It's all about Music

Its that time of year.  There are presents to buy, cookies to bake, cards to address, concerts to attend, deals to be had, exams to take (that's for you college students out there) and not enough time. In the midst of all this extra activity, there is still dinner to be made, doctor's appointments to be kept and laundry to be done. 

I won't pontificate that we should all take a breath, relax, and enjoy the season, because I know for a lot of people that is just not going to happen.  I do urge you, however, to take some time in this busy season to reflect on what you have to be thankful for and think about the people who have made or make a difference in your life. 

We often claim that we are thankful for our faith, friends and family, but many times we fail to show it.  So take some time during this busy season and show your appreciation for the special things and people in your life.

Speaking of special people, we have a lot of those in the Manassas City Public Schools (I hope you like the smooth segue).  This week, AdvancED, a global education network which accredits schools around the world, visited Manassas as part of an accreditation process.  On Wednesday, AdvancED issued a preliminary report which rates Manassas City Public Schools as accredited.  Congratulations to the School Division for this accomplishment. Congratulations also to the Music Department and Music students at OHS for putting on a great show at Fine Arts Day on Friday morning. The Metz students in attendance were definitely entertained. 

Staying with the music theme, the Metz Choir and the OHS Choirs also had entertaining holiday concerts this week.  And, I don't plan to generally take requests for blog material, but a certain School Board member asked me to make sure to mention that people should vote every day to get money for our OHS Band Program by texting 110404 to 73774 or casting your vote online http://www.refresheverything.com/osbournbanduniforms. 

While I was watching the boys and girls varsity basketball doubleheader at Osbourn Park tonight, another Board member mentioned to me that the OHS crowd was much bigger than OP's crowd.  He was right.  That support illustrates a great community spirit.  If we can use that spirit in addressing all our challenges, the sky is the limit for MCPS. 

That spirit is exemplified in Coach Steve Schultze, who announced earlier this week that he was resigning as OHS football coach (he will continue to teach at OHS). Coach Schultze took a football program which had been winless to a victory in the state championship.  That is a cool accomplishment, but what's more important to me is that Coach Schultze cares about his players, and he encourages them to strive to be the best people they could be.  His mantra "Nothing But Greatness" inspired many players, including my son, on and off the field. 

I commend and thank Coach Schultze for his dedication and compassion, and I wish him and his family well as he embarks on his next endeavors.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, there are 4 Christmas concerts this weekend at Manassas Assembly of God.  The theme of the concerts is "Imagine Christmas."  I did not mention the concerts because someone in my house is in the Choir there.  OK, maybe that did have something to do with it, but I want to keep my wife happy.  And don't act like any of you married folks wouldn't do the same thing.Finally, I thank you if you have read this entire blog entry. 

My quote for this entry is from the music artist Drake (I preface this quote entry by stating that I am not encouraging anyone under the age of 18 to listen to Drake's music.  I am over the age of 18 however and I happen to like it, hence the quote.  Have a great weekend!):"Everybody dies but not everybody lives" - Nicki Minaj featuring Drake - Moment 4 Life