Birthday Suprise

I found out that over the weekend that several members of the football team threw a surprise birthday party for one of the team managers.  The manager, a special needs student who lives in a group home, has helped the team this year. The players even called the group home and asked if they could have the other residents go out for the day so that they could spend time alone with him.  Members of the team went over and hung out with him.

The most touching part of this is that the players pooled their own money together to buy the manager a letterman jacket. Further, they gave him a gift card to Wal-Mart for $200. A great, great example of wildcat kindness.

I talked to the student's guardian before sharing this story & he told me that this is the first birthday party the student has ever had.

- Dr. Jason Beavers, HHS Asst. Principal

Football players give back

During the summer the HHS Wildcat Football team decided to give back to the community that gives so much to them.  With the help of some of the senior moms, every senior football player and several underclassmen took on a list of community service projects with great results.  They volunteered at Shepherd's Staff Food Pantry, the Cass County Rescue Mission, the Just For Me Summer Backpack program, and they volunteered to help Bright Futures with the Back-to-School Fair.

Feedback from players, parents and the community has been overwhelmingly positive, and it was great for the boys to get outside of their comfortable world and see how many people in Harrisonville need assistance.  It was a good experience for everyone involved. 

Andy Campbell
HHS Principal

Going the Extra Mile

I wanted to share a story of an HMS administrator, Chris Grantham, making a difference for two of our students.   Late on a Friday afternoon, we found out that a family with students at two buildings had an emergency situation arise and the students had a temporary change in living arrangements for the weekend.  Chris drove one of the students to the place he was staying for the weekend, made sure everything was fine, thus allowing us to send the other student "home" knowing everything was going to be OK for the weekend.  Way to go the extra distance Chris!

Dan Erholtz
McEowen Principal

Make A Difference - Share It, Grow It

As I outlined in an earlier post, our theme for the year is “Make A Difference.”  We first challenged our staff, and then I passed the challenge on to our readers, to write a note to someone who made a difference in their life.   Did you complete this challenge?  It’s such an easy way to brighten someone’s day and to show them how much they mean to you.  

This challenge was aimed at someone you know well.  What about making a difference in the life of someone who you don’t know as well or at all?  Many times making a difference in a stranger’s life comes through a random act of kindness.  Our administrative team and secretaries exercised this during their summer activity - they handed out water, lent a helping hand, and expressed appreciation.   

These are usually very simple, immediate acts that make life easier or bring a smile.  What about helping someone load their groceries into the car?  Offering a smile and kind words to the cashier checking you out?  Telling a manager about excellent service offered by an employee?  

These random acts of kindness can inspire others.  Think of the Liberty Mutual commercials which start with someone witnessing an act of kindness by another person and then they commit an act and so on until the circle is complete with the original person as the recipient of kindness.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frpp6DjCaJU

However, many times our acts of kindness are not witnessed by anyone and that’s OK.  We don’t do it for recognition.  To inspire others though, we need to share our stories.  That’s why we’re using #wildcatkindness on Twitter to share some of those stories.  You can share your own story or the story of something you witnessed.  The hope is to inspire and encourage others to join the movement.  

So now the challenge is to share your story...if you’re not a “tweeter,” then comment here or if you’d rather remain anonymous, you can email me (jill.filer@harrisonvilleschools.org) and I’ll share your story without your name. 

Let’s see how many of these cycles of kindness we can begin. 

Jill Filer
Director of Communications

A Warm, Wildcat Welcome

The first days of school are always stressful for students. "Where are my classes, where is my locker, who is in my second period, will I like my teachers, etc.?"  These are all questions that students have and they are compounded for students who are entirely new to our district.  

We had a incident last week that showcased the very best character in our kids.

A new student went to lunch and all of the tables were full with students catching up with friends about summer adventures. The new student surveyed the cafeteria looking for a welcoming place to sit. Just then, one of our volleyball players came to her and gave the student her seat at a table with all of her friends. The volleyball player then went all the way across to the cafeteria to get herself a chair and returned to the table. She introduced the new student to her friends and our new student has been sitting and conversing  with the group every day since. While this may seem like a small gesture, it is not. Finding a "place" to sit in the cafeteria can be one of he most stressful events of a student's high school experience. It not only meant a great deal to that student, it also made me extremely proud of our kids.

I was proud of our kids and how they stepped up to welcome our new student. They made an extremely awkward moment into an opportunity to perhaps make a lifelong friend.  Very proud.  #wildcatkindness

Dr. Jason Beavers
HHS Assistant Principal
@DrBeaversHHS

Make A Difference - Let's Go!

“Make A Difference” – that’s our district’s theme for the year.  We first introduced the theme with our administrators.  When they reported to the Admininstrative Office on July 23, they had no idea what was in store.  We challenged them to spend a couple of hours out in the community making a difference.   They jumped in full force passing out bottles of water to those working outside, writing thank you notes to local businesses that support our schools, unloading fruit and vegetables for a roadside stand, giving flowers to receptionists, helping at the animal shelter, and pumping gas for strangers.  They came back to share their stories and the energy in the room was real.

We then asked our secretaries during a day of training to commit similar acts of kindness.  They paid for drinks in fast food drive-thrus for the car behind them, passed out flowers, and thanked those who they came into contact with.  The results were the same…good feelings all around.

Making a difference for someone not only benefits the recipient of the kindness, but causes an even greater change in the person who commits the act.   Because of this phenomenon, our selection of this theme may seem a bit selfish.  That’s not the intention at all, but we hope it to be a positive consequence.

Our teachers and staff make a difference in students’ lives every day.  It’s what they do in their classrooms without even fully understanding their impact.  We’re challenging them to go above and beyond their daily interactions with students, families, colleagues, and the community.   We want them to be deliberate in making a difference in people’s lives; taking advantage of opportunities to make an impact.

For me, many times I have the best intentions….I think, “I should send a card” or “Wouldn’t it be nice if I baked her cookies to brighten her day.”  Then, days pass and I never take action on my thoughts. My goal for this year and beyond is to act.  Don’t just think about making a difference; do it.

We hope our “Make A Difference” focus is evident and contagious as the year continues.  We’ll share stories here, but also challenge you to become a part of the movement.   Let’s start with something easy….it was our first challenge to all our staff members – write a thank you note to someone who’s made a difference in your life.

Here’s my thank you....

Dear Mr. Barrett -

Thank you for Making a Difference in my life by believing in my ability to be a teacher.  I graduated from college with a degree in journalism, but I was not sure what I wanted to do with that degree.  You took a chance on me and changed the direction of my life.  Thank you for being a leader who not only pushed, but challenged and someone I respect and look up to still today.

Thanks for Making A Difference!

Jill Filer, Director of Communications

Harrisonville Schools

Show Shines Spotlight on Students

I get the privilege of sitting in and listening each week as Sideliner Sports tapes the weekly Sonic Locker Room Show – Harrisonville Wildcats edition.  The shows feature our activity participants and sponsors/coaches talking about their activity, their team or group, and being a Wildcat.  Each and every week I come away smiling as I’ve been witness to another example of our fantastic students.  The students often come in nervous to be on the show – not knowing what to expect.  However, as soon as the questions begin, our students shine.   They represent their group/team, Harrisonville High School, and our district with honor.   It’s fun to hear the joy they get from being a part of a team, their understanding of their role in this world that’s bigger than HHS, and their pride in representing the Wildcats.  They discuss the responsibility they feel toward not only their activity, but to the classroom.  They talk about priorities and time management.  It’s rare that our student guests are involved in only the activity they’re representing that day.  Our students are multi-talented, involved, and genuinely good people.   I hope everyone takes time each week to listen to the broadcasts.  The show airs live at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays on 1030 AM and is available online at www.soniclockerroom.com   Each show and the students on them are great examples of why “It’s a Great Day to be a Wildcat.”

-          Jill Filer, Director of Communications

Music Makers Make You Smile

This morning the district hosted the Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee at HHS.  We asked the Music Makers - our varsity show choir - to perform a couple of numbers as part of the morning's program.  Of course, this isn't the first time I've watched the Music Makers, but I was reminded of how much I enjoy watching them.  It's such a positive experience....you can't help but smile when they perform.  It's definitely more than the fact that the students are great singers and dancers....there's an energy with the group that is undeniable.  Their performance lifts your spirit.  I truly appreciate the work the students and Mr. Mathew put in to create such a great experience for the audience.  Thank you for helping get this Friday morning started off right!

- Jill Filer, Director of Communications

The Future is Bright

As a relatively new person living in Cass County, I was surprised and honored when asked to help with the interview process for winter homecoming at Harrisonville High School. I have been involved in many interviews, but never for King and Queen of a school. To my delight and hope, every single one of these young men and women were positive, involved, smart, and well groomed. It was a fun morning and I left Harrisonville High School with a renewed sense of excitement for the future of our country.

- Jane Wallace, Executive Director

Cass County Historical Society, Inc.

I truly appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the interview process.  The experience was outstanding for me because of one reason - the students. All of the candidates were very impressive regarding their character and service within their school and the community. I am proud to be a citizen of the Harrisonville and this experience gave me one more reason. Regardless of who is crowned King and Queen, all the candidates should be proud for being selected by their peers for this great honor. 

- Chris Deal, Director

Harrisonville Parks and Recreation

I appreciate greatly the opportunity to do interviews for Winter Homecoming.  Harrisonville is very fortunate to have such an impressive group of students.  It was a very difficult task given that each and every candidate was so tremendous.  What struck me most was that each of the candidates clearly saw in their future the obligation of assisting others in some way.   They each were concerned with making their school and their community a better place and that they saw themselves a necessary part of that.  Thank you for that opportunity.  I am sure I gained much more from the experience than the students did from the interviews. 

- Anonymous Interviewer

Thanks HES & ECC

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Harrisonville Elementary School and Harrisonville Early Childhood Center with some teachers from our school district.  The purpose of our visit was to observe the use of the Math in Focus curriculum in elementary classrooms.  The positive conversations that the teachers' lessons have sparked for the Clinton teachers regarding their triumphs, struggles and questions about Math in Focus are priceless.  After talking with some of our teachers, I have discovered that they are already reflecting and implementing essential components of the program in lessons that they gathered from Harrisonville teachers' classrooms.  I think that they were able to walk away from the HES and ECC with a clear idea of what Math in Focus looks like in a developed classroom and truly see the impact that this math series can have on students. 

Beyond the math series, they were also very impressed with classroom/behavior management and the welcoming, warm feelings that both buildings provided.  A special thanks to the teachers and administrators for allowing us to come and watch you do what you are all so wonderful at doing.  Harrisonville Schools never disappoints when it comes to true, real and useful classroom instruction.

- Annie Knox, Asst. Principal, Henry Elementary, Clinton School District

Giving Spirit

I recently received an email and pictures from an HHS graduate in the Army who is currently stationed in Afghanistan.  Before Christmas, Ms. Susie Yoder's Foods classes prepared cookies and sent them to the troops. As our graduate soldier put it, "I would like to show great appreciation not only from my self but everyone else in my squad that got to enjoy the treats. It’s little things like that over here that make your day and put a smile on your face. . . I just want to say thank you from all the guys here and myself for all of your support and all the work that got put into making and sending out that package."   In addition, the postage for the mailing was taken care of by a Sunday School Class at the United Methodist Church and the Cass County Elks Lodge.  What a great example of the giving spirit by our students, staff, & community!

 - Mr. Andy Campbell, HHS Principal

Beyond the Classroom

We have so many excellent teachers at HHS who go above and beyond for our students.  Dr. Roseann Hoffman is one such example.  She took her own personal time on a Saturday earlier this month to take a group of students to the Nuclear Power Plant in Fulton, MO.  She set up this trip and drove the students there.  They spent the entire day touring the facility and were taken out to dinner by their host.  The students who went had a great experience and learned a lot about the real world application of what they are learning in school.

 - Mr. Andy Campbell, HHS Principal

Impressive Performance

I had the opportunity to accompany high school students to a production at the New Theatre, a theatre where guests enjoy dinner and a show.  The group included students in the Drama Club and FCCLA (Family, Career, & Community Leaders of America).  After the first act, our server approached Drama Club sponsor Mrs. Snowden and said, “The servers here always get nervous and sometimes dread it when we hear that a high school group is coming.”  He went on to say that our group had proven them wrong.  He told her that our students were well behaved and respectful as a group and he wanted her to know.  It was no surprise to me that our students dressed and behaved in manner that we would expect of Wildcats.  However, it’s wonderful when other people notice it too.  I know the students had a good time and enjoyed the day and I did too.  Special thanks to Mrs. Snowden and FCCLA sponsor Mrs. Yoder for making this day happen for our students. 

-       Dr. Bryan McDonald, Superintedent

Artwork Amazes

Harrisonville High School has many outstanding things occurring on a daily basis.  Our students continually amaze me each and every day.  I could write about their accomplishments both big and small for hours. One area that always intrigues me concerns the art that students create. The pieces they make are simply amazing. Our teachers do a wonderful job rotating the pieces in the main corridor of the high school. It is not unusual to see all of us that work in the main office come out to the hallway and stare as Mrs. Chaney or Mrs. Bruns start to rotate the pieces.  Equally intriguing is seeing the name of the student who created the art.  Some of our most talented artists have never uttered a word about their amazing talent to me in any of the casual conversations we have had over the years they have been in the high school.  Further, I also love the fact that in the four years I have been here we have never once had an incident of any vandalism or damage to a single piece of student artwork. It makes me not only proud of the students who created it, but also all of the students who choose every day to admire it and respect the effort of their fellow students.

- Dr. Beavers, HHS Asst. Principal

Let's Get Started

This blog's title echoes a phrase commonly heard at pep rallies, sporting events, and activity competitions.  It's meant to instill pride in participants when they are headed into competition or when they've achieved success.  

However, the phrase can be used to describe every day in our schools and community.

We are so very lucky to live in a community in which we are all Wildcats.  Each and every day, there are stories to share about successes, achievements, kindness, generosity, compassion, and hard work.  We have nearly 400 staff members, 2,600 students, countless parents and family members, and 10,000 community members who make it a "Great Day to be a Wildcat" in Harrisonville.

This blog will be a place to share those stories.  It will be different from many blogs as there will not be one author, but many.  We want you to share the stories that illustrate the blog title.   The stories can be short or long, anonymous or credited.  They can be from the classroom, grocery store, athletic field...anywhere you experience the feeling that "It's a Great Day to be a Wildcat."

These stories can be e-mailed to jill.filer@harrisonvilleschools.org.   We do reserve the right to exercise editorial control over what is posted here.