The Dust Bowl is considered one of the biggest man-made disasters in history. Growing up a dark milestone for lots of folks who lost farms and even family members from it’s ravaging impact. Families were leaving the Great Plains in droves in search of an easier life.

Editor of the Dalhart newspaper, John McCarty started “The Last Man’s Club” to encourage families to stay and fight for their land. As a cohesive unit, these families fought through the harshest elements.  They didn’t give up when the odds were against them. Together they survived the great depression and the dust bowl. This required some perseverance, this required grit. 

Grit is a core ethical value of the Wylie Way. Grit is your capacity for perseverance and passion to achieve long-term goals.  If you want to learn more about the value of grit, I encourage you to visit Dr. Angela Duckworth’s Character Lab and listen to her Ted Talk.

 

DUCKWORTH TED TALK LINK

Dr. Duckworth’s research reveals that GRIT is learned and earned by practice. Grit is achieved by capitalizing on your strengths and knowing/following your passion.  Grit requires us to realize that what is worth achieving requires hard work and the perseverance, resilience, and courage displayed by members of the Last Man’s Club.

During the 3rd Nine Weeks, Wylie ISD will focus on the value of GRIT and PREPARATION as part of the Wylie Way.  Students in grades 6, 7, 8 and 12 will measure their own grit and log their GRIT SCORE into their Achievement Profile page.

Click on the “Grit Scale” logo to measure your own grit by taking this free survey.

Grit is an important value we hope our kids will adopt and use to persevere through life’s challenges. If we can make the foundational values of the Wylie Way compelling and meaningful in the lives of our students, they will be equipped with what is necessary to increase their hope, well-being, and engagement. Being solid in those foundations is necessary to close the achievement gap and have success in life.