January 8, 2021
Dear Parents,
Happy New Year! Who isn’t excited and relieved that 2020 is now in our rearview mirror? I know I am feeling refreshed and ready to go! This year I am looking at goals and resolutions through a slightly different lens thanks to our magnificent school counselor, Julie Jaworski. She began the new year by sharing a wonderful book and concept with our students: One Word for Kids by Jon Gordon.
The children’s book is based on his book for adults, One Word That Will Change Your Life. To help us all be more intentional in our daily lives, One Word, when you find it, will help you navigate every day to make it your best year yet. Many classroom teachers have already begun this One Word journey with their homerooms. Some classrooms have even decorated their classroom walls with their words displaying their creativity. Ms. Carrier’s fourth grade online class created a flipgrid displaying all of their words. https://padlet.com/bcarrier/1mx2up5bwlzj1en9
It has been an exciting new word adventure for staff and students alike. One little girl in fourth grade mentioned that her word is “Focus”. One of our teacher’s One Word is “Gratitude”. I have to say I thought about using gratitude myself. I also considered empathy and positivity, but my word, as the book stated it would, presented itself to me when the time was right. My word for the year is “Strength”. My goal for the year is to be strong in mind, body, and spirit. I know building my own “strength” will in turn strengthen my relationships and strengthen our entire school community as we forge ahead together into 2021. I am looking forward to putting my One Word into action and seeing our wonderful students and staff do the same.
You will see the main body of this week’s newsletter is about our upcoming priority re-enrollment and open enrollment throughout the month of January. We have come to a place where we are in a position of “strength”, and I look forward to a robust enrollment season. Please remember, we are always happy to set time to talk with you if you have any questions or concerns. We want to help be a positive part of your decision making process. We are also offering a Town Hall Coffee Chat. You should have already received a parent connection night invite to Teak Neighborhood Grill from Our Director of Admissions, Nicole Roman, for students in grades K4-5 to connect with parents who are happy to provide insights about the grade your child will be enrolling in for the fall. This weekend, you will be receiving a letter from me with all directions and information you need for a seamless registration process. On Monday you will receive a communication from docusign to begin the process. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out and let us know.
Again, I wish you every success and happiness in 2021! We are strong together!
Very Warmly,
Davina Spillmann
