During walkabout today, a young writer stopped me to talk about endings (personally, I like beginnings, but endings it was). It was one of the Muppets after all who noted, “Life is like a movie; write your own ending.” This writer was struggling to bring closure to a story because so much conflict had occurred during the narrative. “How will the day be saved?”

What was really bothering this child was the fact that life works this way. Sometimes a pleasant ending is not always possible. Adversity and conflict are a part of living as we work to achieve personal excellence and success. In life, we all get knocked around some; those who view themselves as victims stay down and those who see themselves as heroes get back up and arm themselves with optimism, courage, and positive actions. When this happens, we have to make the choice to tell ourselves (and the world) a positive story through our words and actions, then work passionately to create a positive outcome. After talking further, this child reminded me of the words I frequently use with others: “Most of our greatest heartaches in life become our greatest blessings in disguise.” As we write our endings to this school year in the coming weeks, here’s hoping we carefully choose the story we want to share with others. Write on…

Volunteers are vital and our special focus today was on the extraordinary work our LME volunteers do for our learning community! What would our growing campus do without these generous individuals who willingly give and assist in immeasurable ways? In our classrooms, our cafe, our gym, our playground, our art gallery, on field trips and other special LME events, and more, our volunteers provide invaluable service and support to us. Here’s what some friends had to say today about our volunteers:
She helps us do our math centers and stations each week.
He reads funny stories to us and we laugh.
She sometimes carries my tray in the cafe line.
They help us with projects and messes we make in class.
They throw us parties at school and make cool ‘quipment.
She stays to teach us when our teacher goes to the bathroom.
They make money for our school to buy us stuff.
They don’t get paid but the do priceless work!

We are blessed with volunteers who give unconditionally of their time, talents, gifts, and service daily…THANKS! Special thanks to our Miller Singers, our StuCo, our staff, and others who honored them in wonderful ways throughout the day. As we plan our work, work our plan, and autograph our work with personal excellence, please know it never goes unnoticed how our volunteers lead the way everyday; we LOVE you, volunteers!

Again this year, Panther Radio will allow MISD citizens to get to know their potential representatives by hosting a School Board Candidate Forum. The event will take place on Monday, April 27th at 6:30pm in the MHS auditorium.

There are three places on the ballot this year. In Place 1, Glenn Hartson will face Keith Hitt while Heather Inman Prather, Matt Cooper and Duke Burge compete to represent Place 3. Todd Hemphill is unopposed in Place 2.

All candidates will be given an opportunity to answer questions concerning issues that may face our district. They will also be able to address a few questions submitted by the audience and Dr. Ron Bland will host the event.

If you cannot attend, Panther Radio will carry the broadcast live at http://www.pantherradio.net.

Early voting begins on April 27th with the election scheduled for Saturday, May 9th. Be sure to get out and vote; our children are counting on you!