SUPER MONDAY

A motivational and informational morning message from Superintendent Willis

Week 11 ~ October 23rd, 2023

Super Monday Message

In the evening on January 7, 1610 an Italian professor named Galileo stepped outside to observe the skies with his telescope. He had spent a couple years designing telescopes that would allow him a more magnified view. He hadn’t perfected his design at this point, but what he had created was significantly better than what most had available. As he observed the heavens he found Jupiter. He observed what appeared to be 3 stars in a straight line through Juptier. Three days later he noted in his journal that one of the three “stars” was missing. He had a theory about the missing star but to speak it would be heresy.

At this time, just over 400 years ago, most of the world believed the Aristotle cosmology that everything in the universe revolves around earth. To say otherwise was a punishable offense. In 1572 a monk in Poland had published the idea that the earth revolved around the sun. The publication was not received well, and those trying to push the belief were punished. Galileo had been critical of Aristotle for years and accepted this new belief.

So, in January 1610 Galileo had to conclude that those stars were not orbiting around earth, but around Jupiter. The missing star was behind Jupiter and it was not actually a star, but a satellite of that planet like the moon. Galileo shared his belief freely and met significant opposition. Even aside from his teachings being heresy, most scientists of the day did not have telescopes as advanced as his and couldn't confirm his findings.

His teachings about the orbit of the earth became so controversial that he hid those beliefs away for over a decade. In a 1932 publication he brought the topic up again and this time the church was not so forgiving. The Pope ordered him to Rome to face charges of heresy. To prevent more extreme punishments he denounced his teachings about the orbit of the earth. He was placed on house arrest for the rest of his life. He still made many important scientific discoveries during this time at home.

Today we occasionally joke that someone who is being self-centered has a case of “center of the universe syndrome.” They act as though the entire universe orbits around them. Overtime Galileo and other scientists helped the world experience the paradigm shift needed in how they saw the universe. Overtime we can help others and ourselves see that while we have infinite worth, we are not quite the center of the universe. 

If you think you have a case of “center of the universe syndrome,” the best cure is serving someone else. Orbit around another person. See every side of them and help as much as you can. The famous speaker Zig Ziglar once said, “You can get everything you want in life if you just help enough other people get what they want.” Have the very best week 11.

Super High Fives

Just a couple of the awesome recent accomplishments that need a big thank you. 

• A super high five to Priscilla Morgan & Tyrel Ivie and the amazing cast of The Brothers Grimm: Spectaculathon. The play was well done and lots of fun. The hard work of the cast and crew was obvious. 
• Super high five to the Keirsten Strate. She is the college access advisor for our area and she takes time to meet with all of our older students throughout the school year to walk them through all their post-secondary education options. We appreciate having that extra support, it makes a difference.

Other Super Information

• The November ballot will have a question about a bond for a consolidated elementary school in Junction. The ballots will be mailed this week. This link is to a community information folder regarding the proposal.
• This is a link to the voter information pamphlet mailed out last week. Link
• Winter Sports Schedule

Super Weekly Schedule