View From the Front Office
Exactly eight months ago we dismissed school due to COVID-19. It appears that the situation is even worse now compared to then. It is evident the precautions intended to slow the spread of the virus have not been utilized to their fullest extent. Politics aside, the science underscores the importance of practicing these preventive measures. Please do your best to help mitigate the spread and slow this train down. As adults, we need to model for our youth what it means to do what is best for others.
As we move into the holiday season, this is the time we give thanks. With all that is happening it is hard to think about what we are thankful for, but actually now is the best time to share our thanks. I had the opportunity to partake in the FCS Foods class Thanksgiving dinner (which was delicious.) A tradition during this meal is each participant must share one item for which they are thankful. An overwhelming theme was the students were thankful they were still in school and had the opportunity to participate in an activity such as this. When it was my turn, I shared I was thankful for my oldest son’s safe return from his navy deployment and I am also thankful for my extended EM Wolves family. The students helped me put it all in perspective - be thankful for the little things in life we take for granted.
These last eight months have been very stressful for everyone. To say it has been overwhelming is an understatement. There have been days when I swear I am dreaming and I will soon wake up and all will be back to normal. As school leaders we have so many factors to take into consideration. I realize no matter what decision is made, someone will be upset. But we make the decisions based on what is best for our students. Hence another reason to be thankful for my extended E-M family. The teachers and staff have been nothing but supportive to each other. They have truly demonstrated their resolve and that TEAM> ME.
The students have also done a great job adjusting to the new norm. There are times when we need to remind each other to get that mask over the nose and to social distance; but, overall, the students get it. Adhering to the preventive measures helps keep them in school and participate in all the school related activities. Hats off to our students for helping lead the way and also showing that TEAM> ME.
Most of all, I am thankful for my immediate family. No matter what happens, my wife is always there for me - whether I am giddy with excitement because I had an AWESOME day at school or I am Mr. Grumpy and need to put my positive pants on (she tells me that often.) Without her guidance and support, my days and nights just wouldn’t be the same. Thank you Karla for being there for me each and every day!
There you have it - my thankful list for 2020. Before we know it, Christmas will be here and we will soon be saying, “Man, I sure hope 2021 is better than this past year.” Make sure to take some time this holiday season to reconnect with someone from the past, go out of your way to help someone in need, or tell those who are the closest to you how much you appreciate them. These last eight months have demonstrated we can’t take these relationships for granted. Make an effort to be the positive light for others - remember TEAM> ME.
Thought for the month:
There is no better way to thank God for your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark.
Helen Keller (Light in My Darkness)
