Missed Opportunities

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

Brag Time for a few of our best!  Gary Browning received the message below from Melanie Bloomfield at ESC 9.

“I have been wanting to email you for a while and am finally getting to it.  Our Math academies this summer were full with teachers ready to learn.  But I have to brag on the teachers from Graham.  They knew their content areas, shared with the group and were the most attentive teachers I have had in a training like this.

They were positive, always willing to volunteer and just a pure joy. Nancy Cook and I were very impressed with your teachers. We wanted you and the leaders in Graham to know how grateful we are to have worked with them.  If I recall correctly, you had teachers attend the K/1, 2nd, and 3rd grade academies this summer.

If you have a chance to mention it, please let these teachers know how impressed we were with their teams and we wish them a great beginning to an new year.”

Thanks a ton Dawn Riley, Liz Rose, Modely Carranza, Kathy Riggins, Tessa Boenisch, Benny Ramsey, Tonya Fellows, Deb Guinn, Calle O’Briant, Salley Stacey, Sherrie Little, Cristina Reeve, Brianne Elrod, Leigh Medford, Kaci McClendon, Shelly Holt and Carrie Trice for the dedication and representation of Graham ISD!

Lady Blues Volleyball- The Lady Blues Freshman, JV & Varsity swept Breckenridge this past Tuesday. Congrats! Good luck at the Argyle Tournament this weekend!

School Events/School Calendar- Please make sure all your events are being placed on the web calendar.

Graham Steers Football Season Tickets- There is still time to purchase season tickets.  Purchasing season tickets now allows you the opportunity in the future to move to better seats.  See Heather Williams at the admin office for your season ticket needs.

November 7, 2017 Elections- ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? The last day to register to vote in the November election is October 10, 2017.  It’s a simple process to complete. Go to https://webservices.sos.state.tx.us/vrapp/index.asp.

Missed Opportunities

The story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer's beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, "Son, go stand out in that field and I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter."

The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn

door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever

seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than

this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the

pasture out the back gate.

The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood - pawing the ground, grunting,

slinging slobber - as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had

to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull

pass through the pasture, out the back gate.

The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail!

Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

Why are frogs are so happy? (Scroll down for the answer)

They eat whatever bugs them!

A Glass of Milk

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

From my perspective, we have had a great start for the 2017-2018 school year! This is due to the work of you… our AWESOME staff!!!

New GISD Website- As you are aware, GISD rolled out a new website in July.  Thanks a ton to Jayne Beale and Chris Rasile for the hours of work to make this happen!  Please let me or Jayne know if you see something on any of the new pages that does not appear correct.

Lu Allen Tournament- The Lady Blues will be in action today and tomorrow at our hometown volleyball tournament honoring a former Graham ISD coach- Coach Lu Allen. Coach Allen began her career with Talco-Bogata CISD in 1966.  She then served in Post and McKinney before coming to Graham in 1998. From 1998 to 2003, Coach Allen built a strong legacy not only with her volleyball teams but with the life skills she taught through athletics.  Her Graham volleyball teams won 6 district championships and advanced to the Regional Tournament 4 times.

The Lady Blues will compete in pool play at GHS beginning at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  Bracket play will begin on Saturday. We hope to see you at the Lu Allen Tournament!

Graham Steers Football Scrimmage- Safe travel and good luck to our Graham Steers as they travel this afternoon to Shotwell Stadium in Abilene for some scrimmage action against San Angelo Lakeview.

Rompin Stompin Big Blue Band- This past Tuesday evening RSB3 provided a musical preview for their 2017 marching show.  The definitely hit a homerun!  RSB3 band director hinted that we may see the full show early in the season this year due to the hard work the students have put in. I know we are in for a great show!

Booster Bash- The annual Graham Athletic Club Booster Bash event will be held at Newton Field this coming Monday. The start time for the event is 6:30 p.m. It’s a great time to support our Lady Blues, Graham Steers, RSB3, Color Guard and Bella Blues! Hope to see you there!!!

Graham Steer Football Season Tickets- At 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23rd, football season tickets go on sale to the general public.  To purchase season tickets get in line early at 400 Third Street on the morning of the 23rd!

A GLASS OF MILK

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.  Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it so slowly, and then asked, How much do I owe you?"  You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness."  He said ... "Then I thank you from my heart."

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.  Many years later that same young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.  Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.

Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.  Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once.  He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to her case.  After a long struggle, the battle was won.

Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then he wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words…

"Paid in full with one glass of milk"

(Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that your love has spread broad through human hearts and hands."  There's a verse which goes something like this: Bread cast on the waters comes back to you. The good deed you do today may benefit you or someone you love at the least expected time.  If you never see the deed again at least you will have made the world a better place - And, after all, isn't that what life's all about?

Have a blessed day!

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

WHY WAS THE BABY STRAWBERRY CRYING? (Scroll down for the answer.)

HIS MOM WAS IN A JAM!

Teacher... Molders of Dreams

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

From my perspective, we have had a great first week back together preparing for the 2017-2018 school year. I feel blessed to be serving the students of Graham ISD with you!

GISD Inspires Conference- Gary Browning and his team did a fabulous job planning and organizing our second GISD Inspires Conference.  The conference would not have been possible without the many teacher leaders that stepped up to present.  A BIG THANK YOU to Jenna Baker, Mike Barr, Audra Barrett, Lisa Budarf, Tessa Boenisch, Kayley Bynum, Holly Camp, Randi Chaffin, Susan Davidson, Gayla Dunagan, Jennifer Freeman,  Allyson Garner, Donna Gatlin, Aracely Ginn, Joe Gordy, Ryan Gordy, Trudy Hardy, Stacy Lewis, Lisa Lovell, Michelle Lowrey, Necia Marin, Kendal McCurdy, Brandi Menard, Molly Morris, Amy Murphy, Colleen Netterville, Sheena Parrilla, Tracy Pippins, Kelly Qualls, Benny Ramsey, Cristina Reeve, Jeanne Richardson, Jayme Reger, Susan Riley, Pam Rogers, Christina Shubert, Shelley Sokolosky, Breann Spivey, Stephanie Talbott, Shannon Weaver, and Ande Wright.

Lance Browning, Emily Gordy and Lawson Marin earned $76.02 for the Young County Humane Society by serving our staff lemonade during the GISD Inspires Conference.  GREAT JOB KIDDOS!

2017-2018 TRS Active Care Reminder-  Annual Enrollment for the 2017-2018 TRS ActiveCare Health Insurance Plan year begins July 1, 2017 and ends August 22, 2017. Returning GISD employees who do not wish to make any change to their health insurance coverage, do not have to re-enroll for the 2017-2018 Plan Year. Our new GISD employees will need to enroll or decline coverage by the August 22nd deadline.  Additionally, each new employee will be meeting with First Financial this coming Monday to make decisions regarding the various insurance coverages they wish to have.

Would you like a bird feeder? If so, please GHS Ag teacher, Jacob Lange.  The local Tractor Supply donated a bunch of bird feeders to our Ag Department.  The department is offering them first to our staff. See Mr. Lange for more details.

Upcoming Events:

• See the Staff Development Calendar for August 11, 14 & 15.
• Back to School Breakfast- 7:30 a.m. on Monday, August 14 in the GHS Commons.
• Graham Junior High School Open House- Monday, August 14 from 5:00 - 6:00
• Pioneer Meet the Teacher- Tuesday, August 15 from 4:00 - 5:00.
• Crestview Meet the Teacher- Tuesday, August 15 from 5:00 - 6:00.
• Woodland Meet the Teacher- Tuesday, August 15 from 6:00 - 7:00.
• Graham High School Open House- Thursday, August 17 from 5:00 - 6:30.

Teachers... Molders of Dreams

By

Clark R. Mollenhoff

Teachers

You are the molders of their dreams

The gods who build or crush

Their young beliefs of right or wrong.

You are the spark that sets aflame

The poet's hand or lights the flame

Of some great singer's song.

You are the god of the young, the very young

You are the guardian of a million dreams

Your every smile or frown

Can heal or pierce the heart

You are a hundred lives, a thousand lives.

Yours the pride of loving them

And the sorrow too.

Your patient work, your touch

Make you the gods of hope

Who fill their souls with dreams

To make those dreams come true.

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

Why are frogs are so happy? (scroll down for the answer)

They eat whatever bugs them.

Graham ISD Service Awards and Employees of the Year

The last official workday for our instructional staff was this past Friday.  We enjoyed with a great breakfast from The Dinner Bell and Starbuck Coffee from United Supermarket. Most importantly, we celebrated our staff years or service, our employee and teacher of the year and our retirees.

What make Graham ISD such a great place is the awesome people!  Thanks a ton for a great 2016-2017. Hope you all have a great summer!!!

Five Years of Service

Terrie Gore, Daena Sarinana, Terri Beaman, Jauquina Contreras, Brianne Elrod, Sherrie Little, Rhoda Mills, Tim Wankowicz, Misty Mills, Connie Tello, and Julie Elrod.

Ten Years of Service

Melynda Cox, Julie Fisher, Debbie Townley, Sheena Parrilla, Sarah Curd, Cara Echols, Cheryl Sides, Robert Sides, Bethany Wilson and Maria Socorro Garcia.

Fifteen Years of Service

Tonya Thompson, Kelli Walker, Hugh Grubbs, Julie Thompson, Barbara Goodman, Dinky Nantz and Diane Swiger.

Twenty Years of Service

Gaye Steadham, Rhnea Milam, Patti Hornsey, Sherri Walker and Lisa Lovell

Twenty-Five Years of Service

Dana Burgess, Alison Karper, Brenda Bewley and Jayne Beale

Thirty Five Years of Service

Tonya Fellows

Employees of the Year

Brenda Bewley, Willy Perkins, Rosalinda Pyzdrowski, Christie Brewster and

Brent Dickson

Teachers of the Year

Marva Thomas, Kacey Wakefield, Barbara Lewis, Breann Spivey and Michelle Lowrey.

Retirees

Tonya Sparks, Vanessa Monk, Micki Bullock, Michelle McGee, and Isabell Smith. Not Pictured- Brad Lang, Buddy Moore and Mary Sanders.

Advice to the Graduates

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY LAST DAY OF SCHOOL AND HAPPY GRADUATION DAY TO THE CLASS OF 2017!

REMINDER- PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM FOR THE END OF YEAR STAFF BREAKFAST AND AWARDS IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO. June 2nd signifies the last work day for our instructional staff. On this day, we are having a full breakfast (casseroles, biscuits & gravy, fruit and scones) catered by The Dinner Bell. The breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. in the GHS cafeteria. At 9:00 a.m. we will all meet in the GHS gym for the Staff Awards program. After the awards program, if you have completed the checkout procedure with your principal, you are free to begin your weekend. To assist us with planning for the breakfast, we are asking each staff member to complete this Yes or No survey. Please click on this link to complete the survey-

End of Year Staff Breakfast and Awards-

Class of 2017 Senior Walk- Mr. Gordy planned for our GHS Seniors to take a walk through our elementary campus while wearing their cap and gown.  Everyone enjoyed the experience.  Hopefully, this can develop into a new tradition.  Great job by everyone that made it happen. The video can be viewed at:

https://animoto.com/play/T44LQFpEOuc50Qfr3A3PJw

Class of 2017 Senior Video- Created by Marleigh and Meredith Sanders. Enjoy! CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO VIEW.

Advice to Graduating High School Seniors

Life is made up of cycles.  You are finishing one, and about to start another.

I can remember 35 years ago, in May 1982, anticipating graduation and what would come next. I was naively optimistic about my own impending journey toward being the first in my family to earn a college degree.

Key to success (in my opinion):

• Arrive early…stay late!  A strong work ethic will serve you well.

• “Yes, ma’am, No ma’am, Yes sir, No sir, Thank you and Please” are some of the most important words in the English language.  Common respect will open doors and provide opportunities!

• Don’t let your high school years be your best years! Being a grownup, if you do it right, and work at it, is much better than being a teenager.

• Take risks…don’t be afraid to fail! George Bernard Shaw once said, “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.”

• Don’t focus solely on grades. Earning all A’s doesn’t help you much if you can’t make connections to the world around you!

• Believe in something and take a stand! Passion leads to grit and sacrifice.

• Give something back! Making a difference in others lives is fulfilling and will make you happy.

• Lastly, you are not living in the real world unless you are paying your own bills!  Be grateful to those that provide for and assist you on your road to success.  When given the opportunity…pay it forward!

Corny Joke of the Day:

What did Mr. and Mrs. Hamburger name their daughter?

Patty

Written in Stone

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

The Lady Blues defeated Andrews last night 5-3 in game one of the best of three series! A home run by Nicole King and hard hit balls off of the outfield wall by Sarah Bundrick & Alex Husen in the 5th inning changed the game.  Additionally, Aubree Beggs provided some clutch fielding from her centerfield position.  Emma Southerland got win from the mound.  Game 2 will be played in Snyder on Saturday at 2:00. Game 3, if needed, will be played at 4:00.

Lady Blues Honor Chester Martin! Prior to leaving for the Snyder on Thursday, the Lady Blues softball team honored community member and long time Lady Blues Softball supporter Chester Martin with a special sign, CHESTER’S CHAIR, to mark his permanent reserved seat at the ballpark.

Congrats to Graham Steers Jack Hayes and Hunter Dooley!  Each of these young men represented themselves, their families, their school and their community admirably at the UIL State Track Meet. Jack Hayes finished with a Silver Medal in the Discus. Hunter Dooley finished with a Gold Medal earning the title of 4A SHOT PUT STATE CHAMPION!

End of Year Staff Breakfast and Awards- June 2nd signifies the last work day for our instructional staff. On this day, we are having a full breakfast (casseroles, biscuits & gravy, fruit and scones) catered by The Dinner Bell. The breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. in the GHS cafeteria. At 9:00 a.m. we will all meet in the GHS gym for the Staff Awards program. After the awards program, if you have completed the checkout procedure with your principal, you are free to begin your weekend. To assist us with planning for the breakfast, we are asking each staff member to complete this Yes or No survey. Please click on this link to complete the survey-

End of Year Staff Breakfast and Awards-

WRITTEN IN STONE

“A TRUE FRIEND IS THE GREATEST OF ALL BLESSINGS” - Unknown

I recently read a story that reads much like an Aesop’s fable. The moral to the story is pretty profound, I think. It goes like this:

Two friends were hiking in the desert. At a point in the trip, they got into an argument and one friend slapped the other one in the face. Immediately, the one who had been slapped dropped to his knees and without saying a word wrote in the sand, “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.”

They continued hiking until they came upon an oasis. After getting a drink and filling their canteens, the men decided to bathe. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started to drown. His best friend immediately pulled him out of the muck and saved him. After recovering from the near drowning, the rescued man wrote on a stone, “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.”

The friend who had first slapped him and then saved his friend’s life asked him, “After I hurt you, you wrote in sand but now you write on stone. Why?”

The other man replied, “When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it. However, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it!”

For educators this time of the year is met with mixed emotions. It’s busy; it’s hectic. We are trying to meet deadlines, and we are trying to wrap-up another school year. Then, one day we come up for air, and we realize that we are faced with saying goodbye to friends and colleagues with whom we have worked. Some are retiring, and others are just moving on to “greener pastures”. Whatever the reason, now is the time to etch those friends’ names in stone so that “no wind can ever erase it”.

This year will mark the retirement of eight members of our education family. As these ladies and gentlemen retire from their positions, we want them to know that by positively touching thousands of lives during their careers, they have ensured that the winds of time will never erase their impact them from memories of their students!

Good luck Micki Bullock, Brad Lang, Michelle McGee, Vanessa Monk, Buddy Moore, Mary Sanders and Tonya Sparks ! We wish each of you the best and we thank you for your service!

Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget!

“I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS” The Beatles

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

What do softball players eat on?

Home plates!