Ott's Outlook
November 2023
As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to encourage you to think about the difference between being “thankful” and being “grateful.” Although these words are similar and are often used interchangeably, they are different. “Thankful” is a feeling you have in response to something you’ve received and is passive in nature. “Grateful” is showing appreciation for something you’ve received which is more active in nature. The two are interrelated in many ways but can be summed up like this: be thankful and act grateful.
In Temple ISD we are thankful for our incredible staff and we try to make sure that we say “thank you” every chance we get. We demonstrate our appreciation for their service through multiple staff recognitions, responding to feedback, providing leadership development opportunities, advocating on their behalf, and prioritizing them through competitive compensation plans. We are equally thankful for the Temple community and show our gratitude through partnerships, board recognitions, supporting community events, and maintaining the highest standard of fiscal accountability and responsibility.
Living out the idea of being thankful and acting grateful is something that I think we can all agree is often easier said than done. But if you know me, you know I never shy away from a good challenge! I invite you to join me this holiday season as we seek to act on our thankfulness by demonstrating gratitude to others. Not through grand gestures, but rather by finding small ways here and there to express your gratitude to your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Even the smallest act can have a ripple effect that impacts people in ways you may never realize.
As hard as I will try, I will never be able to fully express my gratitude to this amazing community for the continued support you provide to Temple ISD. Nothing compares to what it means to be part of the Temple Wildcat Family - it's something that people on the outside don’t understand and people on the inside just can’t explain it. You know, you feel it, you’re part of it. Please don’t take it for granted - be thankful and act grateful!
Sincerely,
Bobby Ott
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You can nominate a special Temple ISD alum for our Alumni Spotlight!
Temple ISD has a long history of excellence and we have had many, many graduates who have gone on to exemplify our vision to become influential and impactful leaders in their local communities and beyond. Temple ISD Alumni Spotlight will feature alumnus and alumna that have represented our community and our district in a positive way.
To nominate yourself or a Temple ISD graduate, please complete our online Alumni Spotlight Nomination Form. Nominations will be reviewed and candidates selected by the Temple ISD Board of Trustees Policy Committee
