Lessons from a Winner
Important life lessons from the Cubs:
High academic expectations are important, but life is full of important things. Joe Maddon understands the need for a proper work-life balance. Cubs players are not allowed to show up too early for batting practice; he would rather they work hard during the time he sets aside for them. And if Joe Maddon could find time for players to celebrate Halloween with their families during the World Series, we should be able to help our students to balance their school work and social lives.
Success relies on perseverance. When the Cubs were down 3-1 in the World Series, they still approached their challenge one game at a time. A poor test grade (or quarter grade, for that matter) doesn’t have to mean the end of the world--keep working every day, and keep your eye on the prize!
History doesn’t have to define you. Unlike the previous 108 Cubs teams, this year’s Cubs team ignored talk of a curse, of being the lovable losers. Whatever your student’s educational history, today is a new day, a new opportunity to get better.
It’s important to be genuine, and to have fun. There were many iconic moments of the 2016 World Series--the almost-dropped tag-team foul ball, “old man” Ross’ homerun, Zobrist's RBI double--but one moment that epitomized the Cubs’ season to me more than anything was the look on Kris Bryant’s face as he ran toward the ground ball that became the very last out of the World Series. He was smiling! A guy who was in position to potentially be the next Bill Buckner approached the magnitude of that moment with a smile on his face. What an unbelievable example for how we should approach our jobs, our relationships, and the things that matter most to us.
Highlights and Successes:
- Congratulations to Coach Joe Marcin and the Girls Cross Country Team on finishing 9th out of 18 schools at the Waukegan sectional meet. Linda Varela qualified for the state meet in Peoria!
- Congratulations to Coach Lou Sponsel and the Fremd Football Team on winning their first playoff game against Brother Rice.
- Congratulations to this week’s Viking Pride Winners: Ariel Brown, Marianne Cazares, Alexia Giannopoulos, Zoe Hannon, Grace Humphris, Jorge Martinez, Beck Masi, Tyler Matuszczak, and Kyra Pagones.
- Congratulations to Curt Pinley and the Girls Volleyball team for making it to the Sectional Finals.
Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events
November 5
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Fremd Football @ Huntley H.S. - 2nd round playoff game
1:00 p.m.
Girls Volleyball Super Sectional
Boys/Girls Cross Country State Meet - Detweiler Park
Debate Invite @ Fremd H.S.
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November 7
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Band Solo & Ensemble - Music Department 5:00-9:00 p.m.
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November 12
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Speech Invite @ Fremd
Daddy Daughter Dance - Gym 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Fall Sports Awards - 7:00 p.m.
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Staff Spotlight
Name: Lou Sponsel
Position: PE Teacher/Head Football Coach/Assistant Track Coach-Sprints and Relays/Varsity Club
Years at Fremd:13 or 14, I can’t remember, plus I was volunteering here and student taught before that starting in 2002.
Life Before Fremd: NIU, Played and continued as student assistant with the football program. Took me 6.5 years to get degree, delaying it allowed me to stay in the offices all day long and learn from some great college coaches.
Hobbies/Interests: My kids and family! I love spending time with my family. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything, you never get it back.
Insider Tip for Parents: Do your work early with children, it is difficult to go back and fix things once patterns and habits are set in their lives. Love your kids with all your heart, kids today are under a lot of pressure in our culture, they need to know they are loved. Finally, Let them fail, pick themselves up, and fix their problems on their own. Give them the space to develop into a leader.
Ask the Principal
Are you curious about something at Fremd but have never asked? Email me at ktenopir@d211.org. If your question is pertinent to a wider audience, I will include it in the next blog post.
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