The Reason for the Season- Steer Nation Message 12-18-20

Good Morning and Happy Early Dismissal Friday!

Whew… what a first half of the school year! Here are just a few descriptive words for this first semester… taxing, exhausting, difficult, challenging, different, abnormal, disconnected, crazy, unprecedented, ever-changing… BLESSING! 

This time of year offers the opportunity to reflect on the many blessings in my life.  In addition to my family, I count the staff, students, and community of Graham ISD as remarkable blessings.  I am grateful for the dedication and perseverance demonstrated daily within our district and community to improve the lives of children.

I hope each of us is thankful for the opportunity we have to serve others.  Through this service to our students, we help them learn how to learn – and learn how to live. Our work in education provides the possibility to change the future…one child at a time!

This is the time of year for rejoicing and for rededication.  A quote from Thomas Drier says it well:  “If we are to enjoy life, now is the time – not tomorrow or next year. The best preparation for a better life next year is a full, complete, harmonious, joyous life this year.”

As you reflect on your blessings and recharge your spirit, remember you are a blessing in the life of a child! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Reason for the Season…

One of my favorite stories is about a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season...overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally, the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the elevator and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found and shot."

From the back of the elevator, everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry, we already crucified Him."

For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

Have a nice day and a Merry Christmas!

In lieu of the corny joke of the day, lets us each pause to reflect on THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Steer Nation Message 12-11-20 Twas a Month Before Christmas

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY STATE SEMI-FINAL FRIDAY!

COVID-19 Information- Please visit this site for the GISD COVID-19 procedures, protocols, and lab-confirmed cases.

GRAHAM STEER FOOTBALL IN THE UIL 4A DIVISION II FINAL FOUR! The Steers will be playing Gilmer in the UIL State Semi-Finals this evening at 7:30 pm tonight at Prosper ISD’s Children’s Health Stadium.  GO STEERS!!!

GRAHAM VS GILMER

STATE SEMI-FINALS

Date: Friday, December 11

Kickoff: 7:30 PM

Location: Prosper ISD’s Children’s Health Stadium

2000 Stadium Dr., Prosper, TX

(Graham is the Home Team)

TICKETING /PARKING INFORMATION

• Anyone kindergarten age and above will require a ticket.

• Ticket Prices: $10

• All tickets will be general admission and sold online only. No sales at the gate.

• Purchase online at this link or through the Ticket Spicket app.

• All fans must show their mobile ticket at the gate for entry. 

• Please do not redeem your ticket until you are at the gate.

• No passes will be accepted. All entries must be ticketed and accounted for. 

• Stadium Clear Bag Policy.

• There will be no onsite cash purchase of game tickets available. (CONCESSION STANDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING CASH)

• Parking: No Charge

Tickets on Sale at https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/4b8b2e12-2fb9-443d-b15e-e89fbe9de26c/events/340c6897-a723-4d17-82b7-63fba60a382c  

STADIUM REGULATIONS

1. Access to seating, press-box, and field will be allowed only with the required ticket and/or pass issued by Prosper ISD.

2. Authorized personnel ONLY on the field or in the team area before, during, or after the game.

3. All spectators & personnel must self-screen for COVID symptoms

4. All spectators & personnel must also answer No to having tested positive or having close contact in the past 14 days with someone who has tested positive.

5. All spectators & personnel must wear a face-covering during the entire game unless maintaining 6 feet of distance.

6. UIL COVID regulations state, “All participants should maintain separation from nonparticipants and fans. Individuals not essential to the team or group should not be given access to contest areas, performance areas, courts, or fields at all before, during, or after contests and events.”

7. West side of the stadium is home seating and the East side is visitor seating. Tickets must be purchased for your team’s side only.

8. No crossover between the East and West sides of the stadium will be allowed.

9. No re-entry to the stadium without the purchase of a new ticket, including passes

10. No outside food or drink is allowed.

11. No outside balls, skateboards, etc.

12. No solicitation other than the athletic, band, and drill team booster clubs.

13. No videotaping without the authorization of both schools and stadium staff.

14. No comfort pets and/or live mascots will be allowed.

15. All PISD policies regarding banned substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and e-cigs will be strictly enforced.

16. All spectators must be appropriately clothed. Administrators reserve the right to eject anyone wearing offensive items.

17. No golf carts allowed on the premises. All golf cart parking is at Boyer Elementary.

18. In the event of an emergency evacuation, please refer to the copy of “Prosper ISD Stadium

Evacuation Plan”

19. PISD Stadium has a clear bag policy. See below for detailed information.

WE HAVE NOT BEEN INFORMED IF THE NFHS NETWORK WILL BE STREAMING THE GAME. 

THE GAME WILL BE VIDEO STREAMED ON THE NFHS NETWORK AT https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/prosper-high-school-prosper-tx/gamd8d7eb02bc. PLEASE NOTE A SUBSCRIPTION FEE IS REQUIRED TO STREAM THE EVENT VIA THE NFHS NETWORK. 

Please note- The video streaming of this event is 

governed by the UIL not Graham ISD

The free audio broadcast of this event will be available via www.positiveradio.net (KBLY 100.5). 

STADIUM MAPS

Lady Blues and Graham Steer Soccer- The Lady Blues and Steers will be hosting alumni soccer scrimmages on Saturday. The Lady Blues will scrimmage at noon and the Steers will scrimmage at 2:00 pm 

Lady Blues Basketball- The Lady Blues will be playing at Breckenridge on Saturday. The varsity contest will begin at approximately 3:15 pm. 

Twas a Month Before Christmas...  

Twas a month before Christmas, and all through the town,  

People wore masks that covered their frown.  

The frown had begun way back in the spring,  

When a global pandemic changed everything. 

 

They called it corona, it brought with it fear, 

It didn't bring good time. It didn't bring cheer. 

Contagious and deadly, this virus spread fast, 

Like a wildfire that starts when fueled by gas. 

 

Airplanes were grounded, travel was banned, 

Borders were closed across air, sea, and land. 

As the world entered lockdown to flatten the curve, 

The economy halted, and folks lost their verve. 

 

From March to July we rode the first wave, 

People stayed home, they tried to behave. 

When summer emerged the lockdown was lifted, 

But away from caution, many folks drifted. 

 

Now it's November and cases are spiking, 

Wave two has arrived, much to our disliking. 

Frontline workers, doctors, and nurses, 

Try to save people, from riding in hearses. 

 

This virus is awful, this Covid-19, 

There isn't a cure. There is no vaccine. 

It's true that this year has had sadness aplenty, 

We'll never forget, the year 2020. 

 

And just 'round the corner - the holiday season, 

But why be merry? Is there even one reason? 

To decorate the house and put up the tree, 

When no one will see it, no-one but me. 

 

But outside my window, the snow gently falls, 

And I think to myself, let's deck the halls! 

So, I gather the ribbon, the garland, and bows, 

As I play those old carols, my happiness grows. 

 

Christmas ain't canceled and neither is hope. 

If we lean on each other, I know we can cope. 

 

- by SHAWNA HICKLING 

 

Have a nice day...prepare for a Merry Christmas and take care of yourself and others!

 

 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY

What does the Gingerbread Man use to make his bed? (Scroll down for the answer.)

Cookie Sheets!

Steer Nation Message 12-4-20 You May Think

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

COVID-19 Information- Please visit this site for the GISD COVID-19 procedures, protocols, and lab-confirmed cases.

FFA- Congratulations to Graham FFA on their Area 4 LDE results.

• Senior Agriculture Skills Demonstration- AREA CHAMPIONS- STATE QUALIFIED: Team- Cade Anderson, Hannah Isom, and Reese Echols.
• Agriculture Issues- SECOND- STATE QUALIFIED: Team- Cade Anderson, Haidyn Chancler, Haylee Diehl, Jayden Brown, Luke Holland, Mason Reese, and Travis Anderle.
• Public Relations- SECOND-STATE QUALIFIED: Team- Creed Jordan, Jade Jordan, Kaci Reese, Tucker May.
• Greenhand Agriculture Skills Demonstration- THIRD: Team- Bowen Boenish, Ethan Rae, Lela Chisholm.
• Greenhand Radio Broadcasting- THIRD: Team- Cody Epperson, Kiya Cope, and Michael Young.
• Greenhand Creed Speaking- FOURTH: Graham Representative- Kiya Cope.
• Agriculture Advocacy-SEVENTH: Team- Brodie Bates, Bryce Robertson, Leah Holland, Nayeli Ramirez, and Yaneli Ramirez.
• Spanish Creed-EIGHTH: Graham Representative- Lizbeth Castillo.
• Radio Broadcasting- TENTH: Team- Jennifer Bayardo, Lorenzo Simental, Miya Cantwell. 

GRAHAM STEER FOOTBALL- The Steers will be playing Celina in the Region 1 Championship this evening at 7:00 pm tonight at Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX.  GO STEERS!!!

TICKETING /PARKING INFORMATION

Anyone 36 inches or taller will require a ticket.

Ticket Type Available: Tickets will be sold in pods of 2, 4, and 6

Ticket Prices: $15

No Student Section. Must sit in the ticketed seat.

Tickets will be manifested in groups of 2, 4, and 6 with spacing in between seats

Tickets will be solely digital – each guest will have a barcode of their tickets purchased online.

There will be no onsite cash purchase of game tickets available.

Pre-Purchased Parking: $15

Day of Parking: $15 - $20

Tickets on Sale at www.texasrangers.com/football 

FAN INGRESS & SCREENING

Congregation inside the ballpark or parking lots before and after the game is highly discouraged.

A ticket will be required to enter the stadium gates for guests

Walkthrough metal detector screenings will take place at all entry gates

NO BAG policy will be enforced with the exception of a medical bag or diaper bag

Masks and or face covering will be needed for entry.

No Re-Entry policy will be enforced

THE GAME WILL BE VIDEO STREAMED ON THE NFHS NETWORK AT https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/uil/gambaa79cb54a.

PLEASE NOTE A SUBSCRIPTION FEE IS REQUIRED TO STREAM THE EVENT VIA THE NFHS NETWORK. 

Please note- The video streaming of this event is governed by the UIL not Graham ISD

The free audio broadcast of this event will be available via www.positiveradio.net (KBLY 100.5).  

LADY BLUES BASKETBALL- The Lady Blues will be playing Merkel at GHS tomorrow. The JV game will begin at noon with the Varsity game to follow at approximately 1:30 pm. 

You may think... 

You may think that you are completely insignificant in this world.  But someone drinks coffee from

their favorite cup that you gave them.  Someone heard a song on the radio that reminded them of you.

Someone read the book that you recommended and plunged headfirst into it.  Someone smiled after a

hard day’s work because they remembered the joke that you told them today.  Someone loves themselves a

little bit more because you gave them a compliment.  Never think that you have no influence whatsoever.

Your trace, which you leave behind with every good deed, cannot be erased. 

Have a nice day…take care of yourself and others! 

 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY

What do they sing at a snowman’s birthday party? (Scroll down for the answer.)

Freeze a jolly good fellow!

Steer Nation Message 11-20-20 In The Spirit of Thanksgiving

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

COVID-19 Information- Please visit this site for the GISD COVID-19 procedures, protocols, and

lab-confirmed cases.

Graham Steer Football- The Steers will be playing Perryington in Area playoffs at 7:00 pm tonight at

Lubbock Frenship. Graham will be the home team and all tickets will be sold online

at Graham vs Perryton. GO STEERS!

Smokin Steers BBQ Team- This weekend there will be a High School BBQ competition on the downtown square. This is the first one hosted in Graham and because of COVID, it will be somewhat small. We have three boys that make up the Smokin Steers BBQ team. Landon Locker, Diego Arvizu, and Lucio Arvizu are coached by Rock Bottom BBQ’s Brendan Locker. There is a need for judges this Saturday. There are five categories and 5 judges are needed for each category. HSBBQ Inc. will explain the judging rules and expectations.  If you are interested in being a judge, show up early in the day and sign up under the tent for a time slot. Early bird gets the worm! You may sign up for more than one category, but you can’t judge two categories in a row. Please stop by and say hello to the boys as well. The Grand Champion can earn a $3,000 scholarship per kid to a culinary school in Austin. 

The schedule for Saturday will look something like this: 

5:00 AM- Teams can start their fires. 

6:00 AM- Teams pick up their meats and start preparing. 

10:00 AM- Dessert turn in and judging. 

11:00 AM- Beans turn in and judging. 

12:00 PM- Chicken turn in and judging. 

1:00 PM- Ribs turn in and judging. 

2:00 PM- Brisket turn in and judging. 

3:00-3:30ish- Awards presented

Lady Blues Volleyball District 5-4A All-District Honors- District MVP: (Sr.) Leah Holland;

District Defensive Player of the Year: (Sr.) Reese Echols; District Outstanding Server:

(Sr.) Morgan Patterson; 1st Team: (Sr.) Addi Kimberling, (Sr.) Hannah Isom, (Sr.) Ashton Reese;

2nd Team: (Sr.) Lily Gregory, (Sr.) Marilyn Milton-; Honorable Mention: (Sr.) Aubrey Iles,

(Jr.) Rachel Grimsley-; Academic All-District: (Sr.) Reese Echols, (Sr.) Lily Gregory,

(Jr.) Rachel Grimsley, (Sr.) Leah Holland, (Sr.) Aubrey Iles, (Sr.) Hannah Isom, (Sr.) Addison Kimberling,

(Sr.) Marilyn Milton, (Jr.) Emma Parker, (Sr.) Morgan Patterson, (Sr.) Ashton Reese, (Sr.) Sarah Sanders,

(Sr.) Samantha Martin. 

In the  Spirit of Thanksgiving... 

There are a lot of myths around the first American Thanksgiving in 1621, but one thing is for sure. The Pilgrims were lucky to be alive, and they knew it. “Eleven months earlier the Pilgrims had arrived at the tip of Cape Cod, fearful and uninformed,” says Nathaniel Philbrick in his book, “Mayflower. By all rights, none of the Pilgrims should have emerged from the first winter alive. But they did. With the strength of their faith, and help from many Native Americans, they did more than survive.... they began to flourish… they were thankful!

I challenge each of you to think of someone you consider to be really happy. Do they smile more than others you know? Do they laugh more than others you know? Does being in their presence make you happier? What makes this person different? In my opinion, this occurs in large part due to one's ability to be grateful and express gratitude. Let’s face it, bad things happen to all of us... it is not what happens to us that matters, it is our reaction to it. I hope you each take the time over this Thanksgiving Break to pause and consider what you are grateful for. May we all strive to have an attitude of gratitude!

I hope you each have a wonderful, safe, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

 

 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY

What kind of key can’t open doors? (Scroll down for the answer.)

A tur-key!