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