As we turn the calendar to 2026, there is a natural sense of renewal with the new year. The start of a new year is more than just a date change; it provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on where we have been and an opportunity to set our sights on the peaks we have yet to climb.
In Fergus Falls, our compass remains constant. The mission of the Fergus Falls Public Schools is to prepare productive and engaged members of society by creating an environment where all students reach their full potential. Reaching "full potential" is a bold goal. It suggests that education is not merely about meeting a standard or passing a test; it is about putting the work in that is necessary to become our best self.
"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings." — Hodding Carter, Jr.
Potential is not reached by staying in the shallows of what we already know. Playing it safe has a strong allure to it. It’s really easy to settle into the “nest”, but it doesn’t produce the feeling of satisfaction attained by accomplishment. That level of fulfillment can only be reached by venturing into the deep, where the work is difficult and the outcome is uncertain. The nest provides roots, the push develops wings.
The Power of the Push
Growth rarely happens in a state of comfort. Whether it is a kindergartner learning to tie their shoes, a middle schooler mastering a difficult musical passage, or a senior tackling a rigorous college course, the common denominator of improvement is challenge.
When we push ourselves—when we intentionally choose the harder path or the more complex problem—we are doing more than just gaining knowledge. We are building "grit," a quality that will serve our students long after they leave our classrooms. As Frederick Douglass once said:
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress."
In our district, we want our students to be "brave enough to be beginners." We want them to understand that a mistake is not a stop sign; it is a data point on the map of discovery. Pushing oneself means accepting that failure is a temporary part of the process, not a permanent destination.
New Year’s Resolutions for Our Community
As we enter 2026, I invite our students, staff, and families to join me in three "growth resolutions":
Embrace the "Yet": Instead of saying "I can't do this," try saying "I can't do this yet." This small shift in language opens the door to future mastery.
Seek the Challenge: Choose one area this semester—academics, arts, or athletics—where you will intentionally step outside your comfort zone.
Compete Against Your Former Self: As Ernest Hemingway famously noted:
"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self."
Our commitment to our students remains unwavering, even as we navigate the complexities of modern education we will continue to prioritize student learning and our Portrait of a Graduate, ensuring that the "Five Cs"—Core Knowledge, Creative Problem Solving, Communication, Contributing Citizen, and Character—remain at the heart of the Otter experience.
Let’s make 2026 a year of intentional growth. Let's push, let's strive, and let's reach for that full potential together.
Jeff Drake, Superintendent Fergus Falls Public Schools