

BUTTER BRAIDS SALE CANCELED (K-5) jennifersolare@hotmail.com

Thank you to Jennifer Solare for coordinating our Butter Braids sale this spring. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the sale this year, but we look forward to offering these tasty treats for sale in the future.

SCHOOL SUPPLY PACKS FOR 2020-21 (K-5) ruhstorfer2008@yahoo.com