My sixth grade class is getting ready to move on to middle school next year. Some students have been more successful than others. Some students, through their personal hard work and effort, will leave with high grade point averages and honors. Unfortunatley, some students chose to sit back, slide by and put little effort into their work.

We compared ourselves to an NBA team. As a class, we wouldn’t have won the championship, but we certainly have some players who are capable. The big difference is that some of the kids in my class couldn’t see the big picture; that is, to win in life you have to do your best all the time, even if you don’t feel up to it. The Utah Jazz didn’t quit and played with sore mucles, sprains, and injuries. A few players used personal disappointments as an incentive…that shows maturity.

‘Floor Leader’ (Andrew D. Bernstein - NBAE/Getty Images)

It was a great opportunity for us to write for the Jazzbots this year. Thank you for reading what the kids wrote. They especially loved reading your responses. By the way, the kids gave the Jazz an “A” in the subjects of hard work, team attitude, personal example and demonstrated effort. A common observation expressed by the students was that Deron Williams had risen to the role of team leader.

I am excited to see how this young team will learn from their experiences this year and apply their knowledge to next year. I am hoping my students will have a similar experience.

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