November Monthly Newsletter

Dear Families, Educators, and Staff:

Recently, I woke up early on Saturday morning still excited about a recent Hardin Friday night win. I was drinking coffee, scrolling through my phone, when two videos that I had not seen in years popped back up on my feed. Both are great and spoke to my heart again. 

Rita Pierson, famously stated, “Kids can’t learn from people they don’t like.” In education, the principles of personal connection and positive rapport are not just beneficial—they're essential. 

Rick Rigsby’s heartfelt message in, "Lessons from a 3rd Grade Dropout" offers invaluable insights into our world today. It is, in my opinion, one of the greatest graduation commencement speeches ever spoken. 

Both of these videos emphasize fundamental life lessons—like perseverance, the importance of relationships, and the value of humility—and provide a solid foundation for one of my personal principles, customer service.

When people feel valued and understood, they are more likely to engage positively. This connection is built on empathy, active listening, and authentic communication. Students thrive in classrooms where teachers are approachable and relatable. When people sense that someone truly cares about their concerns, they are more likely to express appreciation and trust.

For example, consider someone who is frustrated. Education is not immune to issues. A person that takes the time to listen actively, validate their feelings, and offer a thoughtful solution most likely resolves the problem but also builds a rapport that can lead to long-term trust and loyalty.

One of the key takeaways from Rigsby’s story is the importance of perseverance. Challenges are a daily reality. Whether it’s dealing with difficult or high-stress situations or navigating complex issues, the ability to push through obstacles is crucial.

Encouraging a culture of resilience in ourselves and in our students can lead to better outcomes. When we embody perseverance, we can turn challenges into positive resolutions, ultimately enhancing all our goals.

Another vital lesson from Rigsby and Pierson is the importance of humility. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. In this day and age it seems that all our faults get posted online and knit picked by any and everyone. Approaching each day, each interaction with humility can help people remain open to feedback and willing to learn. Humble service means putting the needs of others first and recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity for growth.

Rigsby and Pierson also emphasize the role of a positive attitude in overcoming obstacles. In customer service, a cheerful disposition can go a long way. When we approach each interaction with positivity, they can uplift, even in challenging situations.

I encourage everyone to share success stories and recognize each other's efforts. Relationships matter. This translates into creating positive experiences. Small gestures, such as personalized greetings, remembering previous interactions, and expressing gratitude, can leave a lasting impression. 

Additionally, building strong relationships leads to valuable feedback. When our community is comfortable, they are more likely to share insights that can drive improvement and innovation. This open dialogue can lead to enhanced experiences.

Education is about learning and relationships. Rigsby and Pierson’s videos serve as a reminder of the profound impact that connection and service has in all areas of life. By prioritizing empathy, personal connection, and a commitment to creating positive experiences, Our school can foster an environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

In the end, a person, whether they are a student, a parent, a teacher, or someone in the community, who feels appreciated is not just a one-time buyer; they are a partner in our brand’s journey. As you strive to improve, remember: the strongest connections often lead to the most rewarding outcomes.

At Hardin ISD, we want to create opportunities for ALL students to be successful. Together, We are Hardin, and together we are building a better Hardin, one student at a time.     

Best regards,

Superintendent, Hardin Independent School District 

Please visit the calendar of events on our website at:  https://hardinisd.net/36073_2 

We appreciate your support in ensuring your student is attending school every day and by regularly connecting with your student’s teachers. As you can imagine, attendance is a significant factor concerning student success. The more a student is absent, the increased chance he/she will fail their courses, fall behind in class, and lose a connection with the school. We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. We also know that when students miss too much school— regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically.  

It is the responsibility of the parent and guardian to make sure their child is attending school daily. We don’t want your child to fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time. Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:

Our goal this year is to ensure that every student attends school regularly. Let us know how we can best support you and your children so that they can show up for school on time every day. Working together ensures success for both the school and the students. Please do your part to improve attendance!

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in education. Together, we are creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment for all students.

For more information and updates, visit our district website, www.hardinisd.net.

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