Super Monday Week 36 SY25

SUPER MONDAY

A motivational and informational morning message from Superintendent Willis

Week 36 ~ April 28th, 2025

Super Monday Message

At the end of April in 2003, Aron Ralston decided to go for a hike in southern Utah. He enjoyed the slot canyons and enjoyed going by himself. For this trip he chose Bluejohn Canyon near Canyonlands National Park. Aron was already increasing his risk by not taking others with him, but the risk was further escalated when he made no mention to anyone where he was going. He was an experienced mountaineer and believed would be fine alone.

As Aron descended into the canyon, a boulder he was using to climb became dislodged and pinned his arm against the canyon wall. His skills were of no use to move the 800 pound boulder. Pinned to the canyon wall with no way to move the boulder, Aron realized he was as he says in the title of his book, “Between a rock and a hard place”.

Aron had a couple burritos and a small amount of water. He tried to preserve them as long as he could. For five days Aron waited in the canyon for rescue and no one came. His family had narrowed the search for him to the Canyonlands area, but the Canyonlands area is very large and no search crews were close to him. 

Delirious from lack of food and water, Aron began to see things. At one point Aron had a vision of himself picking up a young boy with one arm, noticing that his other arm was missing. This vision inspired Aron to believe that he would survive and have a son. He realized his only way out was without an arm. He torqued his body to break the bones in his forearm and used a small multitool to chop away the remains of his hand.

Once freed from the rock Aron, dehydrated and dizzy, started the hike out of the canyon. It took hours, but he eventually found a young vacationing family from the Netherlands that helped him to safety. Aron believes that if he had waited longer to free himself, he would not have had the strength to do it, but he also believes that if he had done it sooner, he would have bleed to death before hiking out of the canyon.

Aron’s story is an incredible example of what the human body and mind are capable of when there is sufficient motivation. For days Aron was motivated by the desire to live, but in the end he found motivation in the vision of a child.

We are all capable of so much more and the motivation we need to overcome is frequently in knowing how we can bless others. The world needs your particular skills, personality, and experiences. It’s not just nice that you’re here, it’s essential. When you feel me figuratively stuck between a rock and a hard place, remember you are capable, remember you are strong enough, and remember you will bless others by persistently soldiering on. 

7 years after the accident a movie was released about it called, “127 Hours”. So named for the time that he spent trapped in the canyon. Have a great Week 36.

Super High Fives

Just a couple of the awesome recent accomplishments that need a big thank you. 

• A super high five to the amazing Piute High School Choir! Their Saturday performance was incredible. It was a very fun show and we’re grateful for everyone that was a part of its success.
• Super high five to our test takers and test proctors. With the end of the school year comes the administration of a series of tests. We’re grateful to all the teachers and staff that do all they can to put our students in the best possible place to succeed.

Other Super Information

• Latest Elementary School Design (CES) (OES)
• Spring Sports Calendar
• 2024-2025 School District Calendar
• 2025-2026 School District Calendar

Super Weekly Schedule