A March to Remember

When we return from winter break in January, I tell our staff that we are now entering the longest stretch of the school year. There are few breaks and it is typically cold, dark, and oftentimes the weather is undesirable. Iowa in winter. It's not always an enjoyable experience. Absent the early part of January, we largely dodged many snow days. But, that's not to say it wasn't cold and oftentimes messy. I've ruined at least one pair of shoes tromping around our construction site over the last couple of months. Even as I write this blog on the afternoon of March 24, 2024, I look out the window from my office here at home and: it's snowing. Indeed, the winter months are often those we hope pass us by quickly; with a longing for the promise of spring, the scent of fresh cut grass, and the blooming of flowers and trees.  The advice I offer to our staff is to leverage the cold to our advantage. It may be too cold to have outdoor recess some days, but it provides an opportunity ripe for student advancement. There is no mistake that we often see the greatest gains in student learning during this time period. 

This winter though, has been--unique. As I alluded to above our snow days were all compacted into a relatively small window over about one week in January. To be clear, that is not what has caused our winter to be so special. It is because our students have given us a lot to be proud of! Of course we have to begin with the historic run of our boys basketball team, culminating in our first appearance at the state tournament since 1994. It was a lot of fun watching this team play, and even on those cold nights it wasn't too hard to find the motivation to get out and watch a ball game. 

Our high school jazz band found its groove this season as well, earning Division 1 ratings in each of its competitions. I had a chance to hear the jazz band perform for the first time over this past weekend and was blown away at the quality of their sound. Hudson High School has been known for decades as a jazz powerhouse, and they definitely flexed their muscles this season!

Yes, March of 2024 has been quite remarkable for our school district. (Even as I watch it snow out my window.) While the state basketball tournament may stand alone as a 'crown jewel' during the first part of the month, it's fair to say the end of the month has been equally impressive.

It began with the FFA banquet on Friday evening. I always enjoy this event (the food is great too, but that is beside the point), mostly due to the fact that it is organized and put on by the FFA. By the FFA, I mean the students. They are the 'master of ceremony' and without their work and attention to detail, it wouldn't be the success it is. The banquet isn't about the food though, it is a celebration of these students' accomplishments. For sure these young people have earned numerous accolades over the course of the year: national recognition, leadership awards, state fair honors; the agenda and order of events is quite impressive. Yet for all the awards received, the most important takeaway is the leadership of these young people. Many have started small businesses of their own, using skills they have learned in the FFA!

Saturday evening was the music departments night to shine. With their annual 'jazz cafe' concert, they didn't disappoint. As mentioned earlier, the high school jazz band was the real show-stopper with their powerful set and well tuned chops. Their rendition of 'Manteca' by jazz icon Dizzy Gillespie was absolutely fantastic! Then we closed with our jazz choir, finishing just their 3rd year of existence. It has been a blast to watch these musicians grow and develop their craft! This year the choir tentatively entered the arena of competition and proved they are up to the challenge. I am so very proud of them and excited for their future. And the set they put together was masterfully programmed to highlight the talent of the group. 

As different as each of these activities were, there was one key commonality woven throughout. The students. In many instances, the activity may be different but the students were the same. A basketball player in the FFA. An FFA member in the jazz band/choir. I am sure there have been many times this winter when these students went directly from one practice or rehearsal to another. This cross pollination of students, their ability and encouragement to participate in a bevy of activities is woven into the DNA of our school district. Indeed many a parent was 'run ragged' by a jam packed and oftentimes unforgiving calendar of events. I suspect many a time, managing a calendar that seemed unmanageable, all while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Finally, I would be remiss without mentioning the contributions of the teachers and coaches who devoted countless hours preparing these students for the competitions and performances that we so enjoyed. In each case, these adults went out of their way to direct the spotlight away from them and onto the students who were in the arena. Watching them interact with their students and hearing the emotion in their voices when acknowledging their contributions to the program is telling. They care. They care a great deal about these students and want to see them succeed as much, perhaps more so that anyone else. I see tears of happiness, celebrating student success. I see tears of sadness, that in these waning days of of the season, of the school year, that is it all beginning to come to conclusion. It has been a very memorable March! 

Comfort and Excitement

At the beginning of the school year, I posed a series of questions to our employees based on their years of service here in Hudson. Over the course of this school year, I have enjoyed sharing those reflections with you here.

For those with 11-15 years with the district, I really wanted to know what still excites them about coming to work. In full disclosure this is the same bracket that I would fit in, now closing in on the end of my 14th year with the district (and 29th year in education). So, the quick math would suggest that roughly half of my career has been spent right here in Hudson. Prior to this stop, I found myself at 4 other schools over a span of about 15 years. At this point in one's career, a comfortable routine begins to emerge. So the question may become, is it still exciting or is it like the comfort of a warm blanket on a cold winter evening. Perhaps it can be both?

For me, the ebbs and flows of the calendar provide direction, balance, and certainty. School starts every August. The budget is finalized in April. Right now, we are in hiring season. Furthermore, I've been here long enough that I have a pretty decent grasp on the community dynamic and value system. There is no doubt this knowledge helps in my decision making. I might also opine the community probably understands my perspective and many times will know how a particular issue may be settled based on prior experience. This bond hopefully leads to few surprises. So, sure I can admit there is a great deal of comfort here. 

But where is the excitement? Well, I can honestly say that after all these years, the excitement comes from seeing everything come full circle. I touched on this ever so briefly last week. From my view in the balcony I've been blessed to watch these students grow from little kids who had to be taught 'body basics', (also known as walking down the hallway in a straight line quietly with your hands to yourself), to confident young adults who can develop a marketing plan for beef cattle, earning national accolades while eloquently pitching that plan to a room full of strangers. It is incredibly thrilling to watch our students as they journey along the continuum of our educational program and discovering who they are and where their interests lie. It is satisfying beyond belief to know that, yes; our program works.

It doesn't stop there though, not at all. Have you ever been so engrossed in a book that you just couldn't put it down? Because you could hardly wait to see what happens next? Or how about a great movie? It is so good that you don't want to get up because you might miss something? That is Hudson! I suppose in some respects, it is a fear of missing out on something. There are just so many great things going on in our school and community that the opportunity to be part of that environment is satisfying. Indeed the constant churn of change leaves one not wanting to 'change the channel'. That is  what still excites me! But what about everyone else that fits into this category? Let's explore some of the reasons they shared. 

One teacher emphasizes the energizing nature of constant change. Every school year brings a new batch of students, each with unique personalities, strengths, and challenges. This constant influx keeps the work environment dynamic and exciting. The opportunity to tailor their approach to each student and witness their growth is a source of immense satisfaction.

Another educator highlights the infectious enthusiasm of the students themselves. The thrill of discovery, the "aha!" moments as they grasp new concepts, and the sheer joy of learning – these are experiences that teachers get to share with their students every day. Witnessing this eagerness and intellectual curiosity is a powerful motivator that keeps them engaged.

The challenges presented by each new school day are also a source of inspiration for some teachers. Every lesson presents an opportunity to innovate, to find new ways to connect with students and make complex topics understandable. The chance to problem-solve and constantly improve their craft keeps them feeling mentally stimulated and professionally fulfilled.

Beyond the classroom walls, a deep love for the Hudson community fuels the passion of these educators. The chance to give back to their hometown and play a role in shaping the next generation is a privilege they deeply value. Building relationships with students, families, and fellow educators fosters a sense of belonging and purpose that extends far beyond the daily grind.

The camaraderie and supportive network formed with colleagues is another perk highlighted by several teachers. Working alongside a team that shares their values and dedication creates a positive and collaborative work environment. Bouncing ideas off each other, celebrating successes, and offering support during challenging moments – these shared experiences strengthen their resolve and make coming to work a pleasure.

The variety that each day brings is another reason these educators, and their superintendent find this work so rewarding. No two days are ever exactly alike. There's always something new to learn, a fresh perspective to consider, or an unexpected turn of events to navigate. This inherent unpredictability keeps us on our toes and ensures the work remains stimulating and engaging. 

Did I also mention it's Great to be a Pirate?

The Glory of Small Town Iowa

Some of my fondest memories from high school have nothing to do with a classroom activity or a test score. My recollections from typing class (yes, we had to take an actual typing class) were mind numbing! Days when we had to bring our grammar book to English class were pure torture, and if I think about Algebra class too hard I'm apt to break out in a cold sweat. 

Anyway, I digress. What I do remember with a great deal of joy and nostalgia are those events that were, no doubt part of my formal public school education but took place outside the confines of a traditional classroom. Those things that drove to the heart of our culture as a small, proud school district. The adventures that embodied a positive climate. The trips to the Dome for the playoffs. I was in the band, so getting to play in the pep band at the Dome was an amazing experience. Same when it came to the state basketball tournament. In those days, it was at the 'Barn'. Many of you can probably remember Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, now a conference center connected to the 'Well'. 

There were also the music concerts where I had a solo, contests on Saturdays that would take us to exotic locations for competition (like Roland Story), and early (and I mean early) practices in the fall preparing for All-State auditions. We had a great deal of fun, learning from our teachers, developing friendships, and really just getting to have the full small town experience. We watched our peers, the upperclassmen compete and perform, all while looking forward to the time when we would ascend to the spotlight. Hoping that we would live up to the expectations that had been set out for us. There is nothing quite like growing up in the comfort of small town Iowa. 

And the support from the community! Few things compare to having a full auditorium for a concert of a play! Or a gym, jam packed with fans for a Friday night game. Or an article in the local newspaper highlighting your success on the stage or on the field. 

That is the beauty of living in small town Iowa. In a lot of ways, State Center and Hudson are a lot alike. We understand the success of our students doesn't belong to those students alone. That success belongs to the entire community, and we beam with pride at their; at our collective accomplishments. These are our friends, our neighbors, and yes our students. I've watched some of these kids from the time they weren't even big enough to dribble a basketball. When singing was screaming. When they weren't old enough to tie their shoes, so they just ran around without them. 

A couple of weeks ago we had our annual pops concert. We were treated to amazing performances from our junior high and high school bands. The junior high and high school choirs. It is neat to see the growth these students have made this school year and how far they have come. When I was a student in junior high, I was always in awe when the high school students would perform because it was so dang good! Hoping that I would one day have a chance to perform in those ensembles. Anyway, at the end of this particular concert the musical theater small group performed. (This wasn't a thing when I was in high school.) To say they were amazing almost sounds inadequate. They took my breath away. Of course they did: they were an All-State nominee.

This past weekend was our Spring play, 'Clue'. Sadly, I was unable to attend due to a personal scheduling conflict. I feel badly about it because I was so looking forward to seeing our students perform. But yet, they were not really performing for me. They were performing for themselves. They were performing for the entire community. From what I have heard it was spectacular. Indeed there was never any doubt. We have come to expect nothing less.

This week we have another opportunity to create those memories not only for ourselves, but for our entire community and the students we serve. Our boys basketball team will be making their first appearance in the state tournament in 30 years! 1994. Let the record reflect that I was a senior in college! I do hope you take advantage of the opportunity to join us in Des Moines to watch our team play. They most certainly are playing for themselves. But they are also playing for the name on the front of their jersey. They are playing for you. They are playing for the glory of their hometown.