Hello parents, guardians and students. As you know, the Super bowl is about to be upon us and if you ask any Patriot or 49er (I am making a prediction here) football player what they feel are the most important qualities a champion must have, inevitably, FOCUS will come to the top. Of course it is necessary to have perseverance, commitment, and a strong work ethic, but the glue that brings all of these qualities together is focus.

 

Students, as testing gears up for the year, you need to ask yourself, “How focused am I with my education?” Do you let your mind wander aimlessly through the day or do you really focus on your daily goals and learning objectives? When I am working on a presentation or writing for my Doctorial classes, I have found that the more focused my mind is, the more I get done - and in a more timely fashion. When I start letting the inevitable distractions of the day take away my focus, my productivity falls short. This is when I, or you, or anyone else can start to feel overwhelmed. When you allow yourself to think of the “thirty-five” tasks you must accomplish instead of focusing on just one; you simply cannot get anything done. Your mind is like a mirror ball going in a hundred different directions except for, usually, in the direction it is really supposed to go. This is when you need to stop and mentally make a firm choice to just focus on one thing at a time. Before you know it, by the end of the day, you have actually been productive.

 

When you are productive you can alleviate a large percentage of the stress you deal with on a daily basis. Focus is the key ingredient to ensure you bounce back more readily from setbacks. Focus allows you to be more committed to your goals because it helps you to make and see progress. Focus contributes to a strong work ethic because it makes you feel good about what you have been able to accomplish. Do not let your focus be broken when other things arise. You have to discipline yourself to stay ON TASK to attend your classes, to go to tutorials when needed, and to ensure all your work is turned in on time.

 

Now is the time to Focus on the EOC and TAKS testing that is soon approaching. We will be doing a practice EOC/TAKS test on the 25th for English Language Arts and the other subjects within the next month. Take advantage of the tutorials that we have to offer. Take advantage of the vast amount of internet tutorials that can be accomplished from your home computer. Focus on what is important, your education. When you focus more, you will feel better. When you feel better, you are more productive; and when you are more productive, you are happier with both your personal and educational life. So set your goals for the day, week, month and even the entire year; then STAY FOCUSED!

 

Parents and guardians; please remain vigilant in helping us properly educate your children and setting the right course for their future.

 

Most Sincerely,

Dr. KW Hodgkinson

Principal, Porter High School