Super Monday Week 6 SY25

SUPER MONDAY

A motivational and informational morning message from Superintendent Willis

Week 6 ~ September 16th, 2024

Super Monday Message

In 1951, an Australian young man of only 14 needed major chest surgery. It was not a simple procedure and required a lot of donated blood. The man’s name is James Harrison and he received 13 liters of blood over the course of the procedure and recovery. The procedure was a success and James vowed that he would donate back all the blood he had received and more. He had to wait until he was 18 years old to start donating.

A short time after James Harrison started donating blood it was discovered that his blood type was very rare. It was determined that his blood may be useful for fighting a specific disease, Rhesus disease. The disease occurs in expectant mothers and frequently results in a miscarriage of the child. Harrison’s blood had very strong antibodies that fought against the disease. Physicians found that when Harrison’s blood was processed and used in an injection in the expectant mother, the disease did not affect the baby.

As the years went on Harrison got into a routine of regular blood donations and his blood was used to develop thousands of injections to combat Rhesus disease. Harrison donated blood on an average schedule of every three weeks for over 60 years. He donated blood a total of 1,173 times. In 2018, he finally reached the age that Australia will not permit him to donate blood any longer.

James Harrison received a Guiness Book of World Records recognition for the most blood donations, but Harrsion says that he hopes someone will beat his record. Harrison is consistently thanked and praised by those who say their children, grandchildren, or they themselves would not have been born without his blood. One of Harrison’s own grandchildren required the injection for a successful pregnancy. Had this injection been discovered a little earlier or spread in use a little more quickly, I might have more living uncles. 

It is estimated that James Harrison’s blood has saved the lives of more than two million babies. The research that was conducted on his blood and used with other donors, that have a blood type like Harrison, has saved even more. As a fun side note, he doesn’t like needles and never once watched as they put the needle in to extract the blood. 

We may not have a unique blood type, but there are small and unique ways for all of us to make the world a better place. Have the best week 6.

Super High Fives

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

• A super high five to the United States Forest Service for putting on a fantastic Gooseberry event for our 3rd Grade students. Also a big high five to all the teachers and volunteers that helped to make it happen. It was a fun and educational program. 
• A super high five to Melissa Gleave and Shaylee Beus for all of their work in keeping our schools healthy and happy. From vision screenings, the maturation program, and 504 plans to the occasional bumps and bruises, they do a lot to take care of our schools. We’re grateful for their support.

Other Super Information

• A public hearing for the new elementary schools bond election will be held at Piute High School at 6:00 PM on Wednesday October 2nd, 2024. All residents are welcome to attend and participate.
• Fall Sports Calendar 2024
• 2024-2025 School District Calendar
• Truth-In-Taxation Hearing Presentation
• Latest Elementary Schools Design Draft
• New Elementary Schools Information

Super Weekly Schedule