July 20, 2026
Monday Motivation - Championship Habits
Good Monday Morning, TCUSD Family!
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and found time to relax and recharge. We are one week closer to welcoming our students back, and I continue to be impressed by the energy, commitment, and teamwork I see across every campus and department. There is a tremendous amount of work happening throughout our district, and I want to thank each of you for the role you are playing in preparing for an outstanding school year. As I reflected over the weekend, I found myself thinking about one simple idea:
Championships are not built on game day. They are built every day.
Whether in education, athletics, or life, success is rarely the result of one extraordinary moment. Instead, it is the product of consistent habits, purposeful preparation, continuous learning, and people who are committed to a common goal. That thought was reinforced last night when Molly (my wife) and I had the privilege of attending the Phoenix Mercury game. Before the start of the game, our Tuba City High School Lady Warriors basketball team and coaching staff were recognized for their incredible Arizona State Championship season. It was a proud moment to see our students and coaches celebrated in front of thousands of fans.
As we applauded their accomplishment, I couldn't help but think about everything that happened long before they raised that championship trophy. Early morning workouts. Long practices. Film sessions. Encouragement from coaches. Teammates holding one another accountable. Families supporting them every step of the way. Championships are earned through the daily commitment to getting just a little better. The same is true for great schools.
As educators, our "championship habits" look different, but they are just as important. They are found in the teacher who refines tomorrow's lesson after today's reflection. They are found in the bus driver who greets every student with a smile. They are found in the custodian who creates a welcoming environment, the cafeteria staff who cares for every child, the paraprofessional who offers encouragement, the office staff who helps families feel valued, and the countless acts of teamwork that often happen behind the scenes. Every role matters. Every person matters. Every student matters.
This past week, I also had the opportunity to reflect on a leadership message from Dr. Rob Thornell that reminded me that professional growth is never something we "finish." The strongest organizations create a culture where learning is continuous. As we begin another school year, let's challenge ourselves to remain learners, to seek feedback, share ideas, support one another, and never stop asking how we can better serve our students. When we commit to learning together, we grow together. When we grow together, our students thrive. And when our students thrive, our entire community succeeds.
Congratulations once again to our Lady Warriors and coaching staff on an incredible achievement. You have represented Tuba City with pride, determination, and excellence, and you have reminded all of us of what is possible when a team commits a shared vision. It was also a great game, with the Phoenix Mercury earning a 72–63 victory, making an already memorable evening even more enjoyable.
As we begin this week, let's continue building the habits that define who we are as a district. Let's encourage one another, embrace continuous learning, celebrate progress, and remain focused on the students who will soon walk through our doors. The work we do today is shaping the future of Tuba City tomorrow.
"Excellence is not an act, but a habit." — Often attributed to Aristotle
Thank you for everything you do for our students, our schools, and one another. I am grateful to serve alongside such an outstanding team. Have a wonderful week!
Stronger Together,
Scott Nedrow
Superintendent
Tuba City Unified School District #15
