Good evening!

What a wonderful celebratory trip that we were able to experience together. We earned a wonderful Golden Mickey Trophy to display which continues our long tradition of representing our community with excellence both locally and while traveling. The students received Disney Performing Arts “Mickey Ears” as a souvenir for being an honorary cast member and performer, but most importantly we created memories that will be cherished for the rest of our lives.

The trip was very enjoyable. The students exhibited first class behavior during the entire trip. They were responsible, cognizant of each other, and diligently respected the itinerary, which allowed us to make the most of our time in Orlando. They were also very creative with their “selfie” submissions which helped us check on their well being and provided us with more enjoyment. Our chaperones have been very complimentary of our students’ behavior and for this I am most proud!

We were also blessed by a wonderful team of parents who served as chaperones and accompanied us on our journey. I am humbled by the flexibility, selflessness, thoughtfulness, and compassion that our chaperones showed our students this week! Our trip was extra enjoyable because of everyone’s willingness to lend a hand and continually check on the safety of our children. I feel like we provided the perfect balance of discipline and leniency to allow the students to practice independence in a safe environment. It is evident from the continual chatter on the bus that the students really enjoyed the company of their friends, chaperones, and staff which has left an impression on who they continue to become. From the students and staff I hope that the chaperones feel appreciated for their tremendous efforts this week! The trip wouldn’t have been so amazing without you!

I am sure that many of you have heard about the nail in the tire, or the initial rooming mix-up, or the AC on the bus going out on the way home, but I am proud of the way that everyone handled themselves throughout these small challenges.  As I have always been told, “You cannot choose what happens to you, but you can choose how you react.”  I feel like we all had many team building opportunities full of fellowship that helped us grow as a band.  We have a strong team and it is getting better everyday!  No one played too small a role in making sure that our students were safe and that we all had a great time.  Thank you from our band staff to everyone who was a part of the trip.  I’m already looking forward to the next time that we get to travel together!

I am happy that everyone made it home safely and is probably sleeping although the finale of the Superbowl is currently playing out on TV.  I’d like to close with a few reminders for the upcoming week:

REMINDERS FOR NEXT WEEK’S AFTER SCHOOL SCHEDULE:

Monday: Wind Ensemble rehearsal from 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Tuesday: Winterguard rehearsal from 3:00pm – 5:30pm

     Moe’s Spirit Night!  6:00pm – 8:00pm

Wednesday: Symphonic Band rehearsal from 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Thursday: Winterguard rehearsal from 3:00pm – 5:30pm

It is very important that all students are at school tomorrow and continue their dedication and effort to be a great student daily, especially if they attended this trip.  It would be really easy to make an excuse of being tired because of our full itinerary while in Orlando and allow your child to be absent tomorrow, but we will be more likely to be supported with a similar trip in the future if we continue to maintain our work ethic and prove our commitment to our schooling.  This trip was not very convenient for our other teachers in the building, but they supported us along with our administration.  We have already missed 3 days of school, let’s be diligent and get caught up.  I look forward to seeing all of you at school tomorrow!