Yes this is a time of great stress - 14.9 million out of work, maybe another 5-10 million who have stopped looking. And for our high school students, then, an uncertain future. For our parents, whose only wish is to give their children a chance at the best life possible, cloudy opportunity. But the solace we can find is the very fiber of who we have been, are and always will be. Our foundation is the hard work of our predecessors and the labor of today and tomorrow, the unending toil that has made us such the greatest civilization. The richest. The envied. The admired. For a time, I lived in the Netherlands, playing semi-professional basketball. It was an exciting time and if there was one thing I took from the experience, it was the expressly significant difference in outlook of Americans and Europeans. Americans' ambition easily trumped all of those I was in contact with in Holland and Germany and Belgium. Great people, friendly, involved in the world, intelligent, caring and passionate. But also satisfied. Satisfied to reach only as high as their parents had. And there is nothing wrong with that and most of those I knew were very happy...but much less driven than all of my contacts in the States. Since our time of breaking free, pioneering and frontier-ing, I don't believe we have ever lost the manifest destiny built into our genes - that it will always be better and if we work hard enough, our dreams will be realized. It is the engine of our country, and it will rev again. A great example of our ethic and loci, even though only a very small percentage of our country, less than one percent, will ever pay an inheritance tax - a huge percentage of Americans are against this tax. Why? Since for so many it will never effect them. Is it because they care so much for those who do have large inheritances? No - it is because ALL of us believe that we will be in that one percent some day. We are dreamers, and dreamers who know that if we just work a little harder, everything we ever wished for will be ours. Celebrate our labors, and don't lose that vigorous pursuit of all we hope.....
TAP(Teacher Advisor Group began last week. These groups are designed to do many things, but mainly another place to belong. Last week was a review and discussion of some school processes like dress code, parking, cell phone policy, etc. All school policies are in the student handbook, located on our website. There were some great discussions and these groups will assist in a conduit of communication for students and staff. In the future weeks, students will work on Career Cruising, Personal Learning Plans, and team building activities. These groups double as the SSR(Sustained Silent Reading) sessions. It is a pleasure to report that every single student had a book and were reading last week. That is an incredible effort attributed to our staff and students.
FCA(Fellowship of Christian Athletes) began on Friday morning in the Little Theater with approximately 50 students attending. These monthly meetings are open to all students, parents and community members. The non-denominational group is a wonderful way to communicate and share spiritual growth, no matter the degree of faith. Please watch for announcements if interested.
Just a friendly reminder in regard to home activities. Harrisburg High follows some simple rules that create a positive environment for all attending. Parents of children at home events, you are responsible for their behavior. Children not watching the contests should not be allowed to wander(and in most cases) run aimlessly around our facilities. They will be asked to leave. At home football games, playing tackle football and throwing the ball around is not permitted. Certainly, kids should have a good time and can be with their friends, but the facilities we have are not playgrounds and the staff that supervise are not babysitters for a Friday night out on the town. Finally, sportsmanship will be demonstrated at all times. Last Friday was a good night, with most following great etiquette and proper courtesy for fellow fans. Just a reminder, and as we head inside for more activities, more restrictions on behavior will need to be followed. Thanks for your help ahead of time.
Sophomores and seniors, don't forget graduation and class rings. Mr. Tostad from Josten's will be in and out through September and October, more than willing to address all needs you may have for making your high school experience memorable. Mr. Tostad met with sophomores on Wednesday and will be back to take orders this week.
Newspapers live on subscriptions and advertisement. Our school newspaper is now located in the Sioux Valley News. This Wednesday will be our first installment. Should this be a success, plans are for a larger "Harrisburg" section that could become a great benefit to our community. A subscription is only $20 for the year. Subscribe. And if you have a business that may benefit from advertising on our high school page, please advertise.
Juniors began selling magazines to help fund the prom. If you are looking to re-up or get a new magazine, seek a junior.
This week at Harrisburg High:
Tuesday - 1:00- Boy's Golf at Spring Creek
4:15 - Cross Country at Canton
4:15 - JV football, home vs. Tri-Valley
5:00 - Volleyball, home, vs Chester
Wednesday - Class ring ordering - Lunch
Thursday - Class ring ordering - Lunch
6:00 - Girl's Soccer, Home vs. West Central
SSR - last period
Friday - 6:00 - Boy's Soccer at Mitchell
SSR - Last Period
Saturday - 8:00 - Golf at Brookings
10:30 - Football and Cheer camp - ages 5-14
12:30 - Volleyball, Home vs. Millbank
3:00 - Bryce Schroeder Benefit Auction
4:30 - Whopper Tailgate Party
7:00 - Tiger Bowl, Football vs. Lennox
Get all of your Tiger Wear at the TIGER DEN!!!!!
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