The Riverwalk Roar
Happy Sunday, Pride!
I hope everyone had a great weekend and that you used that time to rest and relax. Looking at the week ahead, the forecast looks clear, so we’re excited to have a full 5-day school week on our main campus!
While we’re looking forward to a great week on campus, I’m also excited for the upcoming Paralympics. When I was younger, I had the privilege of serving as a developmental coach for the US Paralympics Fencing Team at the US Olympic Training Center. Today, I continue my involvement as a US Paralympics Swim Official, having officiated several national championships. Needless to say, I’m a big Paralympics fan.
With the Paralympics starting this week, there are a few lessons from the athletes and their incredible stories that can inspire us as we lead our children this year:
Perseverance and Practice Lead to Success
Time and again, Paralympians share stories of the countless hours of challenging practice that shaped their incredible performances. Just like them, our children need consistent practice at school to achieve their best. Attendance is crucial—being present and on time every day provides the practice necessary for success. Think about how much time your child missed last year—whether arriving late, leaving early, or unnecessary absences. Every missed moment can make students feel anxious about falling behind. We can't replicate the missed experiences, but daily practice in the classroom builds the foundation for great achievements.
The Importance of Self-Care
Paralympians know the importance of taking care of their bodies, and this is just as true for our children. It's hard to focus and learn when you're tired, hungry, or unwell. As parents, you see firsthand how sleep and nutrition impact your child’s mood and performance. Consider how your schedule might be affecting their well-being. Packing nutritious lunches and ensuring enough rest are vital. At the same time, if your child is sick—whether they've had a fever or vomited in the past 24 hours—please keep them home to rest and recover. Teaching our children how to care for their bodies is a lesson that will benefit them for life.
Planning for the Unexpected
Paralympians prepare for every possibility, and as parents, it's important to do the same. Have you thought through your backup plan if you can't pick up your child at the end of the day? Who can care for them when they're sick, or when there's an unexpected half-day or teacher workday? Ensure your child knows who’s on your emergency contact list and who might pick them up in your absence. Talking through these plans helps reduce their anxiety when the unexpected happens. Just as we mix up our school safety drills to stay prepared, we want to model for our students how to adapt and find solutions in any situation.
There are countless lessons we can learn from the Paralympics. I encourage you and your family to take some time to watch the incredible athletes competing this week. Let’s use their dedication, resilience, and adaptability as inspiration to model these qualities for our children every day.
In Pride and Purpose,
~Dr. Compton
Monday: 8/26/24
- Volleyball vs Governors School
Tuesday: 8/27/24
- Volleyball vs McBee
Wednesday: 8/28/24
- No events scheduled
Thursday: 8/29/24
- Volleyball vs Lamar
Friday: 8/30/24
- No events scheduled
Saturday: 8/31/24
- Cross Country @ Northwestern HS (Trojan Invitational)
- Volleyball (Middle and High) @ Rock Hill HS (Bearcat Invitational)
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