A teaser for Seussical the Musical was presented at the RCHS Fall Concert on Monday, October 19, 2009.

The musical will be performed at the Riley County High School on the following dates and times:

• Nov 12, 2009 – 7:30pm
• Nov 13, 2009 – 1:00pm
• Nov 14, 2009 – 7:30pm

So, come on out and support the students and staff who have worked hard on this.

- Dan

This time of the year, the best way to see a parade in Riley County is to watch the KSU Band Day parade through Aggieville and downtown Manhattan. Several high school bands from across the state participated. In addition to Band Day, Saturday was also Family Day and Fort Riley Day at the stadium.

So, with out further ado, here are some bands in the order they appeared in the parade…

Fort Riley/1st Infantry Division

Riley County High School

Manhattan High School

Yep, that was a pretty good way to spend a morning.

- Dan

The Riley County High School marching band participated in the Kansas State Fair parade through downtown Hutchinson yesterday.

- Dan

Because I was speaking as much to myself as I was to them, I decided to share my thoughts…

Good morning.

As Brad mentioned, my name is Dan Strom and I am the president of your Board of Education.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome you back for another school year.

Let’s get right to the point…

Test scores have been improving in the district and we are all proud of these academic achievements of the students and your role in seeing this happen.

I attended a workshop with Mr. Starnes a couple of weeks ago and we were reminded that student achievement is our Number 1 mission.
Keeping that in mind, let me remind us all, whether Board member or Administration, whether teacher or secretary, whether custodian or cook, that we all play a part in student achievement.

Yes, I know. You’ve all read books and studies telling how to improve student achievement.

Even so, here are a couple of Random Thoughts for you…

Did you catch that part about Hometown Heroes?

Each of us can be a “hero” in the eyes of a student. According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, a hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities

No, I don’t expect everyone to be the hero of the football team! But, I do expect each one of us to be a hero to our students.

• Have a warm smile and greeting for each student and each other.
• Encourage each student to work to their potential.
• Care, really care, for each student – even the ones you don’t really want to care for!
• Show that you care, really care, for each student.
• Be consistent with the students.
• Be an example of integrity.
• Hold yourself to a higher standard than you have for others.
• Follow the Golden Rule.

It is said, A hero is one who does what he can. The others don’t.

I hope you saw that guy in the background. It’s not unusual that we run into people that we want to whack!

It is important that we “take five” and have a bit of mental rejuvenation during each day. Definition – Verb, Have a brief rest or respite from one’s current activities.

Why “take five”?

• Maintain sanity!
• Attitude refresher
• Stress reducer
• Perspective
• Avoid “road rage” or “going Postal”

So, take a few minutes when you can to take a mental health break!

Or look at it this way, The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they’re okay, then it’s you. (Rita Mae Brown)

That’s all that I have this morning. Remember,

Be a hero

Take five

Have a great school year!

Gown… check.

Cap… check.

Wait! Don’t forget the tassel!

The schools and communities were a-buzz this past weekend with High School graduations. Receptions and parties were the norm both before and after the ceremonies.

I had opportunities to meet friends and family members from out of state as they came to see their sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, grandkids and family friends complete the beginning of their educations.

No matter what the size and setting you want for your kids education, it is available in Riley County.

Manhattan High School had almost 350 in their graduating class.

Riley County High School graduated 46.

And, Blue Valley High School had 15 walk across the stage.

It looks like we have a good future ahead of us!

- Dan

Where’s that perfect dress?

Have we found everyone we want in our group?

Do we want to go someplace fancy to eat before?

Don’t forget the corsage.

Who’s driving?

Dad, you’re embarrassing me!

Be home by midnight!

Prom is a Big Deal to many, yet to others it is just another thing to do.

Regardless of your view, prom season is here. Blue Valley High School had their prom last weekend. Proms for Riley County High School and Manhattan High School are this weekend.

Most of the schools in the area have a Promenade before the prom. The couples are introduced to the waiting crowd and who have a chance to clap, cheer, take photos, etc of the couple before they enter the prom.

Following Prom, most of the schools have an After-Prom Party. Basically, this is a chaperoned, almost-all-night party designed to help give kids a reason not to be out doing what they shouldn’t be doing. It’s a great idea!

Ah, but what about that tux?? Borck Brothers has a great deal every year. A basic black tux can be rented for prom for $50. This is a bargain!

So, get out to the Promenade and see how everyone looks when they get all cleaned up. It’s quite a site, cheap entertainment and fun, too.

- Dan