Published: November 08, 2009 01:58 am      

Slide show of construction set for PISD meeting

PALESTINE — What a great week in PISD! There is no doubt that this week was as exciting as the week this community voted “yes” and passed the construction bond in May — the first time that had happened for 21 years. Over the past five to six months, the district has been working hand-in-hand with our architect and builder in designing our new buildings. On Thursday, the board of trustees and guests were elated to witness all their hard work arranged into a slide show and played to music.

Thursday, there were some in the room that had to hold back tears as they witnessed something spectacular seeing what the future holds for PISD. The trustees had already seen pictures of the other construction projects, but to see what our new high school will look like was a sight that many in the room had anxiously awaited for PISD. Again, we thank all the community members who voted in May and we invite you to our next board meeting on Nov.16, 2009. We will begin that board meeting with a slide show of all the construction taking place in PISD.

Not only did we witness what the future will look like in PISD, but this week has been special because it is the week we play our cross-town friends from Westwood High School. Our 7th, 8th, and 9th grade teams were all victorious and we look forward to tonight’s game. This week the PHS volleyball team traveled to Leon in our bi-district game and we thank all those who traveled in support of our girls. Thank you, seniors, who helped lead our team and as we stated, the future looks bright because our volleyball team is so young.

Not only did we find out this week what our new high school would look like, but we also were notified that the Palestine High School’s football jersey will be featured on the 2009-2010 Nike catalog. The new catalog has Adrian Peterson’s jersey number on the front and back also displaying our school name. We are truly becoming “World Class!”

The future will also shine bright in our fine arts programs. This week, Story fifth-grade students were blown out of the water on Tuesday when the seventh grade band visited the campus and entertained the children with an outstanding performance. Mr. Chybowski and his band students, along with some parents, worked to create a program that provided the campus with a new insight into what lies ahead in junior high. Story students were included in the energy packed performance and our teachers were beaming with pride as they listened to the great music provided by their former students. Thanks to the junior high for making our day and week brighter.

When anyone looks toward the future, they must also remember the past! The students in our Pre-K classes visited the Texas State Railroad to learn the history of the railroad and how the efforts of many of our city and state leaders saved the railroad. Our students also took part in an old fashion hay ride and this bright group of Pre-K students brightened up my office with a surprise visit. Not only did they just stop by to say, “Hi!”, but they also recited three classic nursery rhymes. Thank you, Northside students, for making our day brighter; you brought a smile to everyone who works at Central Office.

As the week comes to a close and we reflect on the future and all the activities, from the Pre-K visit to senior night at our football game, I encourage you to take a moment to think about the past and take time to reflect on all the great memories we all have in our hearts. Today is my oldest son’s birthday and he turns 10 years old. I have watched him for the past 10 years and have seen him mature and grow up in front of my own eyes. Each day he seems to speak and act differently. I must be honest, I do not want him to grow up so fast, but I, and all other parents, have no choice in the matter. Many times we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us and our family, and we forget about living for each day. I encourage you to live for the day and love your family. The future will be here before you know it and your children will be busy with their own lives. I have attached a song that has touched all our lives in some way and the words are very meaningful.

“My child arrived just the other day

He came to the world in the usual way

But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay

He learned to walk while I was away

And he was talking before I knew it and as he grew

He said, "I’m gonna be like you, Dad,

You know I’m gonna be like you"



And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man in the moon

When you comin home, dad, I don’t know when,

But we'll get together then, Son,

You know we'll have a good time then.



My son turned ten just the other day

He said "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play,

can you teach me to throw?" I said, "Not today,

I got a lot to do" He said "Thats okay"

And then he walked away but his smile never dimmed

And said "I’m gonna be like him, yeah

You know I’m going to be like him"



chorus



Well he came from college just the other day

So much like a man I just had to say,

"Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?"

He shook his head, and he said with a smile



"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys

See you later, can I have them please?"



And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man on the moon

When you comin home, Son, I dont know when,

But we'll get together then, Dad,

You know we'll have a good time then.



I’ve long since retired; my son's moved away

I called him up just the other day........

I said "I'd like to see you if you don’t mind"

He said "I'd love to Dad, if I could find the time.”

You see my new jobs a hassle, and the kids have the flu.

But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad,

It's been sure nice talking to you........"

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me

He'd grown up just like me,

My boy was just like me..............



And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man on the moon

When you comin home, Son, I don’t know when,

But we'll get together then, Dad

We're gonna have a good time then.



Remember what is important in life!

———

Thomas A. Wallis, Ed.D is the superintendent of Palestine ISD.