|
SEPTEMBER Mira Costa - Great students! Would you like to know what I have seen this first week? I have met the most amazing group of students. I have met AP kids, athletes, members of visual/performing/fine arts, student leadership, and on the whole, the most polite, friendly, and respectful students I have ever known. Let me tell you who they are: Our students are smart. I saw some taking tests during zero period on the first day! Others were engaged in deep and meaningful conversations with their teachers about relevant topics. Others were laughing with their teachers; becoming familiar with the culture of the learning environment where they are going to challenge themselves to stretch the limits of their understanding. Every student in every class was engaged instructionally. My conversations with our students have been very rewarding. They ask complex questions on a wide variety of topics. They listen to answers, show empathy and understanding to each other, and demonstrate a depth of intellect that is unbelievable. Our students are talented. I have seen the band, choir, drama, and orchestra already preparing for their upcoming shows. What they do is incredible. Their talent is unmatched. La Vista, Hoofprints, and Mustang Morning News are working up some outstanding products. I have met their student editors, directors, and advisors. They are true professionals already as high school students. The sports teams are ready to compete. They all have a way of carrying themselves that clearly communicates they fully expect to succeed. And they are huge! Not the cross-country athletes so much, they are just fast, but the football players. If you think football players look big from the stands, you should have the honor of walking among them on the sideline sometime. It’s pretty intimidating, which is probably why we do not allow you to do so. Our students are good kids. I know that some of them are adults technically, but to me they are just big kids. And as I have said, they are so nice and fun to be around. Their smiles are infectious. At a recent 9th grade orientation I said "we are a family here. We are only as strong as our ability to lift up those who are down. If you see someone weak being picked on, you stand up for them. If you see someone alone, you be their only friend. Our success as a school can only be achieved by the power of the love we have for one another”. I know why we are so successful at Mira Costa – our students are good kids, and look out for one another. There are many reasons why our kids are the way they are: wonderful and supportive parents and families, caring and professional teachers and support staff, and a safe and rich learning environment. For my part there, are a few lessons I want to contribute: 1. Continue to be nice to each other. Kindness should not be based on the status of the recipient, but on giver’s depth of character. Let us imagine, for a moment, a world where everyone embraces kindness as a fundamental personality trait. 2. Realize the only quality of a leader is to serve. Take that moment and opportunity to begin a journey of giving to others; always looking for ways to lighten someone else’s heavy burden. 3. Family is all we have. This should be the ultimate goal of our school culture. Create that safe space and life-long bond that is found in good families. 4. What defines you? Search for the moment that will make you who you are. You never know when it is coming, so you always should be preparing. 5. Life is a journey by definition. Our test scores and grades are outstanding, but what is really fun to observe is the process. Students stretching their minds and intellect to the limit. Looking back, that is what you will always remember. 6. Take care of your body, you only have one. With the demands placed on you as students, it is imperative you eat right, get plenty of rest, and exercise. Let's all look out for each other on this, so we stay healthy as we learn. 7. Take the challenge. Does the class seem too hard? Then push aside the negative thoughts, and self-doubt, reach inside of yourselves and find the strength. The outcome will be fine, but you will never forget the courage it took to get there. 8. Live for tomorrow. True that carpe diem is fun to proclaim, but what about carpe cras? Live for tomorrow! The choices you make, and the work you do may have little effect on today, but could have major implications on your tomorrow. Make the most of your opportunity here at Mira Costa! Go MUSTANGS! Ben Dale Principal Mira Costa High School AUGUST Mira Costa – A great place to work! Everyone has been so welcoming to me, my wife Michelle and our children, as we have settled in to the Mira Costa family. Thank you so much for all of your warm, well-wishes this past week. I am amazed at the 60th Anniversary Celebration. Jaime Mancilla and his army of parents and volunteers put together a memorable event for the school. They all worked tirelessly out of their devotion to The Stampede. Part of the settling in process has involved meeting with many of you with the intent of getting to know Mira Costa. What a joy it has been to hear all of the wonderful things that happen here. I feel very honored to be a part of it, and hope to be able to contribute my share to the culture of success here. First to meet with me on my first day was Iktae Park, our ASB President. Iktae communicated to me very clearly his vision for the Mustangs 2010-2011. He is a strong advocate for unifying the various student organizations on the campus to create a strong voice for school spirit and pride. I appreciated very much learning from him, and later in the meeting, participants on his campaign staff, about what is important to students. Many other staff and community members have also stopped by to talk. From them I get the distinct impression that this is a great place to work. Everyone is proud of the extraordinary academic achievement enjoyed here, and all recognize the combination of high quality teaching with a hard working student population. The classified staff are dedicated professionals, who have been extremely resourceful in helping me to settle in. The PTSA, MBEF, and MBAF leadership have all introduced themselves, and I get the definite sense that our school mission would be impossible to carry out without their support. Finally, my administrative team is an amazing group of energetic professionals. Paula, Jennie, and Jaime are briefing me constantly regarding the daily operations of the school. They love this school, and I feel lucky to be the newest part of their team. We broke ground on Saturday for the Bond Measure BB renovations. It will be important in the coming months to continue to hear the feedback and input from the school community regarding the construction project as it progresses along. We hope to be able to synthesize and effectively communicate the plans for renovation, in order to make it as painless and seamless as possible. Please stop by my office anytime and introduce yourself. My vacation seems to have been misplaced somewhere between here and Huntington Beach, so I will be around the campus listening and observing. School starts September 1st, so I need all of the information, history, and background you are willing to give me. Go MUSTANGS! Ben Dale Principal Mira Costa High School |
 |
Mira Costa High School
