Letter From Dr. Wallis
May 9, 2008
Another good week at MHS has concluded with many successes. I first want to thank each of you who attended the pep rally for our girl's golf team who are going to state. Thanks go out to our drill team, cheerleaders, and band for making the event a special one for our girls'.
This week we also need to thank Mrs. DeRosa for organizing the TAKS field test in history and chemistry. Mr. Brown also did a great job of loading all the computers for the tests. Thank you both.
With just a few more weeks until school releases for the summer, I want to remind everyone that the students will be spring fever. Remember to check dress code and keep students engaged in learning.
It should be mentioned that we have more students taking AP tests this year than any other year. I am proud of our AP teachers and their efforts in preparing our students for the AP exams. Thank you all.
Well MHS has done it again! ATPE has recognized MHS as one of the top TEN high schools in the state of Texas over a five year period. This is AMAZING! I am so proud of you all. Those of you that have been at MHS over the past five years, you should be so excited that MHS is considered the best over a 5 year period. Way to go!
Remember with all the successes that MHS has had over the years; there will be those negative people who will want to rain on our parade. Do not allow anyone to be negative about what we have done. Each of you should be proud of the accomplishments this school has made and the Cedar Creek Lake community is proud. MHS is the best in Texas and no one can argue this fact. Thank you all so much for teaching to such a high standard and affording our children the opportunity to pursue any dream they want upon graduation.
Teamwork has been the focus of most of the Fantastic Fridays this year. I would like to continue that focus by quoting John Maxwell who says your attitude determines the team's attitude. He continues this sentiment by asking people to take a short self assessment and claims that the first place to start when it comes to attitude is yourself. He asks, do you …
- Think the team wouldn't be able to get along without you?
- Secretly (or not so secretly) believe the recent teams successes are really attributable to your personal efforts, not the work of the whole team?
- Keep score when it comes to the praise and perks handed out to other team members?
- Have a hard time admitting you when you make a mistake? (If you believe you're not making mistakes, you need to check this!)
- Bring up past wrongs from your teammates?
- Believe that you are grossly underpaid?
Maxwell argues that if you could place a check next to any of the above questions, they you need to check your attitude.
This week's employees-of-the-week are great team members and there are four. Each of you may park in the circle next week. First, Shela Koskelin our CATE department head and BCIS teacher is one of our employees-of-the-week. Shela has done a wonderful job of leading our CATE department into the next age. You are a wonderful team member and I will miss you greatly.
Second, Weldon Killingsworth who teaches in our Science department and coaches our boys soccer team. Over the past three years Mr. Killingsworth has done everything asked of him and has gone great lengths to leave his comfort zone in the classroom. He has made great strides to improve as an educator and has a wonderfully positive attitude. Thank you coach for going the extra mile and being such a loyal employee.
Third, is Janice Armstrong. She works for Mr. Rascoe as well as the English and Math departments, and also runs our ISS when needed. She always has a smile on her face and wants to improve daily. I cannot think of a better person to exemplify teamwork. Thank you Mrs. Armstrong for your loving attitude.
Lastly, is Jeanie Owens who works in our special education department. Mrs. Owens is one of our inclusion aides and works very hard. I have never seen her with a frown upon her face. She never has a negative word to say and does everything she is asked and then some.
Join me in congratulating these four employees for their dedication to the students of MHS.
As always, thank you all for all you do and do not hesitate to call on me if you need anything.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Wallis Ed.D
Mutual Respect
Honor Learning
Shared Responsibility
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