Focused on What Matters Most

I was recently reminded of a story about a rich man, a poor man, and a Good Samaritan. In the story, a rich man lived comfortably while someone in need lay just outside his gate. The rich man did not cause the suffering — he simply walked past it, day after day. Later, a Good Samaritan came upon that same person, crossed the road, stopped, and helped when it would have been far easier to keep going.

What struck me most was the difference in the questions each man must have asked himself. The rich man likely wondered, What will happen to me if I get involved? The Good Samaritan asked something very different: What will happen to him if I don’t?

We are always being given opportunities to engage or to walk away. These stories remind us that what matters most is not how busy or successful we are, but whether we are willing to see and support the people right in front of us. That does not mean walking away is never the wiser choice — but it is always worth pausing to consider who might be affected by our decision.

As the second semester unfolds, our schools enter a season filled with important milestones. There are tests to prepare for, college acceptance letters arriving, and graduation plans taking shape. These moments matter, and they represent hard work, persistence, and years of growth for our students. At the same time, this part of the year is about more than deadlines and outcomes. It is about possibility — and about what we choose to notice along the way.

We have students who miss school, struggle on tests, misbehave, and act like, well, children. And like each of us at that age, every one of them carries dreams for their future. They do not always know how to achieve those dreams, and they do not always see how their choices might place them at risk. We are constantly faced with the same choice: to walk past or to engage. What will happen to us if we do? And what will happen to them if we don’t?

Here in the Owens Valley, surrounded by wide-open spaces and anchored by the strength of our communities, we are reminded that meaningful progress happens step by step. Whether we are standing at the foot of Mount Whitney or walking into a classroom each morning, the message is the same: growth comes from steady effort, encouragement, and believing in what lies ahead — and from being willing to stop for one another when it counts.

There are times we all look at our lives through the lens of what we lack and feel like the poor man, even when we have achieved so much. I am no exception. For our students, this season is a chance to recognize how far they have come. Each challenge they face — academic or personal — builds confidence and resilience. Success is not defined by a single test score or a single decision letter, but by learning to persevere, to problem-solve, and to keep moving forward, even on the days when it feels hardest.

For families, this season is an opportunity to lift students up. Words of encouragement, patience, and perspective help young people stay grounded and confident. When children know they are supported at home and at school, they approach challenges with greater courage. And one day, when they are living their own dreams, they will remember that support — and they will be far more likely to stop and help someone else along the way.

For our district and our staff, this is a reminder of why we do this work. The second semester asks a lot of us, but it also gives us countless chances to be the people who notice, who care, and who step in. The care, guidance, and belief we offer students now will stay with them long after the school year ends.

In my short time here, I have already seen that across the Owens Valley, our strength comes from community. We look out for one another. We show up when asked. We cross the road when someone needs us. And we keep our focus on what truly matters.

As we move through the months ahead, let us stay encouraged and optimistic. Let us celebrate effort, growth, and kindness. And above all, let us remain focused on the most important thing at the heart of it all — our kids.

Together, as families, educators, and community members, we are shaping futures filled with opportunity and a better world for everyone. Thank you for your continued support, trust, and belief in the students we serve. And as always, we are always looking to expand our team with great people — we invite you to give us a look.