Mrs. Miller's Weekly Update
January 16 - 22, 2023
Kids Deserve an Excited Adult
Last week, for the first time in a long time, we completed our first full week of school with no late starts, early outs, or cancelations. It was great to get back into a routine. With that said, both the adults and students in our buildings were TIRED!
The excerpt above really struck a chord with me. First, I read it as directed towards those in education who work with our kids every day. Our students most definitely deserve teachers and staff members who are enthusiastic about education and teaching our kids. We also need to show interest in our students beyond just their academics. We need to understand them as people with hopes, fears, and dreams. With that said, we need to be passionate about being a positive person in the lives of our students.
When I read this a second time, I thought of it from the lens of a principal who also needs to keep in mind the mental health and motivation of our teachers and staff. If I replace the word "kids" with "teachers" or "staff members", the message is the same. "They want and need me, as their leader, to come to school every day, ready to surround them with love, encouragement, and hope. Take a deep breath and focus on the positive. Find hope. Teachers/staff members need the best you. Step out and be your best every single day."
As a school leader, I often worry about the toll working in education is taking on my staff. We dedicate SO MUCH of ourselves to our work. I am amazed at how committed so many of our teachers are....and not just regarding academics. So many of our staff members care deeply for our students and put so much energy into helping them. They do a great job of giving their best to our kids.
Finally, I read this passage through the eyes of a mother. In particular, I think of my own kids and what kind of mom I bring home. "Leave your problems in your car. Take a deep breath and focus on the positive. Find hope. MY KIDS need the best me." I sometimes have a difficult time leaving work at the door when I come home. There is a lot to catch up on after a busy day, and the worries from school often follow me home. This excerpt is a great reminder that I need to be present when I am home with my own kids.
So, read the excerpt shown above. Read it carefully. It is such a great reminder that our attitudes and enthusiasm set the stage for our kids' attitudes and enthusiasm. So yes, our kids deserve an excited adult. We all deserve to be around enthusiasm and positivity. Remember to do what you can to have a positive attitude and enthusiasm. "Step out and be your best every single day!"
It May Not Be Easy, But We Can Do It Together!
I love the quote below about snowflakes. It is a great reminder that although education is a challenging field to work in, if we work together, we can make an incredible impact!
GHV Teacher Appreciation
Each basketball player from the boys’ and girls’ JV and Varsity teams chose a teacher who has had an impact on them throughout their time at GHV. These teachers have given countless hours to help, support, guide, and teach these students throughout their school career and life in general.
I am so grateful for all of our GHV educators who continue to make a difference in the lives of our students!
Weekly Calendar
Mon., Jan. 16
Junior Career Unit All Week
6:30 p.m. - JJV Boys Basketball (H) vs. Newman Catholic
Tues., Jan. 17
12:55 p.m. - MercyOne – X-Ray Tech Program Rep
4:00 p.m. - JV/V G/B Basketball @ West Hancock (JV Dismiss: 3:00/Bus: 3:10)
6:00 p.m. - Varsity Wrestling Quad (H) vs. Forest City, Hampton & IFA
Wed., Jan. 18
Thurs., Jan. 19
7:30 a.m. - Teen Council Meeting
3:45 p.m . - JV/V G/B Basketball @ Humboldt (JV Dismiss: 1:50/Bus: 2:00)
6:00 p.m. - Wrestling Quad @ North Union vs. Eagle Grove, North Union, West Hancock
6:30 p.m. - JJV Boys Basketball (H-Ventura Gym) vs. Clear Lake
Fri., Jan. 20
IHSMA Jazz Festival
4:00 p.m. - JV/V G/B Basketball @ Belmond-Klemme (JV Dismiss: 2:55/Bus: 3:05)
Sat., Jan. 21
District Large Group Speech Contest @ TBD
River City Sing!Sing!Sing! Event
9:30 a.m. - Varsity Wrestling Tournament @ Denver
Sun., Jan. 22