Families, if you’ve been absorbed in the FIFA World Cup as I have, you may already be feeling the sad anticipation of it coming to an end. Every four years we are treated to the most popular sport on earth with a tournament of nations. Soccer has always been one of my favorite sports and watching the game at an international level is something I look forward to. This summer has been entertaining with so many exciting games and finishes, and has made this one of the best FIFA World Cups yet!

With the start of 48 teams, all with the goal of winning the World Cup trophy; it is inevitable that 47 will come up short. There will be much conversation about falling short of expectations, what could of been and the reactions from all of those connected to the teams. Disappointment is understandable but the word “failure” will may come up too. This makes me think of a postgame response from Giannis Antetokounmpo after his NBA Milwaukee Bucks lost in the playoffs from 2023. He was asked about “failure” as his team didn’t win the championship.

“It’s the wrong question. There’s no failure in sports. There are good days and bad days, some days you’re able to be successful, and some days you’re not… Not always winning is inherent to sports, and different teams or individuals will achieve victory. It’s not a failure; it’s steps to success.”

I love this as I believe it speaks to much larger than just sports. Just because you don’t “win it all” or succeed in your goal, does not mean that we fail. When we don’t achieve, that is not failure, rather it is steps to success. Each goal we set gives us purpose for what we are striving for as we show up. Success isn’t a destination, rather it is a mindset towards goals.

With all that was achieved last year, there are still many steps to success that Rolling Prairie can take. Steps such as consistently pushing ourselves to learn more as teachers, do better with what we have, and adapting our instructional strategies to meet kids where they are at. Excellence for ALL is our goal and though we celebrate so many positives, we still have steps to take. In both good and bad days this upcoming year, we are excited for the opportunity for success and all the steps it takes.

– David Burden

Principal

 Mr. Burden’s Newsletter