All Hands Pulling on the Same Rope
We have a new Superintendent in our school district. His name is Scott.
Scott was the name of my younger son so, when I see that name or meet someone with that name, it brings back fond memories of my early days as a mother of two.
Scott has many talents. Besides being an extraordinary drawer and writer, he is an exceptional speaker and motivator. He’s been brought to our school district to use all those creative talents to help us be one of the most effective school districts in the country.
Since I moved to Columbia so my son could get the best education possible, I’m happy to see our district continue that tradition when they hired Scott. As a parent, I’ve been very pleased with this school district’s efforts to teach children and suspected Scott can help us continue that tradition in a new and energized way.
From what I’ve seen of Scott thus far, he’s up for the challenge. He’s going to need lots of energy to make this happen. He’s also going to need all of us working together with him. Since it’s not always easy to gather everyone into the fold, I knew his abilities would be put to the test.
At the beginning of each school year, our District has a “kickoff” at one of our three high schools. This year was no different. However, that’s where the likenesses ended.
Scott walked out on the stage with an artist smock on. “What is he thinking?” I thought to myself. I knew we were going to be in for a treat when he picked up a paintbrush and started painting on one of three blank canvases. “This is going to be interesting,” I said quietly to the friend sitting next to me.
As we sat there, Scott used a combination of his drawing abilities, well selected music, people from the audience, and his eloquent speaking to unfold his plan for all of us to work together in the District.
Our theme this year was disclosed through a picture of a rope. “All Hands Pulling on the Same Rope” was the focus. With that, various people in the 2000 + audience came and carefully added their hand print – in various bright colors – to the canvas.
Today, that canvas hangs in our school board room at the district office, reminding all of us that it will, indeed, take a team working together to make this happen.
“Pulling together will make this giant task seem a whole lot easier.” I said to myself. Makes sense to this country girl!
We’re glad Scott is with us. Last year was a tough one for our District with all the transitions of not having a permanent superintendent. We managed, but it is refreshing to have someone in that spot this year.
My wish for you today: that you will find others in your path to help along the way. It’s never easy to go it alone and ALWAYS more fun when there are others in there with you – pulling together. It’s also essential that you are a part of a healthy, wholesome team somewhere…be it a ball team, a team at the table in a classroom, a little ladies sewing group, a school district team, etc. Just be part of a team and enjoy the experience of “pulling on the same rope.” You’ll be glad you did.
To see some of Scott’s creative energies working for our District, visit this link.
~Joellen