When I arrived in McCook in 1998 as a teacher and the head football coach, I adopted the phrase and belief for our program, “We Are One.”
In the team setting, "We Are One" meant that everyone supports each other, works toward the same objectives, and values each member's contributions. It’s a reminder that by working together as a unified group, people can achieve more than they would individually. It worked. The team and the community rallied around this belief. We were crazy good, and the community made it happen!
As our community considers the proposed school bond issue, it’s important to view this decision through a lens of growth and opportunity. Much like an individual striving to improve, our schools, and by extension, our community, stand to benefit greatly from an investment in their future. This bond issue isn’t merely a financial ask; it’s a chance to embrace a “community growth mindset” and foster a brighter tomorrow for our students, families, and neighbors because “WE ARE McCOOK” and “WE ARE ONE.”
Investing in the Potential of Our Schools
The proposed bond issue represents an investment in our schools that promises long-term rewards. Facilities in need of modernization, updated technology, and safer learning environments are not only essential for our children’s education but also help the community grow.
Investing in our schools has been shown time and again to uplift local property values, stimulate economic growth, and enhance community pride. This is about nurturing the potential within our students and supporting the dedicated educators who strive to shape future generations. In a “WE ARE ONE” mentality, everyone plays an important role. Our role is to invest in our future.
Highlighting the Long-term Impact
Those who advocate for a growth mindset know that real progress takes time. By focusing on sustainable improvements, the bond can help create schools that serve the community well into the future. Whether it’s the new classrooms, modern science labs, or new industrial and fine art facilities, these enhancements set a foundation for success and equip our students with the tools they need to compete in an ever-changing world.
Bond initiatives have demonstrated clear benefits, from improved student performance to increased community engagement. What are we? “WE ARE ONE” community that is proud to provide the resources needed for our hometown to succeed.
Celebrating Perseverance and Progress
A growth mindset is about more than achieving a goal. It is about the journey and the determination it takes to get there. The challenges we face in improving our schools may seem daunting, but the spirit of our community has always been resilient.
By embracing the bond as a means to tackle these obstacles head-on, we are sending a message to our students that hard work, dedication, and perseverance pay off. By staying committed to our goals and each other, we reinforce our unity and build a “WE ARE ONE” culture that doesn’t shy away from hard work.
Celebrating Success Along the Way
If the bond passes, regular updates and transparent reporting will be provided to keep our community informed. Recognizing milestones - whether it is the completion of a new library or the installation of safety enhancements - helps everyone see the progress we’re making. These celebrations aren’t just moments of achievement; they’re a reminder of the potential we’re nurturing in every child, in every classroom.
By framing this bond issue as an opportunity for growth, our community can take a powerful step forward. Together, we can invest in our students, our schools, and our shared future, building a community that believes in progress and embraces the value of a “WE AE ONE” growth mindset.
***
Along with serving as vice-chair of the McCook Community Foundation Fund, Jeff Gross is the business manager for McCook Schools, president of the Optimist Club and is gearing up for his next big role: grandpa.
