by Exeter-Milligan Superintendent, Paul Sheffield
“It’s beginning to
look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go…”
Hard to believe it is that time of the year already. It’s also the time of year to look back and
give thanks for what we have and to lend a helping hand to those who are not as
fortunate as we.
During
this time of the year, we all need to step back and take a look at our
lives. Are we happy with what we
have? Are we grateful for the blessings
we have been given? Or are we wishing
our lives away, wishing we had more money, more things, more time? Much too often we look at what others have
and wish we had that too. We probably
need to do just the opposite. We should
celebrate what we DO have! If we spend
our time always looking somewhere else and wishing we had what they have, we
never truly see what we have ourselves.
We never celebrate our uniqueness, our own accomplishments, our own
treasures. The grass always looks
greener on the other side, but once you get there, it’s usually no different
(or at times even worse) than what you already had.
Many
of you may be aware, but we are looking into our options for volleyball for the
2017 season. It is very possible we will have only eight (8) volleyball players.
Each of the options we have discussed has pros and cons. Outlined below are the options being
considered:
Option 1 – Stay on our own and take
a chance with no injuries, etc
Pro’s – everyone would have the opportunity
to play, still be in Crossroads
Conference,
maintain our own program
Con’s – 1 or 2 injuries away from a
rough season, difficult to practice/emulate
game situations,
younger players possibly put into a situation not ready for
Option 2 – Co-op with a Friend
Pro’s – possible to field a full
team including a JV and varsity
Con’s –playing time for E-M
students not guaranteed, not guaranteed to be in the Crossroads Conference, working
out co-op specifics (practice, games, colors, etc), may have less participate
due to the co-op
Option 3 – Co-op with Fillmore Central
Pro’s – field a full team (JV and Varsity), already have a working relationship due
to softball co-op
Con’s – playing time for E-M students not guaranteed, will not be in the
Crossroads Conference, working out co-op specifics (practice, games, colors, etc),
may have less participate due to the co-op
This will be discussed (with a possible decision) at the January school board meeting. We value
input, so please feel free to contact a board member or myself about which option you believe
would be the best for our students. We always need to keep our options open for other
opportunities that may come our way – our dance card is always open. The focus needs to be on
the success of the students and the opportunities that can be provided. The common goal must
be to provide the best opportunities for the students of Exeter-Milligan. Sometimes, those
opportunities may not be readily available here.
Change is never easy. Having a routine and keeping things the status quo is safe – we
know what to expect. On the other hand, could there be something that we miss when we don’t
venture out? My inspiration for this article has been my in-laws. Ten years ago this past week,
they made a huge change in their lives and stepped out of their comfort zone – they moved from
Minnesota to Arizona. They had lived in the same community for over 45 years (and in only two
houses during that time). Leaving what they had always known was a HUGE step for them. Not
once in ten years have they ever regretted this decision. If they could take this giant leap, can’t
we all take a small one?
Take a little time this holiday season to celebrate the blessings each of us has been given.
Celebrating life’s little successes along the way is something we should cherish. If we go
through life wishing all the time, how will we ever know if our wishes came true? Just a little
food for thought – have a safe and happy holiday season. ENJOY!