Wonders of the World

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

Praise and Celebration- Coach Regina England- The information below was shared with Mrs. Robbins by a parent.  Great job Coach England!

“I attended the cross country meet in Lipan yesterday and had a parent from another school stop me to brag on our kids and Coach England, so I thought it would share it with you.  She said that their group had been watching how well Coach England handled the huge group of Graham kids in general, but they were most impressed with how the Graham kids went back after they finished the race to cheer on their team members and then continued to cheer and keep up with the very last runners in the race until every one of them crossed the finish line.  As a parent of kids she is coaching, I know that Coach England is fabulous at her job, but I thought it was an even better thing for a stranger to notice her work!”

Lady Blues Volleyball- The Lady Blues will be in action at home this afternoon at 4:00 pm vs Millsap.  GO LADY BLUES!”

Lady Blues and Graham Steer Tennis will be playing against Hirschi tomorrow.  Good luck!

Congrats Graham Steers! The Steers defeated Hirschi 42-35 to improve to 3-0 on the season. Next up… Burkburnett for the Homecoming Victory. Go Steers!

Congrats Lady Blues Cross Country! The Lady Blues JV and Varsity teams won the Lipan meet.

Teacher of the Month Program- Beginning this month, we will honoring one of our teachers as the Teacher of the Month.  Benchmark Office Solutions is partnering with the district on this award and will be providing the Teacher of the Month with a $100.00 gift card. To nominate someone for the award complete the form at https://goo.gl/forms/Cq00ltlNd07ChGgI2.

Free Flu Shots- Jordan’s Pharmacy is ready to begin giving Flu shots.  If you have TRS health insurance the shots will be free.

Wonders of the World

A group of Geography students studied the Seven Wonders of the World. At the end of that section, the students were asked to list what they considered to be the Seven Wonders of the World.

Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids

2. Taj Mahal

3. Grand Canyon

4. Panama Canal

5. Empire State Building

6. St. Peter's Basilica

7. China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a quiet girl, hadn't turned in her paper yet. So, she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.

The quiet girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:

1. to touch

2. to taste

3. to see

4. to hear

She hesitated a little, and then

5. to run

6. to laugh

7. and to love

It is far too easy for us to look at the exploits of man and refer to them as "wonders" while we overlook all God has done, regarding them as merely

"ordinary."

May you be reminded today of those things which are truly wondrous.

Have a nice day and enjoy your Wonder of the World!

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

Have you heard about the corduroy pillow?

No? Really?  It’s making headlines!

Remember The Alamo

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

Lady Blues and Graham Steer Cross Country- Best of luck at the Seymour Invitational Meet!

Lady Blues Volleyball- Good luck at Bridgeport tonight!

Graham Steer Football- Best of luck at Brownwood this evening.  Presale tickets are available at the GISD administration office until 1:00 pm today. All tickets will be $6.00 at the gate.

Woodland Annual Hamburger Supper- Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 19th.

Teacher of the Month Program- Beginning this month, we will be honoring one of our teachers as the Teacher of the Month.  Benchmark Office Solutions is partnering with the district on this award and will be providing the Teacher of the Month with a $100.00 gift card. To nominate someone for the award complete the form at https://goo.gl/forms/Cq00ltlNd07ChGgI2.

Free Flu Shots- Jordan’s Pharmacy is ready to begin giving Flu shots.  If you have TRS health insurance the shots will be free.

REMEMBER THE ALAMO

It’s a story from which legends grow. It’s a story whose significance only swells over time. It is the story of Texas independence and the Battle of San Jacinto. You are all true Texans, so you’ve heard the story before, but it deserves to be told at least one more time!

The leader of the Texican army was Sam Houston. Sam Houston was a Virginian who found his way to Texas by way of Tennessee. He had an up and down career, but on April 21, 1836, fate put the right person in the right place, and Texas independence from Mexico was the result.

General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was the president of Mexico, and he was leading the Mexican army on that fateful day. A self-styled “Napoleon of the West”, Santa Anna’s victories at the Alamo and Goliad almost assured Mexican control of the area north of the Rio Grande River that the settlers called Texas.

Destiny seemed to push Houston’s army and Santa Anna’s army to San Jacinto. While the Texican army had fought hard and valiantly over several months, victories were few and far between. The Mexican army out-numbered the Texicans, and they were a more organized and trained fighting machine. In previous battles, Santa Anna had proven to be a ruthless conqueror, and Sam Houston knew what was at stake as he prepared for this, maybe his last, battle.

For the first and only time in his military career, Houston called a council of war to hear from his officers their thoughts about strategy. Should their army attack or wait to be attacked? The officers debated the question back and forth. Advantages and disadvantages of each strategy were argued endlessly. When Houston realized that they were getting nowhere, he looked at his watch. It read 3:30 in the afternoon. He dismissed his council and gave the order: “ATTACK!”

The Texican army moved from the safety of the woods across the plains toward the opposing army. What a swashbuckling sight! Sam Houston at the lead of the army with his sword held high, the fife and drum playing a tune to keep the troops moving briskly, and the silken flag of liberty rippling in the brisk wind…and there was no opposition. None!

Sam Houston’s army was almost on top of the enemy camp before the first volley of gunfire caught Houston and his white stallion. With blood filling his boot, the General corralled another horse, and let out a cry, “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” At about the same time, from the rear, came, “Fight for your lives. The bridge has been cut.” The only path of retreat for the Texicans was gone; it was literally a fight to the death!

Eighteen minutes later General Sam Houston’s army of 435 men had completely routed the 1,600 Mexican soldiers under General Santa Anna. It seemed almost like the Texicans had caught the Mexicans napping. Well, in reality, they had. For the Mexican army, siesta time was 4:00 p.m. Sam Houston’s army engaged them at 4:30 p.m. They had, quite literally, caught the Mexican army asleep!

Isn’t that just the way life can be? Seldom in life are we “defeated” because we lack the knowledge or power or might to persevere? More often than not, when things do not turn out like they should, we discover that we, like Santa Anna, have fallen asleep, have been distracted, have become over-confident.

For the next six months, you will be hearing lots of information regarding the upcoming March primary elections. They provide Texas educators with an opportunity to make a difference for our state. The Texas 85th Legislative Sessions have made it clear that politics has trumped policy at our Capitol. Our state and our profession are being held hostage by a politician that does not see past his next election! Too often in the past at election time Texas educators have been like General Santa Anna – napping as the battle raged on. This time, as the primary election approaches, we must be like General Sam Houston – on the attack!

United educators can elect officials who respect public education and honor teachers…if we just stay awake and FIGHT!

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY (Courtesy of GJHS’s Lanis Graham):

What do you call a fake noodle? (Scroll down for the answer)

Im”pasta”!

Shake It Off

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FIRST FOOTBALL FRIDAY!

Lady Blues Volleyball- Congrats to the 4th Ranked Lady Blues for their victory over Archer City this past Tuesday.  The Blues are in action this evening in Brownwood against the Lady Lions. PLAY HARD...HIT HARD...BE VICTORIOUS!

Graham Steer & Lady Blues Cross Country Teams Compete at the Burkburnett Meet- Sam Perkins finished 13th for the Steers and the Lady Blues JV and Varsity both finished 3rd. Congrats!

Graham Steers Football vs the Sanger Indians Tonight- It all starts with game 1.  Hope to see you there decked out in your Steer Gear to watch the Steers defeat the Indians!

The Graham Steers, the Sanger Indians and the Texas High School Coaches Association are partnering to assist the Hurricane Harvey victims. It is now more important than ever for us to make a strong effort to help our family, friends, and neighbors that have been devastated in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Graham ISD and Sanger ISD will be partnering this Thursday and Friday with the Texas High School Coaches Education Foundation to collect donations for the Texas Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. We are asking for your help… Sanger ISD will be collecting donations on Thursday at the sub-varsity contests. The JV football team will be “Passing the Helmet” during the second quarter of the varsity contest this Friday at Newton Field. ALL DONATIONS WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE TEXAS RED CROSS HURRICANE RELIEF FUND.

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

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.

Hurricane Harvey landed a big punch but not as big as the Spirit of Texans!

“Texas will again lift its head and stand among the nations. It ought to do so, for no country upon the globe can compare with it in natural advantages.” Sam Houston, President Republic of Texas.

“I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings in mystery or paradox. But I think there will be little quarrel with my feeling that Texas is one thing. For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study and the passionate possession of all Texans.”

John Steinbeck, Author 1962.

I’m sure you have all heard the parable below as told by a farmer who owned an old mule. The people of the Great State of Texas, like this old mule, have traditionally shown the ability to “shake it off”.   

Shake it Off

The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' -or- whatever mules do when they fall into wells.

After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving.

Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially, the old mule was hysterical. But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back He should shake it off and step up.

This he did, blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up, shake it off and step up, shake it off and step up," He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought panic and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up.

It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well. What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

That's life. If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity.  The adversities that come along to bury us usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us. Remember that Forgiveness, Faith, Prayer, Praise and Hope all are excellent ways to shake it off and step up out of the wells in which we find ourselves.

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

How do you befriend a squirrel? (Scroll down for the answer)

 

Just act like a nut.

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.