The Compass and the Hourglass: A Second Grade Tribute

1. COVER TITLE (Blog Post Title):

The Compass and the Hourglass: A Second Grade Tribute

2. DEDICATION:

This book is dedicated to the incredible Second Grade Champions of Compass Academy.

You showed courage, love, energy, and growth every single day.

You made me a better coach and a better man. Keep shining.

– Coach Castillo

3. FULL STORY (Poem + Storybook Style):

Poem: How Champions Burn

Three little stanzas, easy to learn,

A little lesson in fire, how champions burn.

Mental toughness we plant like a seed,

With faith, love, courage, and all that you need.

Chapter One: Elite Mindset

I stood in the gym and looked at the crew,

Their eyes full of wonder, their dreams shining through.

I told them the pillar and said it aloud—

“Elite Mindset!” I shouted. “Say it strong, say it proud!”

Then came the lesson—we practiced and moved,

Little by little, their confidence proved.

The second-grade champions grow from the core,

With stories and stanzas and so much more.

Chapter Two: Control the Controllables

We don’t control the wind or the sky,

We don’t choose how we fall or why we cry.

But we can control our breath, our feet,

Our words, our work, and how we compete.

Chapter Three: No Whining, No Complaining, No Excuses

The compass on your shirt pointed true every day,

And I reminded you of the Champion Way.

No whining, no complaining, no excuses to stall—

Just get back up and give it your all.

Chapter Four: The Kendama Crew

You flipped and you failed, you missed and you learned,

You passed them around and your confidence burned.

When someone fell short, you helped them adjust—

Because in this class, we built up our trust.

Chapter Five: The Process Over Outcome Pledge

Sometimes you dropped it or missed the pin,

But I never once asked, “Did you win?”

Instead I asked, “Did you try your best?”

Because effort and focus are how we’re blessed.

Chapter Six: The Anchor of Discipline

Some days were wild, some days were tight,

But discipline helped you steer toward the light.

Stand tall, breathe deep, take aim with your will,

Second-grade champs—y’all got the skill.

Chapter Seven: You Are Ready

The compass and hourglass, in your hands now,

Time and direction—you’ve learned the how.

As you move forward, carry this flame:

You are a champion—remember the name.

4. CONGRATULATIONS MESSAGE FROM COACH CASTILLO:

Dear Second Grade Champions,

I love y’all. I miss y’all. And I believe in y’all more than you know.

This year we built something powerful—together. You showed me what real courage looks like. You chased growth. You honored the Champion Motto. You stood tall, moved with purpose, and helped each other up when it got hard.

I want you to carry these lessons with you as you grow:

• Control what you can.

• Never whine, complain, or make excuses.

• Trust the process, not just the outcome.

• Be a light for others.

• And always remember—you are loved.

I’ll never forget our time together. Keep becoming the champions you’re meant to be.

With love and belief,

Coach Castillo