“That’s My Mission”
If you have not seen Saving Private Ryan in a while, let me fill you in. Captain Miller, Tom Hanks, as been assigned to lead his men on a mission behind enemy lines following D-Day. The mission is to rescue Private Ryan and return him safely to his family. Pvt. Ryan lost his four brothers in the war and is the only remaining sibling in the family. Saving Ryan would alleviate some of the grief of the Ryan family.
The mission is quite controversial. The men point out that they have families too. To lose their own lives in the process of relieving the Ryan family of its grief would be just as tragic for their families. This causes much debate among the men and makes it extremely difficult for Captain Miller to lead his men. Captain Miller is not above the struggle.
Captain Miller is an incredible leader and earns the men’s respect. The men want to please Captain Miller. They desire to get to know him and wager (make a pool) on his profession prior to their lives as soldiers. Ironically, he is a teacher. Despite the personalities, differences of opinion, and odds, the group continues on their mission.
As they move towards their goal, the group comes upon a German squad. Rather than go around the squad, they engage the squad and lose a well-liked and important member of their team. All but one German are killed. They can take no prisoners because they are behind enemy lines. Emotions are high; many of Captain Miller’s team feels that they should kill the German for practical reasons and to avenge the loss of their buddy. Others morally feel that they must let him go. Prior to this clip there is much heated debate and discussion of giving up the mission.
This clip is the climax of the movie. Everything is going wrong. The unit is about to disintegrate. They are literally about kill one another.
What does this clip tell us as leaders? How do we hold our team together in face of incredible odds? It shows the power of clarifying our mission and relationship. As you lead your class, perspective is essential. You provide the mission perspective for your kids. Why is this lesson important for each student? How will it benefit them in the long run? At Haltom Middle many of our students do not receive this perspective at home. Our students must learn the relevance of our task.
As leader, I have to constantly remind myself of our mission, growth for all students. Emotional, behavioral, and academic growth must happen for all of our students. We must meet them were they are and take them to new heights. Things don’t always go as I plan. When things don’t go as planned, I step back and try to see the goal through new lenses so that it can be attained.
If you work at Haltom Middle, you receive the ultimate payoff in education. You are the difference maker and you get to see difference that you make. No other campus is so purely about the kids and kids alone. When the going gets tough, provide perspective to those that you lead. Help them see clearly where you are going and how you will get there.
As I have come into many of your classes, I am seeing your mission statements posted and many of you use the mission statements as you lead. This will come in handy when your common assessments don’t go as they were supposed to or when you have a difficult day managing your class. Revisit what you set out to accomplish because your mission can only be accomplished together. I am very proud of your leadership. We have the poorest in the district. Like Captain Miller, we have much adversity. We are upside down in our RTI pyramid and implementing something new. We are on a journey to accomplish a great mission. The adversity will make the victory all the sweeter. What an honor to be leaders for our students, right now! I have no doubt in my mind that this mission will be accomplished.
Tiger Thumbs Up
Laura Czarnecki and Jaye Antwine-Great Classroom Management! Love the continuous improvement tools used in your class.
Harold Mantooth-Lot’s of encouragement going on in your class!
April Bryant-Really appreciate your use of your mission in statement in class
Melanie Shelton and Linda Horst-Great work with your Reading Enrichment Class! Your students were highly engaged.
Tiffany Saucedo-Great job with your PDSA incorporation!
This Week @ HMS
Monday, September 23-
Volleyball vs. North Oaks
8th @ North Oaks
7th @ HMS
7th Grade Boys Football @ HMS
Math PLC Chromebook Training
Tuesday, September 24
8th Grade Football @ FAAC vs. North Oaks
Reading PLC Champ Walk-Through
Wednesday, September 25
Hearing and Vision Screening in Library @ 8:00
RTI Meeting in the Library @ 4:00
Campus Safety Committee Meeting in the Conference Room @ 4:00
Thursday, September 26
Happy Birthday Harold Mantooth!
Writing and Social Studies Champs Walk-Throughs
STUCO and Theater Homecoming Float
Friday, September 27
Art Fundraiser Ends
