Oh...the Places You'll Go...

We are off....Today is our day,  we're off to great places...we're off and away...brains in your head, feet in your shoes...steering yourself any way that you choose....riding so high...ready for anything under the sky.  That doctor(Seuss) of wonder always says it best.  And this place....so full of potential, such a place where every future hatched has the possibility of success.   The disaster and an averted path to satisfaction can only be derailed with the sad words,  "could have, should have, would have"...this year, and all years has to be about defining success like my hero, Coach John Wooden, "Success is peace of mind in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming."  As we trek and trudge and leap and bound toward goals and horizons wished for and yet unseen, define your success this year, that way.  Find satisfaction and ambition mixing, driving you to the maximizing of the gifts given.  Gain solace in focused work that cultivates the talents and abilities in your possession for the good of others.  Today is your day!!  Your mountain is waiting.  So......get on your way!!!!

A couple of weeks ago, an example for all.  The volleyball team, under the direction of Coach Costain, rose in the early dawn hours and fed those less fortunate at the Banquet in Sioux Falls.  Just doing the work would have been enough sacrifice, but there is more.  They paid for the meal by holding back some money by staying in dormitories rather than hotels and other small offerings of self-restraint.  This act of selflessness is enough to make us all proud of our students, but as I walk around the school each day - I see hundreds of such acts.  The student council decorating and kindly showing wide-eyed freshman to their lockers.  Staff with the sensitivity of saints, compassionately assisting each individual to a good start to the school year.  A group of students, inviting a new student to sit with them at lunch.  A sophomore bringing a twenty-dollar bill to the office, simply saying, "I found this, it isn't mine."  And not one of those involved, wanting anything but the best for their fellow student and colleague.  Just doing it because it is the right thing.  Because that is the way we roll here at Harrisburg.

We scored a 22.9 average on the ACT amongst our students taking the test last year.  That is 1.1 above the state average and 1.3 above the national average.  Impressive.  I have some mixed feelings as I believe we over-emphasize these standardized methods of gauging learning.  Although I must admit the tests are becoming better - they are still many times a better indicator of other traits.  Basically, in a macro-study, the test scores will match almost exactly with socio-economic status and advantage.  In fact, in some parts of the country it has been offered that rather than spend the inordinate amount of time and money on the test, simply have students write their parents adjusted gross income and match it to the score they would typically achieve.  Although a simple and jocular idea, not far from the fact, which is alarming.  Congratulations to all of those who did well on the exams, a great effort.  However, it is really up to us, right here to find ways to measure the skills we know will assist our students for their entire future.  And we will do that.  Not only to detect growth to highly literate levels of reading, communication, global understanding and curiosity, critical dissemination and appreciation for this world...but also initiative, ethics, and creativity for a few.  One method will be a senior capstone experience that should display effectively that our students are ready to become independent of us.  This year's seniors are beginning the process with a "Do, Write, Present" service opportunity that is just the start of a process.  This process will effectively measure our students degree of development toward independence and portray essential knowledge and skills necessary for later pursuits.

Approximately 130 students are participating in 13 Advanced Placement(AP) classes this semester.  Many will attempt the AP tests this year.  Last year, 57 percent of Harrisburg students taking the test received a 3 or passing on a 5 point scale which then allows them college credit.   To gain some perspective, only 16 students took the exams three years ago while 82 tests were taken last year.  We expect that to rise this year and continue.  Twenty-two students are taking College Algebra this year, a post-secondary course that allows them three college credits.  This class is being offered over the Digital Dakota Network(DDN)  20-25 students are taking block classes at the Career and Technical Academy(CTE) south of Southeast Tech.  Classes ranging from Engineering, health professions, auto body and repair create opportunities for our students to experience relevant and intensive coursework that may lead to a career.  A limited number of students will be attacking past disappointing grades with computer-assisted instruction on a program called NovaNet.  Some students are investigating other venues such as on-line courses and even courses at our local colleges.  Continue to thank our forward-looking School Board for these opportunities and resources.  As we grow, some of these possibilities will become our own and some we will continue to connect with outside entities.  We are fortunate, indeed to have creative educators and institutions available for our students.

Unofficial numbers for Harrisburg School District are in, and the growth just continues.  These numbers are tentative as we continue to lose and mostly gain.  The high school is at 464 students with the freshman class at 134, easily the largest ever.  There are almost 2400 students this year in the Harrisburg School District which includes around 280 kindergartners.  If you extrapolate with simply those students in the school district this year and no new students, the high school will be over 500 next year, 600 the year following(2012-13) and around 1000 by the fall of 2019.     What an exciting and energizing time, when so many districts are struggling to maintain numbers, our growth is spectacular.  Fortunately, our Board and Superintendent have had great vision and are preparing every day for this growth.  The next ten years will be an incredible era in Harrisburg history.  One implication of the rise in student population is our classification for activities.  It appears we will push past the AA minimum of 450 students in grades 9-11 in 2012.  However, the SDHSAA re-classifies every two years and we are on the second year of that classification now.  That means re-classification will take place next fall for two years.  We should still be an A school for those two years.  However when reclassified in 2013, we will certainly be an AA school.  All of this is of course unofficial, so anything can happen.  But again, what a fantastic position to be in.  More choices, new and fresh options and rich diversity are certainly in our future.

With that tremendous explosion of humanity can come some growing pains and gaps in the education we hope to provide.  That just can't happen.  Significantly, schools are such important avenues of social growth for our young men and women.  We have to maintain personal connections, not always easy if students do not become involved in activities or find modes of interaction that are developmentally appropriate.  To ensure we are intentionally making that effort, Teacher/Advisor Program(TAP) groups have been set up and met for the first time on Wednesday.  The curriculum for these groups, which are a mixture of 9th-12th graders, will be social, academic and advisory in nature.  Personal Learning Plans will be created along with team building activities and career planning events using the Career Cruising website offered by the state.  Parents will be given an access code to take a look at student work on the Career Cruising website.

Lunch is an excellent break in the day.  Once again, Harrisburg does it right with a la carte options and seconds as well as very good regular lunch each day.   A couple of things to keep in mind:  if you are eligible for free or reduced lunch, please contact the school for the forms.  Not only is that a benefit you should take advantage of, but it has impact for grants and funds for all of our students.  It is much appreciated that individuals select not to use government programs, but in the end, your accessing of these funds if eligible may enable students to receive other instructional funding as many government programs rely on the percentage of free and reduced lunches for school eligibility.  Second, please keep checking your lunch account or have students ask the cashiers at the school for the amount in your account.  The cashiers will generally allow some latitude to replenish accounts, however, when an account is too far past due, students are only allowed minimal choices.  Also, remind your sons and daughters that a la carte can add up.  Yes, get what you need, however, try to keep track so there is no difficulty.  When an account reaches a dangerous deficit, you will be notified by mail and perhaps by phone.  If  you ever have any questions, please call the school for details.

The Harrisburg High newspaper will now become a published weekly part of the Sioux Valley News.  Each week, Harrisburg High will be represented by a student-written special page section in the Canton-based newspaper.  If it becomes financially, viable, it is the hope that the coverage of our schools and community becomes an even larger presence with the absence of a city newspaper.  If you would like to subscribe you can call the Sioux Valley News at 764-2000 or simply send your address and $20 for a year subscription to:  Sioux Valley News, PO BOX 255, Canton SD, 57013.

A special committee was formed this summer at the request of the state legislature to conceive South Dakota State Teaching Standards and a suggested evaluation tool.  I was lucky enough to be chosen as the Secondary Principal representative to that committee.  We are close to completing the standards and it has been a healthy and productive process, led by Dr. Melody Schopp, an under-secretary in the Department of Education.  Some of the impetus for this formulation was certainly the funding South Dakota was not eligible for with new criteria advanced by the United State DOE.   But I find a genuine interest amongst the 20 or so participants that include parents, teachers, Board members, SDEA representatives and superintendents, to try to define the traits of good instruction focused on the learner.  Upon completion, every school in the state will be mandated to show they are evaluating teachers on the stated standards.  That kind of consistent approach does hold us accountable, but more than that, it leads to clear expectations.  It is interesting how much the entire group agrees upon and also, a feeling that South Dakota teachers already meet the standards we are devising.

Tiger Nation had its annual banquet last weekend.  I walked away entirely impressed and confused.  As a coach of almost 30 years, I have attended many of these functions.  Although all were mostly positive, I don't think I have ever attended such a gathering with this much affirmation and this upbeat.  It was simply terrific and a true sample of what these booster events should be.  Every speaker, every individual was there for the students.  There was no envy, jealousy, cross- purpose - you could feel in the room that all just wanted the best for our kids.  Wow!!   What a world when everyone puts another's well-being first.  If you haven't joined Tiger Nation, or have not attended a function - I encourage you to do just that.  It is a superb group.

Bullying has taken national attention and the news on Friday night carried some disturbing news from a Brandon parent who has implicated some at that school already who allegedly have been harassing his child.  I spoke with all of the high school students on Wednesday regarding bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment.  We have a policy in place, adopted by the Board this summer.  It will not be tolerated here.  I can say I have spoken with some parents prior to school starting regarding some individual situations and have spoken to the parties involved.  This is a tough issue.  The difficulty is always in the definition.  What some would consider bullying, others would consider good-natured ribbing and the development of social skills needed for later.  I will say this, if a student is made to feel uncomfortable or threatened, it will be treated seriously by this office.  No matter the perception of the perpetrator.  I have been involved in sport all my life, and I know the cruel things we grow up saying to each other.  But we can cross lines.  And those lines just simply cannot be crossed.  There is no reason we cannot be sensitive to the limits all students can bear.  It is a slippery animal to capture and claim.  But I will do my best.  Just understand, I will lean more to those offended than the offenders.  My grandma and likely yours gave me this to live by, "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all."  And my dad, "Before judging someone, try to walk in their shoes."    Finally, more cerebral, but maybe the best, Ghandi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."  Live by it.  Don't tear someone else down to make yourself feel better.

You will have to forgive my continual smile and gratitude to this community.  But as I stated last week, very doubtful it will end.  Every person I have met is living proof that the best for all of us is yet to come.   So...be on your way up,  see the great sights,  join the high fliers, and soar to great heights.  Oh.. the places you'll go.

Events this week:

Monday - Junior Varsity Football - 4:30 at West Central
                    Improv meeting - 6:30 - Little Theater
Tuesday - Tiger's Boys Golf Invite - Spring Creek
                  Cross Country at Salem - 4:15
                  Volleyball home vs. O'Gorman - 5:00
                   Soccer at Sioux Falls Christian - Boys/Girls 6:00
Wednesday - Sophomores - Josten's Class Ring Meeting - 8:00 AM - Little Theater
                        Picture Re-Takes - 1:00
Thursday - Ninth football -  Home vs. West Central - 4:15
                     SSR - Seventh Period
Friday -   Junior Class Meeting - 8:00 AM
                Football vs. Tri- Valley - Home - 7:00
                SSR - Seventh Period
Saturday - Volleyball at Sioux Falls Christian - 9:00 AM
                   Freshman football home vs. Brandon Valley - 10:30
                   Soccer - Hot Springs - Boys - Home - 1:00

My face hurts

My face hurts.  I haven't stopped grinning since the day I became a part of Harrisburg School district.

Hi - My name is Kevin Lein, the luckiest principal ever.  A fantastic facility, super students, spectacular staff and a community of diversity and good intent.  Serving you will be a sincere pleasure.

Just a little background and a small amount of philosophy as introduction.

Karter and Kennedy Lein, and my wife Amy are my priority always.  As with all of you, family is first.  I am a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic church as faith also is, and has been a defining part of my life.  Friends, family and faith seem to permeate this community and in all of your warm welcomes these past few weeks, that has been a common theme.

The past two years, I have been the middle, high school and Millbrook Colony School principal at Hanson School District in Alexandria, SD.  I was assistant basketball coach, school newspaper copy editor, golf coach and taught a sixth grade class.  I lived in Emery, SD and those two communities were tremendous supporters of our family and the relationships formed were very difficult to leave.  The past two years were easily the best of my life.  I owe much to every single one of the individuals in those communities for this present opportunity at Harrisburg.

Previous to our tenure in Hanson, we lived in Omaha where I served as athletic director/basketball coach/sports information director at College of Saint Mary.  Prior to that our family lived in Mitchell for 16 years.  At various times, some times simultaneously, I worked as:  sixth grade teacher, tennis coach, 8th grade basketball coach, assistant professor of education, education department chair, graduate program director, assistant men's basketball coach, head women's softball coach, head women's basketball coach, and division chair for Mitchell Public Schools and Dakota Wesleyan.  I was privilege to be elected school board member and president of our local teachers' organization and chair of faculty relations.  One stop before that I was chair of the education department, assistant professor, and head women's softball and basketball at Mount Marty College.  While there I was a sometimes sports editor and sometimes sports writer for the Yankton Press & Dakotan.   After leaving college I was a graduate assistant, sports reporter, DeVry Institute admissions counselor and played semi-professional basketball briefly in the Netherlands.

I graduated from Hampton High(Iowa) School and attended Claremore Junior College(now Rogers State, Oklahoma), Mount Marty College, South Dakota State and the University of South Dakota.  I have two bachelor's degrees and a master's degree and will hopefully finish my doctorate in education from College of Saint Mary this winter.

Enough about the personal stuff....it is imperative that we continue on the good and solid path Mrs. Kristine Alcon set for our high school.  These are very big shoes to fill.  Mrs. Alcon was the driving force of this facility and more importantly the people and the environment of Harrisburg High.  Mrs. Alcon has left this district with an energy and momentum that will carry us on to a bright future.  Her vision and tenacity and intelligence will be very difficult to match.  She has left us all in good stead and the dreams she related for this place must be realized.  She deserves at least that for her labor.

Our focus, in this world of tumult and challenge, Harrisburg students will enter....what shall it be?  Educators bandy terms about....21st Century Skills...Career integration....Differentiated learners....and a host of cryptic terminology that has its root in the variability of the profession and the effort to design and simplify what it is we do.  But that is a futile attempt and a waste of time.  This profession is messy, without end and difficult to capture or contain.  Just when something becomes tried and true, a societal influence will change entirely not only the rules, but the entire game.

Many in the profession will tell you that an educational reform is cyclical, in that, sooner or later it will return with another name and another package.  That is true and actually the way it should be.  Although we try to be proactive, we are a reactive bunch - trying to please the thousands of constituents and direct consumers who have a personal stake in all we do.  So we keep trying and re-trying and most of reform is successful if it matches goals and is intentionally relevant to the time and circumstance.  Our main difficulty is the measurement of the work.  In reality, the fruits of this labor are not realized until a student has entered their "real" life.  The success of each individual we touch much later in life is the only certain measure of our success.  And even then, how can we be sure that our reach and work led to that success or failure?  We have no product to hold and examine.  We have no tangible result.  We only can measure indicators that seem to lead to later lives of fulfillment.  Yet the degree to which we changed these lives is impossible to detect.

So - what do we do?  There is empirical data that can give us hope in our quest.  If we gear students with certain tools - we will ensure success for them in any venture.  And, at the same time, if we pay significant attention and use our experience to challenge them to habitually challenge themselves by setting expectations just out of reach, we can have some solace in our try.

The tool that umbrellas all others is independent decision-making.  All others are only subsets of this one overriding success-maker.  Every strategy we employ, every curriculum we select, every interaction we propose - should have as its justification students practicing the skill of making the right choices.  In all things that we pursue, the ability to gain the proper depth of truth and act on it in the proper way is all encompassing.  We can give students no greater gift than the life-long ability to do the right thing with logical rationale.

That eclipsing tool is underpinned by several other devices that will lead to a life spent well.  We can stimulate students to become curious about their world in science, we can instill civic responsibility in social studies, we can certify communication skills in English, we can improve problem-solving skills in mathematics, we can inculcate the guilt of health for all and instill appreciation for the aesthetics of the arts.  And when we do all of those things, our students take the last walk across the stage, confident to face anything, undertake any high aim, survive any struggle.

Those things:  to be curious about the world, to be citizens, be competent communicators, to be problem-solvers, to maintain healthy lifestyle and appreciate the form and aesthetics of the world - all developmental traits that can lead to independent decision-makers.

This is what we can do...what we must do...what we will do.

I hope you will stay in touch, comment or question whenever you can.  This office will only thrive on the information you provide, the needs and desires you express.   Please know I am here to serve you and will do so at every juncture with your sons' and daughters' best interests always.

And...I will try to stop this silly grin...it is my constant companion...but still hurts...and I doubt it will ever go away.

Kevin

Events - upcoming at Harrisburg High School

August 20 - B/G soccer - 5:30 - Home
August 21 - B/G soccer - 10:00 AM - Home

August  23 - Staff In-Service - all staff 8:00 AM
                     High School Staff - 11:45 - Little Theater
                     Open House - 6-7:30 - All teachers will be available in their classrooms
                     6:30 - Algebra students meet with Mr. Keppen
                     6:30 - Board Meeting - Liberty Library

August 25 - First Day of School!!!!!!!  Yeah - School begins at high school - 8:05

August 27 - Football at Hartford - 7:00 PM

August 28 - Boys soccer - home - 2:00 PM

August 31 - Volleyball - home - 6:30 PM