As a young girl I went away to summer camp each year. When I became an
older camper, one of the activities I could try out for was war canoe. I know
it sounds strange if you were not a camper at my summer camp, but stick
with me. It was a big deal to be chosen.
older camper, one of the activities I could try out for was war canoe. I know
it sounds strange if you were not a camper at my summer camp, but stick
with me. It was a big deal to be chosen.
After tryouts, decisions were made and a team was created. The team
consisted of 11 girls; a stern and 5 bows made up our boat. We worked
every day for almost a month to prepare for the big race. The race took
place during Round Up. Round Up was sort of a showcase for campers
to share some of their accomplishments to their parents.
consisted of 11 girls; a stern and 5 bows made up our boat. We worked
every day for almost a month to prepare for the big race. The race took
place during Round Up. Round Up was sort of a showcase for campers
to share some of their accomplishments to their parents.
From the first day of war canoe we knew we were a part of something special.
There were expectations communicated and commitments made. We
worked every day to be a better team. We practiced on land and in the
boat. We had to listen to our stern; our leader as she made calls to “stroke.”
We had to learn how to work in sync...as one instead of 10 separate people.
We had to work equally hard to maintain balance of the boat or we would flip,
which did happen in the early days of practice. We were bruised after
practices, but those bruises were badges of honor, knowing we worked
hard for our team. On the day of the race, we had to trust each other, rely
on each other and not give up. Our parents were on the banks of the
Guadalupe River, as was the entire camp watching as 22 campers put
their heart and muscle into the race. The 22 of us in the boats knew we had
the support of more than just the 10 others in the boat, but that of our parents
and other campers.
There were expectations communicated and commitments made. We
worked every day to be a better team. We practiced on land and in the
boat. We had to listen to our stern; our leader as she made calls to “stroke.”
We had to learn how to work in sync...as one instead of 10 separate people.
We had to work equally hard to maintain balance of the boat or we would flip,
which did happen in the early days of practice. We were bruised after
practices, but those bruises were badges of honor, knowing we worked
hard for our team. On the day of the race, we had to trust each other, rely
on each other and not give up. Our parents were on the banks of the
Guadalupe River, as was the entire camp watching as 22 campers put
their heart and muscle into the race. The 22 of us in the boats knew we had
the support of more than just the 10 others in the boat, but that of our parents
and other campers.
I share this story because it is similar to the hard work and commitment
our staff puts in each and every day of the school year to support our
students and each other. The vision and mission is shared. We decided
collectively on our goals and focus areas. Expectations are communicated
and revisited as the year progresses. Commitments are made. Occasionally,
adjustments are made to balance our boat. We practice, evaluate, adjust,
change, learn and grow through hard work and practice. We may even
get bruised every now and then. Our commitment to our students and each
other is one of growth and progress.
We are committed to challenging one another to grow as learners in a
community of respect and acceptance. We also want to empower
our students with tools to grow through nurturing relationships and
innovative experiences.
our staff puts in each and every day of the school year to support our
students and each other. The vision and mission is shared. We decided
collectively on our goals and focus areas. Expectations are communicated
and revisited as the year progresses. Commitments are made. Occasionally,
adjustments are made to balance our boat. We practice, evaluate, adjust,
change, learn and grow through hard work and practice. We may even
get bruised every now and then. Our commitment to our students and each
other is one of growth and progress.
We are committed to challenging one another to grow as learners in a
community of respect and acceptance. We also want to empower
our students with tools to grow through nurturing relationships and
innovative experiences.
This work is not easy and at times it can feel overwhelming. We are
committed to the whole student, not just the academics side of a student.
However, we need some mutual commitments from our Colt families.
We want you to cheer “from the banks of FM 967” and we want you
to grab a paddle to help us row in the same direction; strengthening
our team and ultimately helping our students achieve. Teamwork is
desired. Communication is necessary. Our students deserve our best!
committed to the whole student, not just the academics side of a student.
However, we need some mutual commitments from our Colt families.
We want you to cheer “from the banks of FM 967” and we want you
to grab a paddle to help us row in the same direction; strengthening
our team and ultimately helping our students achieve. Teamwork is
desired. Communication is necessary. Our students deserve our best!
