SUPER MONDAY

A motivational and informational morning message from Superintendent Willis

Week 11 ~ October 21st, 2024

Super Monday Message

I realized last week that I had crossed over 200 of these little Monday motivation messages over the last 6 years. I love telling these stories and I hope they help you. They have certainly inspired me.

In 1977, William had just graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Journalism. William was also an officer in the United States Navy. Rather than pursue a career in journalism he volunteered for Navy SEAL training. The training was intense and completed in California. 

In the first week William and his fellow trainees were shown a bell in the training grounds. They were told that whenever they were ready to quit, all they had to do was ring the bell and leave their helmet. The trainers did everything they could to convince the trainees to quit and ring the bell. During intense exercises the trainers would tell them that if just one person would ring the bell, everyone could rest.

The weeks went by with great difficulty. The ninth week of SEAL training was called “Hell Week” and it was where many potential Navy SEALS rang the bell. The week consisted of very little sleep, midnight swims in the ocean, endless exercises, and constant harassment from trainers. The purpose of the week was to break those too weak to be called a Navy SEAL.

The ninth week also consisted of one miserable night in the Tijuana mudflats. On Wednesday afternoon the trainees were ordered to row small rafts out to the mudflats. They were ordered into the thick mud and made to do races and physical exercises in the mud. The trainers made sure their entire bodies were covered in mud as they exercised until nightfall. As night came the trainers sat around a warm fire on dry ground, while the trainees stayed in the mud. With the darkness came bitter winds and much colder temperatures. As the trainees stood in the mud the trainers taunted them with promises of warmth if they would quit and ring the bell. They knew they would be in the mud all night.

As William stood freezing in the mud he noticed another trainee start moving toward the dry ground and the firelight. He grabbed the young man's arm to hold him back, but it was pulled free. The young man was almost to the dry ground when another trainee started singing. The fleeing young man paused and turned back. The singing trainee was joined by another and another. Soon the entire company was singing and they were all filled with hope. The trainers took notice and told them to stop singing, but they continued in unison. The singing brought hope and unity to the group. Suddenly the mud didn’t seem so bad, the wind not so chilling, and the dawn not so far away.

This was part of a story told by Admiral William H. McRaven as part of his address to the 2014 graduating class of the University of Texas. He also tells the story in his book “Make Your Bed”. He states, “If you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.” We all, regardless of our circumstances, have the power to bring hope to others. Never ring the bell. Have a great week 11.

Super High Fives

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

• A super high five to the volleyball team and those that supported them in organizing the 1A/2A clash tournament. It’s been a great event the last few years and Piute made it happen. It’s a lot of work to organize, but the coaches, players, and supporters always make it work out well. 
• A super high five in advance to the Halloween play participants and their leaders. We’re super excited to offer an opportunity for theater and we hope everyone will be able to come Wednesday at 6:00 PM.

Other Super Information

• Voter Information Pamphlet
• School Buildings Bond Frequently Asked Questions - NEW
• Fall Sports Calendar 2024
• Winter Sports Schedule (Will be linked here next Monday)
• 2024-2025 School District Calendar
• Truth-In-Taxation Hearing Presentation
• Latest Elementary Schools Design Draft

Super Weekly Schedule