As we come into the holiday and with more good news hitting us on a daily basis, it might be easy to think of our trek towards the Friday before break as crossing the finish line. Given that I value all the efforts of everyone in getting us to this milestone, I want you to soak in this moment and truly celebrate what we have accomplished together. The joy and spirit of the season are all around us in so many beautiful and powerful ways.
When the lights of our tree in front of our entrance were first turned on, I felt that tinge of excitement telling me maybe we could still make this happen – the spirit of the season – enveloping around us with a warm glow and the hug of humanity once again. Then I went to the plays and in both, felt the tears well in the sheer importance of seeing what I feared we would lose.
And then the decorations started appearing, first a tree or two and some twinkling lights. Then the Poinsettia – and cards – oh the joy of Christmas cards when you are in the grasp of despair, how they lift your soul and fill you with the honor of friendship and regard. Now, the season is all around us, including a makeshift fireplace that appeared in our hallway for staff to enjoy as they sipped a cup of cheer.
PTO deserves special recognition for their decorations around the building and their support of grade levels, each in a unique and powerful way that demonstrates the resilience of parental love and support. The cookies, the ornaments, the wishes of hope and inspiration – all a display of affection and profound investment in the future, knowing that our demonstrations now are the seeds of future aspirations. PTO – thank you for helping to make our dreams come true – including mine – I love the Twinkies!!
So, not the finish line. But, with gratitude, I offer you a victory lap and wish you all the best during the coming holidays. We are hopeful that all will stay safe and healthy during this time away from school. Please take a moment to hold those who have been sick from or who were lost to this virus, both in our community and around the world, in your thoughts and prayers.
It is my earnest wish that our fervent wishes will come true in the year ahead. It does feel like we are headed in the right direction and hope has returned. Embrace this and join me as we start the next leg of our journey together again in January. To those few who are departing, we wish you well in your next adventure and I know the whole community will step forward to welcome our new families as they arrive.
Additional note:
Please help us with one final task today! Send forward a message to anyone potentially considering joining the ASW Community and invite them to our Virtual Open House tomorrow. If they are considering relocating to Warsaw and are starting to consider schools, or if they are here in Warsaw and considering a change, this is a great opportunity for all of us to participate in spreading the word about ASW! Tomorrow’s session is particularly showcasing our PYP program. Send them this link to get more information and register to join us: