Family Promise of Willmar: A Community's Journey towards Sheltering Homeless Families

In the heart of Willmar, a small but tight-knit community, a remarkable organization called Family Promise has been tirelessly working to provide shelter and support for homeless families and children. Over the years, this organization has been embraced and uplifted by the compassionate community members of Willmar, who have joined hands to secure a permanent home for Family Promise. Today's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony prompted this blog entry to explore the heartwarming story of Willmar's Family Promise and how the community's support has made a profound impact. In the words of Mayor Doug Reese, Willmar is full of "such loving people."

A Haven for Homeless Families: Family Promise, a nationwide nonprofit organization, is dedicated to addressing the issue of family homelessness. In Willmar, it has been a beacon of hope for those facing the unimaginable challenge of not having a place to call home. The organization offers temporary shelter, meals, and comprehensive support services to help families regain stability and self-sufficiency.

Community Support: The remarkable journey of Willmar's Family Promise in securing a permanent home is a testament to the community's compassion and dedication. Recognizing the critical importance of providing a safe haven for homeless families, several community members (too many to count) rallied together to fundraise, volunteer, and advocate for Family Promise's cause. Local businesses, churches, and individuals have stepped up, hosting fundraisers, donating essential supplies, and volunteering their time to create a welcoming environment for families in need.

Willmar Public Schools' Role:

One of the key players in supporting and connecting homeless families with Family Promise is the Willmar Public School District. Recognizing the impact of homelessness on children's education and well-being, the school district has implemented a robust support system. Counselors, Social Workers, Principals, Teachers, Homeless liaisons, and other school staff work diligently to identify and assist homeless families within the school community. Through this identification process, the district is able to provide resources, including transportation assistance, access to meals, and educational support, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and emotionally. Last year, we supported 27 students experiencing homelessness in our community.

Through collaborative efforts, Willmar Public Schools has helped bridge the gap between education and homelessness, creating a network of support for these vulnerable families. The school district's commitment to ensuring that no child's education suffers due to homelessness is truly commendable.

A Bright Future: Thanks to the unwavering support of the community, Family Promise in Willmar has recently secured a permanent home. The organization can now expand its services and continue its mission to provide shelter, support, and resources to homeless families and children. This achievement stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the incredible impact that can be made when individuals come together for a common cause.

In conclusion, Willmar's Family Promise and the community members who have championed its cause exemplify the spirit of compassion and unity. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in a permanent home for Family Promise, allowing them to make an even greater difference in the lives of homeless families and children. This heartwarming story should serve as an inspiration for communities across the state and nation to come together and create lasting change.

Forgiving, Forgetting, and Moving On: Building a Culture of Trust

In any workplace, conflicts, disagreements, and misunderstandings are sure to arise. People have different personalities, perspectives, and approaches, which can lead to clashes and strained relationships. However, fostering a healthy work environment requires a culture of forgiveness, forgetting, and moving on. It's essential to acknowledge the importance of these qualities in building trust, fostering collaboration, and maintaining overall well-being in our schools. I'm happy to claim my workplaces to be energetic and vibrant school buildings!

Forgiveness Forgiveness is a powerful act that allows individuals to let go of grievances and resentments. Holding onto grudges not only weighs us down emotionally but also affects our productivity and teamwork. When we forgive others, we release ourselves from the negative energy associated with holding onto past hurts. It opens up space for understanding, empathy, and reconciliation. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or condoning the actions; it means choosing to move forward and not allowing negativity to define our interactions. Without practicing this, it is near impossible to make a positive process with a positive self and workplace culture.

Forgetting Forgetting, on the other hand, is often misunderstood. It doesn't imply erasing memories or disregarding past experiences. Instead, it means not letting those experiences dictate present and future interactions. When we forget, we give people the chance to grow, learn from their mistakes, and demonstrate positive change. By focusing on the present and the potential for improvement, we create an environment where individuals can flourish without being constantly reminded of their past errors. In the words of Queen Elsa of Arendelle, "Let it go!"

Moving On Moving on complements forgiveness and forgetting by emphasizing the importance of progress and growth. It involves leaving behind resentment and dwelling on negative experiences. Moving on allows individuals to redirect their energy towards positive actions, collaboration, and achieving common goals. It signifies resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to building a supportive work culture.

My mom taught me valuable lessons while growing up and continues to do so. One of those lessons was not to keep a score of what others are giving or receiving. Sometimes fair isn't equal. When you are keeping score, you are taking away opportunities to participate and help your team to succeed. Instead, move on from the fixation with who is giving more vs who is receiving more and focus on your own giving and receiving. By doing so, you'll help the team be successful. In many cases I'd hear her remind me that Billy needs to worry about Billy and Jeff needs to worry about Jeff. If we both did that, we'd be a lot more effective and efficient. In her mind, we'd do less fighting and get more chores done 🤣.

All joking aside, building a culture of forgiveness, forgetting, and moving on requires intentional effort from everyone in school districts. Here are a few ways to promote these qualities:

1. Encourage open communication: Create a safe space where employees can express their concerns, apologize, and seek resolution. Foster a culture that values dialogue and encourages empathy.
2. Lead by example: Superintendents, principals, directors, teachers, and all other leaders should demonstrate forgiveness, forget, and move on themselves. When they model these behaviors, it sets the tone for the rest of the organization to follow.
3. Provide conflict resolution mechanisms: Implement processes that help resolve conflicts in a fair and constructive manner. Encourage mediation, peer-to-peer discussions, and professional development opportunities focused on improving relationships.
4. Celebrate growth and positive change: Acknowledge and reward individuals who demonstrate personal and professional growth. Highlight stories of resilience and learning from past experiences.

In closing, forgiveness, forgetting, and moving on are essential components of building a culture of trust in school districts. By embracing these qualities, individuals can foster understanding, empathy, and collaboration. It enables employees to focus on their present contributions and work towards a stronger future together. Truth be told, I work hard on this daily as it is an area of opportunity. Blogging about it creates accountability 🙂. Please join me in striving to build positive district cultures!

Willmar Public Schools - A Beacon of Strength: Guiding the Way Toward a Brighter Future for All

Education is the cornerstone of a thriving community, and here in the heart of Minnesota, we have OUR Willmar Public Schools which exemplifies the strength and dedication of public education. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, Willmar Public Schools have become a beacon in providing quality education and shaping the minds of future generations. In this blog post, I will delve into the various facets that contribute to the remarkable strength of Willmar Public Schools and how they continue to nurture and empower our students.

Academic Excellence
At the core of any successful educational institution lies a commitment to academic excellence. Willmar Public Schools have consistently raised the bar by implementing rigorous curriculum standards, employing highly qualified teachers and staff, and utilizing innovative teaching methods. Our district's commitment to continuous improvement has resulted in numerous accolades for our students. The most recent work we're engaged in around standards based learning, proficiency scales, teacher evaluation, principal evaluation, and district leader evaluations has created a superbly aligned organization.

Holistic Approach to Education
Willmar Public Schools understand that education extends beyond the classroom. They take a holistic approach to education, emphasizing the importance of developing well-rounded individuals. The district offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, clubs, and community service opportunities. These activities not only foster the development of talents and passions but also instill values such as teamwork, leadership, and community engagement. Willmar Public Schools empower students to explore their interests and develop skills that go beyond academic achievement. We offer, by far, the most holistic academic and extracurriculuar programming in our region of the state. 

Supportive and Engaged Community
The strength of Willmar Public Schools can be attributed, in part, to the supportive and engaged community that surrounds us. Parents, businesses, and community members actively participate in the educational journey of Willmar students. The district encourages collaboration between families and schools through open invitations to communicate. I've been consistently impressed with the collaboration of community leaders through the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber, Public Policy, Willmar Rotary Club, Kiwanis, and all other civic organizations. Our community is special. This strong. partnership between the school district and the community creates a positive and enriching environment for students to thrive.

Inclusive and Diverse Community
The strength of Willmar Public Schools lies not only in our commitment to academic excellence but also in our dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. Willmar is home to a vibrant population of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages. The district recognized the importance of embracing this diversity and provides an environment that celebrates and supports all students, regardless of their background. Through robust english learning programs, and partnerships with community organizations, Willmar Public Schools ensure that every students feels valued and included.

Willmar Public Schools stand as a shining example of what can be achieved through a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, holistic education, and community engagement. The district's dedication to nurturing the potential of every student ensures that they are prepared for success in an ever-evolving world. Willmar Public Schools serve as a beacon of strength, guiding the way toward a brighter future for all.

Telling Our Story, the Student Experience

At Willmar Public Schools (WPS) we are proud of the work our staff does each and every day to provide a positive learning experience for our students. Just like every school district across the country, we have things to improve on. What I think separates WPS from some districts is our staff members' commitment to the continuous improvement of the learning environment.

Unfortunately, there are narratives in the community and region that WPS does not provide a rigorous educational program in a safe and welcoming learning environment. This narrative is far from true. Over my career, I've had the experience of working in different school districts. Each district had great strengths and areas of opportunity.

One of Willmar's greatest strengths is the welcoming environment all students experience when entering our schoolhouse gate. In an effort to tell the WPS story, our district embarked on the creation of videos that would highlight student, staff, teacher, and parent experiences in our school district. It is our hope that these videos will communicate the "real" experiences of each group in our organization. Please enjoy this first video, Telling Our Story, the Student Experience!

Stay tuned for our next story! 🎥 🎞 😃 👍

Thumbs Up to this Story

At the 2022 Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) Superintendent's Conference entitled Living our Purpose, we had a pretty special person deliver the keynote. That person was Joe Schmitt of KSTP. Some folks probably jump to a judgment that he’s just another sports reporter too cool for the common folk. Some of us may believe that he is a sports reporter that doesn’t tell stories until breaking news is uncovered and he jumps at the opportunity at the expense of someone else. What I learned at the conference was that Joe Schmidt is like all of us, a human being loved by his family and returns that love daily. On top of that, this gentleman has a huge heart for all people.

Joe Schmitt is a dynamic speaker and certainly has access to top-profile athletes and coaches. However, that is what Joe does, it isn’t who he is. Joe is a human being who loves others and functions within our world just like the rest of us. In his keynote address, he highlighted his vulnerabilities. The world is much more full of good stories and good people than some of us believe. Mr. Schmitt shared a great story about Joe Mauer and the positive impact and impression he left on a classmate years ago. That impact is still felt today. Now, take the time to watch this story below.

What can we learn from this? Every action we take has an impact today, tomorrow, and long into the future. Each decision we make on a daily basis and our actions can improve our world locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. Thumbs up to this story! Oh, and Joe Mauer is quite the guy!

A Salute to Those Serving and Those That Have!

On October 17, 2022, the Willmar Public Schools in Minnesota hosted its annual Fall Showcase Music Concert which included choirs, bands, and orchestras. Throughout my lifetime I've been asked about things I regret from my childhood. Each time I am asked that question, I respond by saying, "Not being involved with music." For me, that would be band, choir, or a musical as that is all the district I graduated from offered. That answer has never changed throughout the years, especially after tonight's experience.

Tonight, it didn't matter what piece was performed as the directors and musicians made everything they played exceptional. It is clear that both roles take this performance seriously and strive to entertain so that a standing ovation is warranted. A standing ovation became inevitable when the performance concluded with the Star Spangled Banner 😉.

Let me paint that picture for those not in attendance. The Willmar Public Schools hosts this event in their largest gymnasium. I arrived at around 7:10 pm and didn't have a spot to sit. It is safe to say that this was a "sold-out" performance. A variety of pieces were performed but the most moving part of the evening included a salute to those that currently serve or have served in our military branches.

Local VFW and Legion members were in attendance carrying the flags of the branches they represented. The band, orchestra, and choirs then performed each branch's theme song. While each theme song was played, the flag was raised and members of the audience who are serving or have served in that branch were asked to stand. As you might imagine, a round of applause was provided as a sign of appreciation. I'm certain the gym was filled with goosebumps (well I had them).

During that closing, I couldn't help but think about how important these individuals are that accept the calling to serve our country in the military. Without their service, our public schools would not be as outstanding as they are today. The sacrifices of our veterans over the years have provided our country with the opportunity to provide a world-class education for our citizens. Please accept my salute to those serving and those that have!

Lastly, if you haven't attended a showcase or any other musical performance at Willmar Public Schools in the past, I strongly recommend you do so. You'll walk away feeling energized and it is free high-quality entertainment. 

Accepting the Call

Staff members at Willmar Public Schools were greeted by our 2701 singers along with Mr. Haugen and Mr. Michelson at our district-wide welcome back on September 1, 2022. The music was beautifully played and the students sounded outstanding. They transitioned staff to the district-wide event by singing It's Going to be a Lovely Day by Bill Withers. (Go ahead, click the link, it'll put a smile on your face 😁.)

After a brief presentation by our local United Way, Dr. Holm welcomed all staff back to another school year. Before diving into some great reminders for staff he shared this quote based on extensive research from William Becker, a Virginia Tech associate professor of management in the Pamplin College of Business:

“Flexible work boundaries often result in work without boundaries, compromising an employee’s and their family’s health and well-being.” (Becker, 2018)

Dr. Holm's Reminders included the following to ensure health and well-being among staff:

• Take Care of Yourselves
• Theory of Action
• Be your best while at work.
• To be your best, you need to feel well.
• To feel well, you need to rest, get recreation, exercise and have non-work relationships.
• Be Present
• When you're at work.
• When you're not at work don't still be at work mentally.
• Set boundaries and consider the disruptive nature of modern communication - You are not expected to check email at all hours.
• Strive for Happiness
• Show Up (Substitutes are scarce)
• Show Empathy (Brene Brown) 
• Perspective
• Withhold Judgment
• Recognizing Emotion in Others
• Feeling "with" People
• For more specifics, check out this video 👇

After those outstanding reminders, it was my turn to introduce myself to Willmar Public Schools but before I jump into that, I'd like to talk a little bit about our keynote speaker, Devin Hughes. His message aligned closely with what Dr. Holm presented as reminders with more emphasis on striving for happiness. For folks that keep track of my blog, you can reference my blog titled How YOU, WE, and I can build positive school culture to gain a more detailed understanding of his message to all our district-wide staff.

While observing people entering the auditorium for this wonderful day of celebration, I couldn't help but notice the enthusiasm of our staff and the number of them and it got me thinking about how lucky we are that they accepted the call to education. John F. Kennedy is quoted as saying:

"Children are the world's most valuable resource and 

its best hope for the future."

Although I tend to agree with his words, I would like to add some clarity from my perspective. In my opinion, it is the staff that entered our auditorium on September 1, 2022, that ensure children are valuable and the best. These 900+ individuals are pretty darn important which I think was encapsulated with my final statement of the day, “Without each and every one of you in this room, regardless of your role, the relationships you build with students and the impact you have on kids on a daily basis is something I truly admire and appreciate.”

Call to Action: Show appreciation daily for these heroic individuals and remind them how important they are. Lastly, encourage, encourage, encourage, others to accept the call!