Great Start…
So today was my district’s convocation…kick-off to a new school year…where all the district employees gather together and get motivated…
I usually don’t look forward to this event…it lasts all morning…the superintendent speaks, board members speak, the keynote speaker speaks for hours it seems…no break…boring!!!!
Maybe it’s my attitude, but today was different…the high school band played as we entered and found our seats and mingled with our co-workers whom we hadn’t seen for the summer. When it was time to start, we started as we school employees start everyday…with the pledge…wow…thousands of people reciting the pledge at once…gave me chills as I thought about the words and what it means to be a citizen of this country, rather than just reciting them as I normally do.
Next, the "Star Spangled Banner" was sung by a high school junior…one of my former students from my first year in the district…it brought tears to my eyes…awesome job he did! Now, I had nothing whatsoever to do with his ability to sing (I teach Math) but, seeing how he has grown since I taught him 5 years ago…that’s what teaching is about…awesome feeling.
After the normal array of speakers, our keynote speaker was introduced and if you’re my age and a Cowboy fan, you grew up in the 70’s when the Cowboys truly were America’s team so you can understand my excitement when he was announced…number 88, Drew Pearson…
His topic was about teams and how you sacrifice the individual for the team, but if the team succeeds, the individuals reap the benefits. The topic itself wasn’t original or unique or exciting, but the delivery and the person delivering the message made all the difference in the world. Plus, he finished almost an hour ahead of schedule which meant we got an extra hour for lunch, woohoo!!!
The afternoon was spent at school in meetings and working in my classroom. And, yes, I did pack my meals and have been spotless on the diet for the last 2 days.
So…I’m ready for a new year though I know in a few months that I may feel like turning and running away as TDetroit suggested…right now, though I am going to work shoulders and have an awesome end to what has been a great day!!! 
August 21, 2007 at 6:13 am
I’m a Dolphins fan and have been as long as they have been a team so I grew up hating on the Cowboys, but I always admired Drew Pearson for his talent and as a person. Glad you had a great day….I hope the whole year goes like that for you. I really admire teachers….there is no way I could do what you do….I would kill someone for sure. LOL!!
August 22, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Ah, back in the day… Steelers, Dolphins, Cowboys, and Raiders were the big thing. I still have a few Drew Pearson football cards. *L*