COMMENTARY: Being Positive Always A Good Thing

I have to share that as I sit and write this Poore Page I am a bit amazed.

Amazed that it is 65 degrees on this wonderful summer morning. Amazed that summer is just about over, and that we will have students back in school at Elm Tree and Baker elementary schools on Friday.

Amazed in my reflection of what a wonderful place I get to live in.

Events over the past two months have reminded me how blessed I am to live in such a great community. This realization has come in many unique ways.

For instance, Walmart is supporting teachers throughout the nation with a rebate for out-of-pocket expenses for their classrooms. Teachers often spend $1,000 or more from their own pockets, so Walmart's 10 percent refund is substantial and appreciated.

I am also excited about the impact of our new AMP outdoor theater. What a great venue to support our culture and provide additional entertainment options to an already vibrant music scene.

Finally, I was amazed to learn we have the No. 1 athletic program in the nation. I obviously knew we had a great year with 12 state championships, but to come out as MaxPreps' top school is a remarkable accomplishment.

Furthermore, we continue to celebrate an amazing year in Bentonville. Consider these achievements:

• Bentonville High School moved up in the U.S. News & World Report over 200 spots from last year and now is ranked number 580;

• Our graduating class brought in over $7.5 million in scholarships;

• Central Park Elementary was selected as a national Blue Ribbon School;

• Our efforts to build a second high school, now named Bentonville West, was honored with a record voter turnout and a 71 percent approval rating.

Each of these items is significant, and when combined with other accomplishments and accolades by our students and staff, it confirms an astounding year in Bentonville.

This year we anticipate serving over 15,500 students in Bentonville schools. We also realize that since the June release of students for summer break, even more people have moved into the community.

As a result, we need to keep these things in mind as school comes back in session.

• We have traffic issues. However, these are not that bad compared to other communities. We can make it better by being patient, allowing cars to merge and remaining alert around school zones.

• We have a community that seeks to volunteer. Help new parents get this spirit. Invite them to a school event with you, ask them to participate and find ways to volunteer at a school near you.

• Let's find ways to be grateful. Consider writing a note of thanks to our Downtown Bentonville Garden Club or to the leadership that runs our city government. We can thank our law enforcement for their efforts to protect us and, most importantly, for their efforts to be proactively visible in our schools.

Finally, thank a teacher. Reach out to a teacher who made a difference in the adult you are today or find a way to thank a teacher who has impacted your child over the past year.

I always have found that being positive has a compounding effect while being negative just drains. Being involved is rewarding and being isolated never creates the level of results we all seek.

Finally, slowing down in the car and being aware is always good, so enjoy the ride.

NW News on 07/31/2014

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