SUPER MONDAY

A motivational and informational morning message from Superintendent Willis

Week 5 ~ September 11th, 2023

Super Monday Message

Happy Constitution Month! Sunday the 17th is National Constitution Day and Utah has asked that everyone reads and honors the Constitution in the month of September. The United States Constitution is the longest standing charter of government ratified in 1788.
Today I wanted to tell the quick story of one of, in my opinion, the most interesting signers of the United States Constitution. John Dickinson was a wealthy man and a politician in the early colonies. Dickinson served as a delegate from Pennsylvania to the first and second continental congress. Dickinson was a fierce debater and a knowledgeable lawyer. He and John Adams frequently battled in passionate political debates, some nearly resulting in physical blows.
Dickson believed that the United States could find a peaceful way to separate from Britain and fought against the Declaration of Independence. He believed the colonies must get allies and more strength before declaring independence. When it came time for the final vote for independence Dickinson gave his final plea, “To escape the protection of Great Britain by declaring independence, unprepared as we are would be to brave a storm in a skiff made of paper.”
Despite his strong feeling he knew the importance of a unified vote. He resigned from the congress so that their vote could be unanimous. Even though he strongly opposed war, he walked out of the continental congress and signed up with the Pennsylvania militia to fight the British. He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and commanded 10,000 troops. His debate opponent, John Adams, said of him, “Mr. Dickinson's alacrity and spirit certainly become his character and sets a fine example.”
Dickinson went on to help draft and sign the Constitution of the United States, he served as the President of Delaware and then as the President of Pennsylvania. Upon his death Thomas Jefferson said he was, "(a)mong the first of the advocates for the rights of his country when assailed by Great Britain" and called him "one of the great worthies of the revolution."
There are things we may not like about our country and some leaders we may not agree with, but if everyone had the spirit of John Dickinson we would not allow our differences to dampen our patriotism. Never forget the words of our first commander-in-chief, George Washington, when he said, “the Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.” Have a great week 5.

Super High Fives

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

• A Super high five to the Southern Utah chapter of the Home Builders Association who surprised Oscarson Elementary students and staff with thousands of dollars in school supplies and PE equipment.
• Super high five to Paul James for organizing and a fun and informative technology professional development day on Friday. Teachers were trained on some aspects of AI in education and a wealth of other technology tools.

Other Super Information

• Thursday August 31st the school board approved a resolution to put the question of consolidating the elementary schools on the November ballot. The meeting on Monday September 11th at 6:00 PM, in the Piute High School Auditorium will still take place. This meeting will now be more of an informational Town Hall meeting as the formal Public Hearing has to be closer to election day and is scheduled for October 24th at 6:00 PM at Piute High School. Everyone is invited to both meetings. This link is to a community information folder regarding the proposal.

Super Weekly Schedule