2019: Here we Come!

This is an interesting time of the year.  It is the start of a new calendar year, as well as, the start of the governmental year.  It is a time of reflection and a time of looking forward.  It is a time of promises and resolutions to do better.  However, for schools, it is the natural break or midway point in the school year.  While this can be challenging, it is also an opportunity to learn from the first half of the year and to make changes to improve the second half of the year.  So, as we look forward to 2019 it is important that we explore a couple of truths that are evident in order to be successful, morale and hard-work.

No matter how you consume the news,  a common theme is that we need to improve the morale of the people.  As new officials take office it is a common talking point and promise.  Whether in government, business, or life, in general, there is no doubting the impact positive morale can play.  Research in abundant and clear on the power of positive thinking and positive morale.  However, this leads to the question as to whose job is it create a positive moral.  Can any organization really control how an individual feels about something?  The answer to this is that while both parties play a role, it ultimately is up to an individual how they choose to see things, react to things, and whether they chose to be positive or negative.  A successful organization will put into place processes, policies, and strategies that provide a positive structure that will allow its people to be successful and feels appreciated.  A successful organization will even help individuals to focus on the positive aspects rather than dwell in the negative.  However, it is up to each of us as individuals to find the positives and to control our own happiness.  We cannot and should not wait for someone or something else to make us happy!  As has been said many times, we cannot always control what happens but we can control how we react.  In fact, it is often the only thing we can control.  As a staff, students, parents, and citizens we need to help each other see the positives and not get caught up dwelling on the things that we do not like, but rather, look for positive ways to make meaningful change within ourselves.

Furthermore, positive morale and attitude alone are not enough. There is no success without hard work. However, while working hard is a requirement, just working hard is not enough! Working hard provides opportunities, it is not a guarantee that you will be successful.  That is not life and it is not reality. However, you cannot be successful without hard work.  This true for us as adults and educators and it is true for students. It is imperative that we as a school, parents, and a community continue to improve each and every day. Furthermore, it is critical that push ourselves and those around us beyond their comfort zones, progress is not made without a struggle. We need to think and problem-solve, not complain. As parents, we cannot protect and prevent our children from this process and feeling some discomfort. This is what leads to growth and improvement. However, as important as this process is, equally important is how we support them and teach them to overcome the struggle. This is as true for adults as it is for our children. This is where as a community and as partners we need to work together. We do not have to have all the answers, but rather let our children and fellow citizens know you care and are there to help them find the answer. Let them know you are there to help and empower them to think, learn, and overcome.  

So as we move into the new year, let's make it the best year yet. Let's work together to ensure that we are growing as a community, a school, and as individuals. Through hard work and positive thinking we will make 2019 a year to remember and in doing so, help set up our future generations for success. We Are Vestaburg!