We can only expect what we teach. We must recognize that the only way to truly prepare our students to compete (nationally or globally) is to continuously prepare them academically. We have some hardworking students. We need to express to our students that there are so many opportunities and so few people that are truly willing to put in the effort and hard work to obtain them. That is the truth. That is why one of the hit songs for the current generation is “The Lazy Song.” Instead of calling it “The Lazy Song,” a more appropriate title would have been “It Can Wait.” Anything is possible if one is willing to outwork someone. Our students can take advantage of this if they are only willing to work. We want to create students that are not afraid to outwork someone, and hopefully we don’t put more emphasis on the grade as we do the effort, seriously. Grade should reflect the effort, but sadly this isn’t always the case. I’m afraid we are creating a culture in schools that communicates that studying and working hard academically isn’t as important as the extracurricular activities that students participate. There are many students that are more proud of passing without studying. We sometimes pride ourselves in mediocrity. It isn’t cool if you have to study! We must change this. This is a difficult mantra to continue when you enter college. Nevertheless, it is difficult to ever reach one’s true potential if one has never had to work hard. Spring Assessment is right around the corner. I hope we can communicate that working now is more important than taking the test on test day. It really is. PARENT ACADEMYParents, San Saba ISD is planning a Parent Academy in the spring. Each campus hosts “Open House” during each semester, but the district is planning on providing a Parent Academy that would discuss a variety of topics such as: •Gifted and Talented Program•ESL Program•Special Education •CSCOPE Lesson Demonstration*Other suggestions….Parents, if you have any suggestions on topics that you would like to hear, please contact Michael Bohensky at mbohensky@san-saba.net or call (325) 372-3771, Title I Coordinator. The district wants to offer an opportunity for parents to get more information about the programs that San Saba ISD provides for its students.