SUPER MONDAY

A motivational and informational morning message from Superintendent Willis

Week 16 ~ November 24th, 2025

Super Monday Message

Eastern Asia has a long history of Zen Buddhism. Zen places a heavy emphasis on meditation and achieving peace through calm thoughtfulness. Zen has many parables called Koans that all have the purpose of teaching lessons and inspiring reflection. Most of these parables have been told so many times over so many centuries that there are literally hundreds of versions of the parables. Today I’ll give my version of the Koan about the two monks and the woman.

Two Zen monks walked together on a dirt road. Walking long distances was a common method for meditation. One of the monks was the elder master and the other was his younger pupil. The two monks came to a river and at the edge of the river was a beautiful young woman. The young woman was clearly distressed about finding a way to cross the river. The younger monk ignored the woman as he had been taught not to come in contact with women. To his astonishment, however, his master picked up the woman and carried her across the river.

Without a word, the older monk placed the woman on the side of the river, nodded politely, and continued his journey. The younger monk walked alongside his master in silence. After hours of walking the young pupil could no longer resist and blurted out, “How could you carry that woman across the river, it seems against our vows?” The master stopped, looked his student in the eyes, and said warmly, “I left that woman by the side of the river hours ago, why do you still carry her?”

The young student was instantly enlightened. He realized that he was carrying an unnecessary burden.

There are nearly as many variations in the interpretations of Koan’s as there are variations in the storytelling. In some ways that is the beauty of a Koan. The reader or listener takes their own lesson from the story. Most interpretations of this story teach lessons of forgiveness and understanding. Living and enjoying the present as opposed to being weighed down by the past.

During the holidays friends and family come together. Sometimes the joy of these holiday gatherings is lost in the weight that is carried into them. As we start this holiday season I hope we can find the joy in the present, that we can bring the best version of ourselves to every interaction, and that we can seek peaceful understanding in all our relationships. Have the Happiest of Thanksgivings and the best week 16.

Super High Fives

Just a couple of the awesome recent accomplishments that need a big thank you.

• A super high five to Mike Hamilton for visiting our elementary schools and performing his “Magic with a message” show for our students. The students had fun with his magic and were taught by his message. It’s not every day you get to learn about literacy from a magician.
• A super high five to all of our food services staff for awesome Thanksgiving feast lunches. Super high fives to Avigail Bencomo, Brandi Kennedy, Julie Mayo, Gretchen Moore, Amy Sylvester, and Sherry Winckel for the great work they do.

Other Super Information

• Winter Sports Calendar 2025-2026
  • Link to subscribe to PHS Sports Calendar
• 2025-2026 School District Calendar
• Proposed 2026-2027 School District Calendar

Super Weekly Schedule