"It's all Mental from Here"

The Chicago Marathon is actually run in the exact opposite direction it
should be... for the runners. It is this way because the North side
neighborhoods have more clout and want the runners out earlier to get
their roads back.

So, middling pack runners find themselves beginning the run through
beautiful streets shaded by trees in the morning. As the day grows hotter
they are on the South side of the course. Much of it is wide flat HOT pavement with no shade and industrial areas which translate to little spectator support.

Taking the turn up from Comiskey Park (around mile 23) is where my wife
was on the verge of quitting her first marathon 8 years ago. She easily
noticed a Rastafarian man on the side amongst the sparse spectators
snapping his fingers. As she got closer she heard him repeating, "It's
all mental from here. It's all mental from here." Of course, she knew he was right and finished strong revitalized from his simple encouragement and accurate observation.

It is the same with us now. Kids, teachers, parents are all counting down the last week of school. As we do, it is important to continue working together to keep GKMS a great place. As we wrap up this year, we begin looking at data for next year finding ways to be more effective and help students achieve. It is a time to reflect, evaluate, and plan. Great opportunities for improvement lay at our feet. For all of us and our students, it's all mental from here.

Mason

Mason's wonderful humor and incredible smile is part of all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McPherson family.
Mason's Caring Bridge Site