Now that's HCA "Baby!"

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 

The girls volleyball team definitely had home court advantage when they took on Plains on Thursday, September 9, 2010. The football team along with other student-body members teamed up to cheer our ladies to victory. There was even a chant of "H C A" from the stands. The volleyball team broke the huddle yelling "HCA" as well. This is what it is all about: safety, support and belonging.

HCA is not new or has a copyright. It is the secret that this school has that other schools may not be capitalizing on: it is statistically proven in sporting events that when playing on your home court or field you are provided a significant advantage that will often affect the outcome of the game. An example of home field or home court advantage exists in NBA basketball where the home team in deciding games has won 78 of 97 contests up until the second round of the 2007 Playoffs. The players benefit from the crowd support. They also benefit from a sense of belonging and safety in playing on the floor that they practice on daily. It is for this reason that Mission has developed a “Home Court Advantage” for the students that attend our school. HCA is not automatic, it takes WORK, DEDICATION and SACRIFICE for something bigger than ourselves! And looking at the photo to the right, our students are up to the challenge.

A triangle has been selected to represent the three elements of Home Court Advantage (HCA): SAFETY, SUPPORT and BELONGING. In the center of the triangle, a circle represents the on going unity of our school. Even though this is just a symbol, it has meaning and represents a personal relationship that our students have with the school as well as with one another.

On one side of this relationship SAFETY represents the fact that every student will attend a “safe” environment. Students will always be assured that THIS school is their safe haven from harm’s way. In this school every student’s DIGNITY is protected! Students will be assured that this is a place they can come and feel at home.

The opposite side of safety there is SUPPORT. Every student will receive support from EVERY member in THIS school. We will pick each other up when we are down and will applaud individual and group success. Everyone is a part of this SCHOOL and everyone will support those in it.

Finally we have BELONGING. Every student is VALUED in this SCHOOL! This is our school, and our student’s home away from home. It is a place of WELCOME and family for everyone.

I feel strongly about the virtues that Home Court Advantage represents and even though this is just a symbol I believe it will help remind our students to act accordingly. Even more important, I hope that HCA will extend into this community. The circle in the middle will not be complete until this concept is realized.

People, we have had a GREAT school start. Our kids are winning on the courts, fields and in the classroom. Many of you have told me that SCHOOL SPIRIT is at an ALL-TIME high! Read my blog on our last football game if you can't see it. The climate is doing just as well. I am sure we can keep things going in a positive direction with your help. Mission needs parents and community members to take the next step. There is only one way to bring you into our circle of Home Court Advantage ant that is to get everyone involved with our school. Come support our kids and belong! Mission Possible, Not Impossible!

Well done HIGH SCHOOL for bringing HCA here to Mission!

A side from HCA: the girls soundly defeated Plains!

Now that's HCA BABY!