Roots and Wings

Matt sent this out to the staff at South Warren last Thursday (grab some tissues)...

AUGUST 20, 2021

Tonight is a big night at my house. It’s the last night our eldest little bird will spend in the nest before she flies away and becomes a Louisville Cardinal. We are moving her into her dorm early tomorrow morning. There are a handful of days in our lives that change everything, and August 20th, 2021 is going to be one of those days for my family.

Thinking about that reminds me of something important that we need to keep in mind about our students: our Spartans are in a quick, four-year transition phase to their adult lives. Every SWHS student that left us last year is doing the next thing right now. College. Career. Trade School. Military. And this year’s seniors will be getting to their next chapter soon, followed by the next class, and so on. The process happens fast.

What do they really need from us? Along with learning math, history, English, science, etc., they need to learn the soft skills that will help them be successful in whatever they do next. Here are some of those:

-Showing up on time

-Treating others with respect

-Communicating effectively

-Thinking critically and creatively

-Developing problem solving skills

I can say, as the Dad of a Spartan Alum, that the collective group of adults in this building does a great job teaching both academic content and soft skills. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that each of you did for Karson in her four years here. That Spartan is ready to become a Cardinal. Your work matters so much.

Our little girl, Karson Ann Deaton, has officially flown from the nest. I wish I could report that Friday morning, her move in date, went smooth; however, it was bumpy. I am sort of a procrastinator when it comes to packing. It's like, let's cram it all in at once. For weeks, we did prepare for dorm room needs, decor, bedding, school supplies, cleaning/laundry supplies, etc. The BIG stuff like storage containers, clothes, and toiletries had to wait. Meme took her shopping for some last minute supplies Thursday. It was DONE. With a massive mound of stuff, we thought it would be easier to take Matt's parents giant Yukon XL which he picked up Thursday night. We loaded and loaded. I knew it was going to be a sleepless night. Karson had scheduled an early move-in time - 8 AM (EST). We needed to leave by 5AM if we wanted to arrive on time. The last couple of loads went out, and when Matt tried to start the truck, it was DEAD. Lovely. We have a jump box but no cables, and it was EARLY. I did what any helpless daughter would do, texted my dad and asked him to come over and give us a jump. Who sleeps past 5AM anyway =)?!? 10 minutes later he was at our house jump starting the truck. We got on the road later than we wanted when the tire pressure light came on which meant another kink in the travel plans. After a quick detour to the Smiths Grove Shell station, all tires were inflated, and we were ready.

I knew that the time frame for move-in was probably lenient but made a quick call to UL Housing to make sure they knew we'd be very late. I honestly have no idea what time we got to Louisville, but we got her checked in, grabbed a large bin and started unloading. The whole process sort of felt like a blur (probably because we were super tired).

 

We sorted, unpacked, hung, organized, and decided to make a quick run to Kroger for some room snacks/drinks, etc. She's on the meal plan but everyone needs snacks. Around noon, she was ready for us to move along...so we left without her! Our hearts hurt, but we're happy she's happy. She's had a strong foundation and such supportive family and friends. We know this next chapter is going to be amazing for her.

First day of school picture! I know this week will be a busy one for her!

First Week Frenzy

The start of school came and went.  For Isaac, it meant driving to school alone for the first time as a junior.  I was sort of hoping he and friends would go out to breakfast, but I'm thinking that might be more of a girl thing.  The boys want to sleep in and roll out as late as possible.  First day of school pics with friends, ehhh whatever.  He's got a full schedule including two AP courses, drivers education, advanced physics and WKU dual credit (4th block).  I'm not sure how long the students will get to enjoy in-person school as this COVID delta variant blazes through.  However, I feel confident that Isaac, Matt and Miles will be fine.  Both Isaac and Matt both had the virus in December and have had the vaccine.  Miles is also vaccinated, so fingers and toes crossed for no illness.  Isaac already has a plan in place to continue working at Waterworks after school, on weekends or in the event or virtual learning.  The week he got his license, he began working at the car wash with his sister.  He loves it and has worked a lot of hours, getting paid well and lots of tips.  We're so proud of Isaac and how hard he works!!!

Miles, our little freshie, has a full schedule as well but mainly with golf matches.  He had seven tournaments spanning from July 30-August 7 which meant he missed the first and third days of school.  He was able to attend open house and get a feel for where his classes would be since his first day was on Thursday instead of Wednesday.  I honestly don't know what we'd do without supportive grandparents.  Both Colvin (Pap) and Debbie (Nana) were rockstars last week and took him to all of his tournaments.  It was super helpful for us.  The first day of school tournament was at A.J. Jolly Golf Course in Alexandria, KY (about 3+ hours from Bowling Green).

Things won't slow down for him until late September.  I'm hopeful that he'll be able to keep up the pace of in-person school, homework and all of these matches.

 

 

 

He's been doing well with golf.  His last two tournaments, he's done very well scoring an 80 at Western Hills Golf Course (in Hopkinsville) and his personal best on Saturday at Hidden Hills County Club (in Tompkinsville) where he scored a 76 and tied for a 7th place finish. The Spartans won the Monroe County Invitational by two strokes beating a tough Franklin Simpson team.

I've watched Isaac play lacrosse, and I have watched Karson play basketball since 1st grade, volleyball since 7th grade, and run track since her Sophomore year, and I can easily tell you that golf gives me WAY more anxiety than all four of these activities combined.  Golf is hard y'all!!!  It teaches you so much, and my heart hurts when Miles (in his mind) doesn't perform as well as he'd like to. He has such passion for the game not only for himself but for others playing.  He's the biggest champion - expresses excitement when others, even opponents, do well, and wants the best for all his teammates. Miles is such a special young man. 

Matt begins year 11 in education.  I wish this could be a normal year for him and not COVID-filled.  The virus adds such a difficult element to an already stressful mix.  Please be mindful of him and all the other educators out there making hard decisions each day.