A Word from Wayne

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It is a great day to be Dillo! Thanks to our Dillo boys, their coaches, our cheerleaders, drill team, band, and fans for a great turnout for the Mason game.

Last week, we celebrated Labor Day. I took the day off to see my family, but our coaches were working with our athletes to get ready for Friday’s game with Mason. While we sleep in on Saturday, they are up at the school getting ready for the next game.

As we sit in the stands and watch, it is easy to forget the labor of love that goes into being a school. Every day over 130 employees at San Saba ISD work to make the process of preparing our students to be good citizens.

The education process can be divided into to two parts: curricular and extra-curricular.

Curricular is what the state expects our kids to learn. When the diplomas are handed out, we certify that students have met the requirements to graduate.

Extra-curriculars are optional activities that a student can choose to participate in and go beyond the classroom. Both curricular and extra-curricular have the same goal in mind, and that is to educate students.

Another thing common to both are the lessons that teach students to overcome obstacles. Sometimes the expectations are high, and the tasks are difficult. A student who failed to prepare for class may get a failing grade. An athlete who missed a block may sit out for a play or two. Fail a class, and no pass, no play. Obstacles are not bad things. Dealing with difficulty is what prepares us for life.

In my years of education, I have noticed many different parenting styles that address the problem of obstacles. Some parents are known as helicopter parents. They hover around constantly making sure their child is okay. Some parents you never see or hear from. These are the ghost parents. In the last decade, a new type of parent has emerged often called the steam roller parent. These parents are very well meaning and want to roll out a path in front of their children with no obstacles, difficulties, or consequences. This works out pretty good until the students get to college or get a job.

Bosses and professors do not care who their parents are, and these students are ill equipped to deal with failure, rejection or consequences.

Our staff and students have faced great obstacles coming back to school - more than ever before. Dealing with obstacles builds our character. A wise friend of mine referred to ob stacles has “guardians of our destiny.” Obstacles and adversity mature us so that when the opportunity comes, we are prepared for the responsibility and demands of the role.

I am very grateful to Pat Parker, my AP English teacher who recruited me to be in her class. I was the only non-honor, non-GPA chasing, athlete student in the class. I did not like Mrs. Parker or her class at all. It was hard, and her demands were high. She seemed unfair and biased to the smarter kids. No matter what I thought of her, she taught me to write. That class I took 40 years ago still helps me today.

My wrestling coach, Dennis Hutcherson, worked me harder than any coach I ever had. I was able to do things physically that I never thought possible.

Along the way, I learned life lessons of disappointment, perseverance and overcoming obstacles. As we labor to prepare our students, it is okay to embrace the struggles and deal with the obstacles. The Bible calls them light and momentary afflictions. The guardians of our destiny are at work preparing our students for the future that awaits them. A special thanks to all who labor in education. It truly is a labor of love for what you do for our kids. Go Dillos!