The Superintendent's Blog

Your children amaze me. The depth of talent and commitment of our young people rivals my highest expectations, and this time I am talking about what I see outside the classroom. One of the best aspects of my role is that I attend events and activities across the district. A few recent ones that come to mind are a performance of The Frogs at Millard South, Millard North’s Galaxy of the Stars show choir festival, and the Millard West’s Girls Basketball back-to-back state championships. These events and all the others I get to see every week reinforce just how valuable school activities are in the development of our students. While each one of these has been fantastic, my wider reflections have been on how school involvement impacts young people far beyond the activity itself.

As a district, our top priority is ensuring that students receive a strong academic foundation that prepares them for the future. From mastering core academics to developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, academic achievement remains the heart of what we do. However, the education we provide does not stop at the classroom door. The other half of education - school activities - plays a prominent role in shaping students into well-rounded individuals who are better prepared to succeed.

Participation in athletics, music, fine arts, and any of the dozens of co-curricular clubs and competitions available in Millard gives students experiences that will serve them long after they leave our schools. They teach skills that cannot be easily measured by a test, but are important for success.

Whether it’s perfecting a dance or cheer routine, improving shooting percentage, or refining a debate argument, students gain experience in working toward a goal and pushing forward after setbacks - essential for both personal and professional life.

Beyond individual achievement, students learn how to become a teammate. They develop leadership, cooperation, and communication. They also learn to appreciate humility and sportsmanship because success is about more than personal growth and performance. It’s about making those around you better and contributing to the broader goals of the team.

Another valuable lesson students gain is the ability to perform under pressure. Whether in a big game, a solo performance, or a presentation at a state conference, students learn to manage nerves, stay focused, and perform. These are skills that translate directly to college, careers, and the challenges we all face.

Perhaps most importantly, school activities teach students an appreciation for the process. In a world where it can be hard to avoid the temptation of instant gratification, experiences in school activities instill the value of hard work, preparation, and dedication over time. Students see firsthand that success doesn’t come overnight, but through repeated effort, persistence, and growth.

Millard Public Schools is fortunate to offer a wide range of activities for students to explore. Whether in athletics, theater, robotics, career and technical student organizations, music, or any other school activity, students can get involved. Most importantly, none of this would be possible without our dedicated coaches, directors, and sponsors. A great coach or mentor provides encouragement and wisdom that extends far beyond high school. I am continually impressed by the many exceptional leaders we have in Millard who develop students in both skill and character.

Reflecting on my own educational journey, I am grateful for my classroom experiences, but I also know that many of the skills I use today - discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership - were cultivated through my school activities. These experiences helped shape who I am, just as they continue to do for students today.

Please encourage your students to get involved! It’s a great way to make friends, learn, grow, and have fun. The best part - the benefits last a lifetime.