A Monthly Newsletter produced by Sands CISD
HOOFBEATS
September 2006
Headline Articles
From the Editor
All
Men are Created Equal…or Are They?
by Scott Ragle
Editor
The United States of America is founded upon the groundwork that "all men are created equal." America is also viewed as the "land of opportunity;" many people in the world believe this to be true. Large numbers of immigrants enter the country in order to make a better life for themselves. These catch phrases used above are an honorable attempt to portray America as a land where everything is fair and everyone possesses a chance to succeed.
In reality, what limits us personally is our inability to overcome our fears. We are so afraid of failure in life that we don’t set challenges for ourselves, which ultimately keeps us from being everything we can be. On the other hand, success is a matter of having a positive attitude and applying motivational principles on a daily basis. To achieve your goals and realize your potential, you must be willing to be uncomfortable -- to do things that you’re afraid to do. That’s how you develop your potential!
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is
certain.
Confront your fears and you will grow. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? And yet, what do most people do when they face a frightening situation or new activity? They back away from their fear. They don’t take action. They run! Show me a successful person and I’ll show you someone who confronts his or her fears and takes action!
Examine your fears, so that you will know what you have to overcome. Have you ever been afraid or anxious before trying a new or challenging activity? Have you ever stopped doing something because you were afraid? Fear can paralyze us. We can, but shouldn’t, let fear rule our lives. Of course, every person has a different “fear threshold.” What frightens one person to death might have little impact on someone else.
Each of us has a comfort zone, a place where our expected behavior is familiar to us and where we feel comfortable and safe. The activities and situations that lie inside our comfort zone are non-threatening and familiar. They’re routine, part of our everyday life -- the things we can do with “no sweat.”
When you face your fears, the likely result is that your self-esteem will be enhanced and you’ll feel exhilarated. If you don’t face your fears there is much more at risk. Your self-esteem is lowered. You feel powerless and frustrated. You sabotage your success. You lead an uneventful, boring life. Is the short-term avoidance of fear and anxiety worth the price you have to pay?
In the end, running away from your fears is a losing strategy. It will only bring you frustration and unhappiness. There’s nothing wrong with having some fears. Successful people have fears. The difference is that successful people take action and move forward despite being afraid.
So, stretch yourself. Confront your fears and be willing to expand your comfort zone. The “courage muscle” can be developed just like any other muscle -- with exercise. Confront your fears... and you’re on the way to developing your potential and leading the exciting, fulfilling life you deserve. It’s a decision you’ll never regret!
Good Luck,
Scott
From the Superintendent
The new school year has started with a bang. I am extremely pleased with the staff that we have for this year. I have visited with the staff and stressed the importance of student attendance. Our enrollment is down a little from last year and for every unit drop in average daily attendance the school will have to pay $ 5700 in recapture to the state. The Booster Club has decided to offer an incentive for students to be in school. I am very appreciative of there effort to help our school. They approved requests of $5000 dollars worth of materials for our school at their last meeting. This is a tremendous help to those programs.
I am very proud of the job the maintenance staff did over the summer. The campus looks very good. Katie Grigg through the Jr. Master Gardeners was able to add numerous shrubs in the front of the building and in front of the little gym. She also was able to have some limestone donated and started a walkway in the back. The playground has new woodchips and a mural was painted on the side of the field house. We will continue to try and improve the building but I am appreciative and proud of the job that was done this summer.
I hope every one has a great year!
Wayne Blount
From the Principal
Welcome to the 2006-2007 school year. I am very excited about the new school year and the challenges it provides. Parents, I encourage you to take an active role in your child’s education. If you’ve never taken a very active role in your child’s education, you may wonder if you’re too late. You’re not. It’s never too late! When schools work together with families to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but also throughout life. Teamwork is the most significant thing we can do to ensure success and make it happen.
School attendance is another significant factor in learning. For teachers to help students to be successful, attendance is the key. Please help us reach that goal by keeping your child in school. Thanks for all your help.
One last item, we are having a Homecoming Street Dance. It will be located behind the Ag. Shop in
the bus compound. The dance will start
when the game in over, and end at 11:30.
It is for 6-12 graders and exes.
Younger students may come only with parents. The cost is two dollars a person. Once there, students cannot leave till the dance is over. The only way to leave any earlier is to have
parents talk with me. If you have any
questions please contact me.
As always, my door is open.
Zelda Bilbo, Principal
From the Counselor
Parents and Students:
Now is the time to begin visiting college websites. Check on admissions requirements, financial
aid and scholarship information. Be
sure to note all deadlines. Please encourage
your student to take the ACT or SAT as soon as possible, especially if he/she
plans to attend a four-year university.
These scores also play an important part in scholarship competitions,
both in four-year universities and two-year junior colleges.
FAFSA (Free Application For Student Aid) needs
to be filed early in January. We will
have a special Financial Aid meeting in January to help parents and students
with this process. A FAFSA form must be
filed in order to receive the Federal Pell Grant or low-interest rate, student
and parent loans.
Another special “Thank You” to the local scholarship donors who so graciously gave to our graduates, this last year: The Sands Booster Club, The Farmers Coop Gin of Ackerly, and Ben Bryan.
Deborah Gullatt, Counselor
Club
Happenings
· FFA
September 12th – El Rancho FFA District Meeting @ Coahoma 5:00 p.m.
· National Honor Society
The Sands National Honor Society is
proud once again to sponsor “The Red Wagon Parade” during Homecoming. This
year’s theme is “Songs” and each class; PreK through 12 will be represented in
the parade. We encourage all parents to be involved with creating your
child’s/children’s class float and make this years Homecoming Parade the best
yet. If you need more information about the parade, please contact your child’s
teacher or class sponsor or Mrs. Hamlin.
Sports.
Please see the attached monthly calendar, to find games, game times, locations and Cross Country information.
Please support the Mustangs in all athletic activities, with your presence and enthusiasm. Remember to always show good sportsmanship.
FYI.
The Junior Class will be hosting a Spaghetti supper on September
8th to raise money for Prom.
Tickets can be bought form Mrs. Howard or Ms. Granado.
September 11th – Cookie Dough orders due.
September 26th – Cookie Dough Delivered
Perfect
Attendance Incentives There will be a drawing each six weeks for students with
perfect attendance. The prize will
be fifty dollars. All students, PK
– 5, and 6-12, will be entered if attendance requirements are met. There will also be a drawing at the end
of the school year for students that did not miss a day all year. Please take time and thank a booster
club member for supplying the money.
If you have any questions, please contact Zelda Bilbo.
Sands CISD
P.O. Box 218
Ackerly, TX 79713
(432) 353 –4888
http://sands.esc17.net/Hoofbeats/hoofbeats.htm
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