Hackberry Howl
Vol. 2 No. 22
4 Lessons Rocky Balboa can teach us!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for most of your life, I’m sure you are familiar with the name Rocky Balboa. Played by Hollywood action legend Sylvester Stallone, Rocky was the title character of six boxing drama films that chronicled his rise from an unknown battler to the heavyweight champion of the world.
Here are the four lessons I believe to be most valuable to us all:
1. Get the work done:
Whatever your ambition or goal, you will never succeed unless you get the work done. You can’t biohack your way around it, nor positive mindset your way through it. You simply have to train and train hard.
2. Never Quit
Rocky himself said, “Going that one more round when you don’t think you can - that’s what makes all the difference in your life.”
3. Going the distance is more important than Winning or Losing
Is what you’re fighting or training for that important that you’re willing to go the distance regardless of the result? If you aren’t, then you are on the wrong path.
4. Persistence
Everyone at some point has experienced a life, training, or competition moment where they were the underdog. Where the odds were stacked against you, where you had to fight through never-ending struggle, or where you were expected to be beaten and quit. Our individual battles may be different, but collectively we are all fighting the same underdog fight, just like Rocky. Whether you’re struggling for motivation, training for your next fitness event, or just dealing with tough times, I challenge you to apply Rocky’s motivational lessons to your own life. As Rocky said, “That’s how winning is done!”
Instructional Strategy of the Week
Teacher Spotlight-Vanessa Lay
Name? Vanessa Lay
Birthday? April 16, 1985
Hometown? Burkburnett, Texas
Current Hackberry position? LVN/School Nurse
Where did you attend College and what is your degree(s)? I attended the Licensed Vocational Nurse program at Vernon College. I am currently attending University of Texas at Arlington for my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
Who was your favorite teacher and why? I had many favorite teachers along the way. I was very fortunate to have so many encouraging teachers that challenged me to work hard and succeed. Two of my most favorites, were Mrs. Miller and Ms. Lee. They played a very large role in my life and have continued to stay in contact and hold a special place in my heart.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Honestly, I can not see myself doing anything other than being a nurse. I have such a strong desire (and need) to care for others. I will one day earn my hospice certification and possibly other specialty certifications. I would love to work within a hospice facility again and along with continuing to work with children.
Do you have children? Yes, 3. Braden - 11 years, Emery - 6 years, Brooklyn - 4 years
Do you have pets? Yes. Dublin - a 7 year old chocolate lab. We also recently adopted Josey, a german shepperd/lab mix that is only a couple of months old.
Favorite Color? Black, White, Red, Yellow
Do you have a favorite Quote or Saying? “YOU WERE BORN WITH THE ABILITY TO CHANGE SOMEONE’S LIFE, DON’T EVER WASTE IT.”
“Nurses are a unique kind. They have this insatiable need to care for others, which is both their biggest strength and fatal flaw.”
- Dr. Jean Watson, RN, Doctor, Author, Professor
Where is the farthest place you have ever traveled? California and New York
Favorite food? Enchiladas, Italian food, Hershey chocolate and cookies & cream ice cream
Hobbies or Activities/organizations you are active in? I enjoy board games and baking. Most of my activities revolve around my children and their activities. We attend United Methodist Church in Denton and are active in our “Young Families” class.
Recommended Reading
The Element-Sir Ken Robinson
A breakthrough book about talent, passion, and achievement from one of the world's leading thinkers on creativity and self-fulfillment.
Quote of the Week!
Article of the week:
Howl Outs!
Pam gives a big howl to the Special areas teachers, our team rocks! thank you for always being so supportive and flexible!!
Pam gives a huge howl to all teachers for being so flexible and moving their conference times a bit during our Jump Rope for Heart kick off event!
Brandon F. gives a big howl to Stephen, Ms. Melchi, and the 5th grade team for helping me out so quickly on Tuesday.
Sanders gives a huge howl to Ms Marquez for investing herself 100% to her students. It is inspiring to see how much she cares.
Ruth gives the following howls:
Howl to Marquez for creating Spanish and English activities & assessments in Social Studies!
Howl to Sanders for taking care of all the Camp Jolt details.
Howl to Parra for exploring on School City and making an assessment!
Howl to Berg for motivating his class. I heard it through my walls today!
Howl to Solinski for staying positive and always making me laugh. You're awesome.
Howl to Freer for keeping me updated and in the loop regarding science.
Howl to Cruz for lalwats signing me in and greeting me with a smile!
Howl to Thomas for motivating me with my projects!
Howl to Karla for answering all of my questions and helping me out with everything.
Howl to Whiddon and her awesome class! It's so awesome to see our grades collaborating.
Tom gives the following howls:
Howl out to Ms. Northcutt and Ms. Wood for presenting an interactive PD on Tuesday with Vertical Alignment. Be on the look out for more of this training to come!!! Great job ladies and thank you
Howl out to Ms. Martin for helping run the school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the school ran smooth and it was three awesome days!
Howl out to Ms. Wood for helping Kinder and First Grade teachers complete their DRA2 tests.
Howl out to Ms. Brenda for helping with EDL testing in the school, without this support we would have to miss important instructional time.
Howl out to the PTA Board and to ACE for a successful Thursday night meeting.
Howl out to Mr. Richardson and Ms. Phan for getting all the testing days scheduled and ready.
Wagner Hoooowls to Brandon W. and Pam Anderson for figuring out coverage for Becca when she was out this week!
To Ms. Woods from the Kindergarten team for covering our classes last week so we could do DRA testing on our students.
Ms. Escamilla gives a Big howl to Mrs. Woods for handling the CPAA for Dual.
Ms Escamilla gives a Screaming howl to 2nd grade for being the best coworkers and pals. You are such a blessing.
Whiddon gives a HOWL to Wood for watching my class for me! She didn't have to do that, but it meant a lot to me!! She gave me the gift of TIME and I could actually finish DRAs, analyze writing assessments, and finish MAP. I feel so relieved! :)
Hackberry Calendar
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Tuesday, January 17th
Richardson, Phan, Northcutt, Brodsky-Off Campus
Wednesday, January 18th
All day faculty Meeting-Schoolcity
Thursday, January 19th
Camp Jolt Meeting
Friday, January 20th
4th and 5th grade-Benchmark Testing