"S chadenfreude" refers to the pleasure a person may derive from the misfortune of others. In our historical quest to survive, it is easy to discern the loss of another was our gain. As well, in a competitive, capitalistic society such as ours, there is no “zero-sum”, after all, when one wins or gains wealth, it has to come at the expense of another. Like many of the other deadly related sins of Pride, Greed, Sloth, etc. – this one is mostly repressed as we have become sentient rather than survivalist creatures, but those more primal instincts do creep in to our demeanor if allowed. I mention this human condition as in the past few weeks there have been occasions to point out to students the basis of inappropriate actions connected to envy or jealousy or shadenfreude and how that negative energy affects all. Jason Garworth at the National Institute of Neurology however, reveals much optimism for humanity, as it appears doing good also makes us feel good. While harboring some of the above emotional depravity, although there may be an initial burst of comfort, it does not last and generally makes us feel worse than prior to. In other words, altruism actually leads to lasting and permanent memory and peace of spirit. He goes on to say that it does challenge our instinct and we may have to force the action to move past the more basic patterns. So, we as adults, likely have to lead, coax and even mandate generosity of action to our children. But in the long run, they will gain more and create habits that last a lifetime. Every gesture of kindness, of good will – whether forced or not, changes our children for the better and forever. Do not relent in modeling and expecting our children to give more than they receive. Be vigilant in requiring patience and courtesy and kindness, whether stilted or insincere or not.
It will become common. It will be self-fulfilling. It will be a life of worth.
It will become common. It will be self-fulfilling. It will be a life of worth.
Parent-teacher conferences were terrific. Although no count was taken, it appears this was one of the most well-attended in some time. A tribute to our parents' willingness to be a part and a sound symbol resonating to each of our students of the importance of their education. Attendance is one measure, but more than that, the quality of the conversations I observed were so focused on positive growth and student learning. The strength of the triad of student/parent/teacher cannot be over-emphasized. In Harrisburg, this essential form is alive and well.
Student teachers will be invading in the spring. We will likely have three. There is always a little sense of unease in assigning college students the burden of such a crucial task. However, this apprenticeship is necessary and a part of giving back to the profession. In good situations, the two teachers in the room provide even more leadership, creativity and attention to student needs. I interview the student teachers to discern their readiness, request that they visit their cooperating teachers' room as often as possible prior to the internship and their is constant communication between the university supervisor and the cooperating teacher. All of these proactive events should address any concerns. And, I have set an informal limit on the number of student teachers in our building at one time(4), the number of times in a five-year period that a staff member may have a student teacher(1), and the protocols for allowing a student teacher to ply their trade at Harrisburg. It is certainly a compliment to our district that so many wish to complete their undergraduate training at Harrisburg. In each interview, the first thing the candidate offers is how much they wish to be here as our teachers have established themselves as some of the best in our region. That is nice to hear consistently. Unfortunately, we cannot possibly honor all the requests and I will be vigilant in making certain we do not overload the system, and provide less than the best for all of our students.
Senior projects continue to trickle in to my office and as usual, the impressive display by our students of going farther than expected, continues. Seniors still have until November 12th to submit their project proposal. They will do research connected with their project in the form of a paper and present their work and research in the spring. This is the beginning of a full-fledged Senior Capstone Experience that will be a validation of their entire educational trek in the Harrisburg School District. The end result, verification that our graduates have received every tool possible to succeed later.
Veteran's Day, November 11th, should be a day of great reflection. To that end, the National Honor Society with help from the Student Council will have a Veteran's Day program beginning at 10:00 in the large theater at the high school. We hope all community members who can will attend. At noon, the annual community feed, free of charge will take place in the high school commons. Those that wish to, can certainly come to the program and stay until the noon meal.
Because our school newspaper and society in general shower enough publicity and accolade on our activities, I shy away from writing much on this blog in that regard. As a former coach and active member of athletics and music and drama, I know the value and tremendous influence these extracurriculars have for our students, so I do not want anyone to misinterpret, I am not only a supporter but have been a participant all of my life. In fact, I did not miss one of my father's basketball practices from the time I was three years old until I graduated from high school. I have been a coach for 25 years and played the sax and drums, acted in plays and was a member of FBLA(Future Business Leaders of America) as well as the school newspaper in high school and college. All of these activities had impact on my life in constructive and affirmative ways. So, although I rarely make mention, I advocate membership in all organizations. There are times I wish our algebra and English classes received the same attention as our football team, however, I know that is not in our nature. So I applaud the extracurriculars here today. And these extras here at Harrisburg have given us much affirmation this fall. Volleyball and football have both had stellar seasons. Football is now two games from the Dome, volleyball heads into the districts as the second seed. Cross Country boys finished third at state and won the region, golf was second at the region and fifth at state. Both boys' and girls' soccer teams won the consolation round at state in Mitchell. We have won three conference championships in the five fall sports - boys' cross country, football and volleyball. Our soccer team received the "Fair Play" award at the state soccer tournament for superior sportsmanship on and off the field. Our FFA organization had four members who earned the American Degree, the highest degree conferred upon an FFA member and three members finished in the top four in the country in their contest categories in Indianapolis. Our FFA chapter received the three-star award, again the highest award possible. Our marching band performed at Chester and Sioux Falls and our All State Chorus members just returned from Rapid City. Debate has 31 members, including 22 freshman and will begin competition this week with formal competition. Oral Interpretation has had terrific success this fall with 20 competitors and many firsts and seconds in the seven competitions they have attended. Our Improv group has performed three times this fall and has been invited to neighboring schools. Student Council continues to astound with their charity of time and effort and our school newspaper churns out a weekly publication with professionalism and creativity.
How does all this happen? Certainly, great amounts of credit to the advisors and the parents of all the participants. But there is one commonality in all of these endeavors. Behind the scenes, our activities director, Mr. Scott VanDerMillen. This is one of those, "You won't know how lucky you are until he is gone" scenario. The incredible organization, the attention to detail, the willingness to work and work and work for the good of the students and staff...we have the very best AD I have ever known. His insight, his compassion for our students and his wise approach to every delicate situation are above and beyond that of the common AD. His humor is endearing, his care for all he leads is apparent in every action, and his affection for the entire Harrisburg community obvious. I have known Coach V. for around ten years. It was my good fortune to work on the school board in Mitchell when Coach V. was hired. At his interview, the first thing he said, as he moved from his wheelchair to one of the chairs in the Mitchell library was, "OK - you can see I am in a wheelchair, so we can get past that..." His whole life he has been getting past that. He was a member of championship basketball teams at Southwest State. He litigated against the state of Iowa to allow him to play football on his high school team..and won. He grew up on a farm where his parents simply told him to get the chores done, so he did. He was a fantastic coach in Corning, Iowa - his office was on the second floor in an old building that had no handicap accessibility - no matter, he just climbed the stairs himself every day. Nothing has ever stopped him. Nothing ever will. His courage is evident in everything he has achieved, but he would never refer to his physical obstacles as an obstacle - he only sees everything in life as opportunity. He wants no credit or assistance and definitively no sympathy - he sees no reason for any of that. But he is deserved of our praise and our deep admiration, for one who has persevered, succeeded and only asks that all have the same focus as he. That we do the very best we can with what we have. He is the ultimate example of that very thing. We get his best all the time. Thanks Coach VanDerMillen - you are a Harrisburg treasure.
How does all this happen? Certainly, great amounts of credit to the advisors and the parents of all the participants. But there is one commonality in all of these endeavors. Behind the scenes, our activities director, Mr. Scott VanDerMillen. This is one of those, "You won't know how lucky you are until he is gone" scenario. The incredible organization, the attention to detail, the willingness to work and work and work for the good of the students and staff...we have the very best AD I have ever known. His insight, his compassion for our students and his wise approach to every delicate situation are above and beyond that of the common AD. His humor is endearing, his care for all he leads is apparent in every action, and his affection for the entire Harrisburg community obvious. I have known Coach V. for around ten years. It was my good fortune to work on the school board in Mitchell when Coach V. was hired. At his interview, the first thing he said, as he moved from his wheelchair to one of the chairs in the Mitchell library was, "OK - you can see I am in a wheelchair, so we can get past that..." His whole life he has been getting past that. He was a member of championship basketball teams at Southwest State. He litigated against the state of Iowa to allow him to play football on his high school team..and won. He grew up on a farm where his parents simply told him to get the chores done, so he did. He was a fantastic coach in Corning, Iowa - his office was on the second floor in an old building that had no handicap accessibility - no matter, he just climbed the stairs himself every day. Nothing has ever stopped him. Nothing ever will. His courage is evident in everything he has achieved, but he would never refer to his physical obstacles as an obstacle - he only sees everything in life as opportunity. He wants no credit or assistance and definitively no sympathy - he sees no reason for any of that. But he is deserved of our praise and our deep admiration, for one who has persevered, succeeded and only asks that all have the same focus as he. That we do the very best we can with what we have. He is the ultimate example of that very thing. We get his best all the time. Thanks Coach VanDerMillen - you are a Harrisburg treasure.
How did it become November??? Our world goes so fast. Like all of you I am sure, we lament the loss of time...hug the kids, play a board game, do whatever it takes to slow this all down and enjoy your children...here are the events upcoming at Harrisburg High School -
Monday, Nov. 1 - 6:30 - Football vs. Little Wound, State football quarterfinals - home
Tuesday - Nov. 2 - Election Day - VOTE
Wednesday - Nov. 3 - No activities scheduled
Thursday - Nov. 4 - 8:30 AM - FFA at Brookings
SSR - 2:25
6:00 - District volleyball at Viborg vs. Tea - first round
Friday - Nov. 5 - 4:00 - Debate at Sioux Falls
District Volleyball - Time and Place TBA - if Viborg/Hurley loses, Harrisburg will
host the second round
SSR - 2:25
Saturday - Nov. 6 - 8:00 AM - Debate at Sioux Falls
Harrisburg will be the host site for a semifinal football playoff game Saturday night
against the Canton C-Hawks.
Kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m.
Gates will open at 6:00 p.m.
Harrisburg Activity Passes will not be accepted.
Ticket Prices are as follows: ADULTS $5 – STUDENTS - $3
The game will have a radio broadcast from KELO 1320 AM.
against the Canton C-Hawks.
Kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m.
Gates will open at 6:00 p.m.
Harrisburg Activity Passes will not be accepted.
Ticket Prices are as follows: ADULTS $5 – STUDENTS - $3
The game will have a radio broadcast from KELO 1320 AM.
PS - Sorry for the lateness of this post - some technical problems
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