Today, we shared our campus with 20 members of the armed forces in honor of Take a Vet to School Day. Students listened to the story The Wall by Eve Bunting and learned about the importance of service. It is my hope that the conversations that our students were a part of will help them to understand why we recognize Veterans’ Day. It is important for us to instill at a young age the importance of recognizing accomplishments great and small.
Last week, we recognized the 242 students who had perfect attendance – zero absences, zero tardies, in October. The students were ecstatic to receive their certificates and pencils. One eager beaver first grader asked, “What do you mean you are proud of me for being in school?” I was reminded of the importance of telling children that we are proud of them and most importantly, why! Be sure to recognize your children’s accomplishments on a regular basis. Don’t wait for a grand event or accomplishment – tell them you are proud of them when they clean up their toys without being asked to, read for 20-30 minutes nightly, do a kind deed for a neighbor or friend, improve their grades or meet their AR goals.
I also want to take a minute to recognize our volunteers who joined us at our habitat workday. What an accomplishment it was moving tons of soil to prepare the flower beds for our beautification project by Circle Drive! The families who came out did so not because they had to, but because they care about the school environment. I know that many more families will join us for the next campus beautification workday.
At Durham, it is evident that the work is not accomplished by any one group of stakeholders – it takes a collaborative effort – faculty and staff, parents, and students to make great things happen. I recognize all that you all do, and as I count my blessings during Thanksgiving, I will indeed be thinking of each of you.
No comments:
Post a Comment