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by The Cadiz Record Email News
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It wasn't the Olympics or Kentucky Kingdom Six Flags. The day was perfect, the lines were short and best of all, the event was free. There were tall people, short people, people of different cultures and races, but most importantly they were Cadiz/Trigg County people. The sounds ranged from laughter to words of encouragement, but the best is they were happy sounds. Just 15 little stations, but stations that provided a day and evening of just plain old fashioned fun. It was your day, Distinguished Partners," to be honored for your support of your child's education in Trigg County Public Schools, but more than that it was an affirmation of how important you are to us.
In its second year, the "Parents as Partners" program continues to strive to bring parents and community into the school environment. As you participate in the "We Build Ships" campaign, this community can develop relationships and partnerships through leadership and sportsmanship on our voyage to scholarship.
So we fudged a little on which line to stand during the games, but we wanted to make sure success and enjoyment were an important part of the "Distinguished Partner Celebration." When we are, or were, young we need all the help and encouragement we can get to make sure we achieve and achieve at high levels. Achievement is a minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month and year by year journey. One of the goals of "Parents as Partners" is provided opportunities for achievement and success. That is why Trigg County Public Schools sponsor many events for you, your child, our partners and this community.
"Now stand right here at this line," she said. "Take these bean bags and toss them at this Fish Spinner. Try to hit the bright colored fish and get the spinner to stop where the numbers are showing. Come on, you can do it, I know you can!" So the pint size first grader draws back and throws. "Good job," the school partner responds, "try it again and get another number." The arm comes back and out with shots two and three and by the time the spinner stops, number 15 is shining. "You are just great," is the response as the partner pats the winner on the back. She grabs a bag and offers a choice for the winner. "Would you like a key chain or this brightly colored fish?" was the question. With eyes sparkling and eagerness to choose, the young first grader replies, "I want the fish," and off he goes to play another game. And the process continues for those who attended the "Distinguished Partner Celebration" on April 29.
A partner is someone who supports you, encourages you, stands by you, believes in you and wants to be a part of your sail to success. The "Distinguished Partner Celebration" would not have been successful without our parents, grandparents, guardians, school administration and staff, and community partners. A special thank you to the many people who made this celebration a success. Your efforts made it possible for us to have smooth sailing.
"Punch the button on the tape player and let's get this limbo moving," cheered the school partner. At first people were a little shy to limbo under the bamboo stick, but soon lines were forming and each individual had their own limbo style. It's not like any of us are experts on the process, but the goal was to be successful and have fun, remember. The bamboo stick moved lower and lower as each person slid under. "How low can you go?" asked the school partner. For each participant it was different, but during the course of the day and evening sessions we did find some great limbo participants. Way to go Mr. Miller, Mr. Maddison and Jayven! The important thing is not the style or height of one's passage under the bamboo stick, the important thing is that people were willing to try, to have fun and be a part of something great, the "Distinguished Partner Celebration."
We could go on describing the rousing sack races, the perpetual putt-putt golf, the basketball shoot, sand dig, several ring tosses, bowling and the ever popular "Walk the beam." For each one we could say many of the same things. But, maybe, the most important things we can say about the day and the evening sessions were the camaraderie, the spirit of togetherness, the opportunity to let one's hair down and enjoy the moment, and the pulling together of many toward a common goal. Thank you so much to those who attended, it meant a lot to have you celebrating with us.
Amid the food, the games, the prizes and the certificates, guest speaker Gary Grieser reminded us of the value of our children and the important role we as parents, grandparents, guardians, community supporters and educators play in their sail to success. As he closed, he gave us an assignment to think about how special family and those who had touched our lives were to us. The second part of the assignment was to start with those sitting next to us and those in the audience who had touched our lives in some way, to go to them and tell them how much you appreciate them. It wasn't long until feet began to shuffle, arms were wrapped around family and friends and the tears began to flow. What a touching way to be reminded why we have "Parents as Partners" and the "Distinguished Partner Celebration"! Makes me think about the often used phrase, "I have but one life to live, what will I do with it?"
