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It was a rainy weekend that transformed into a beautiful week marking the beginning of fall, which happens to be my favorite season! I was able to take in the great outdoors and varying weather states with the Varsity Soccer game, the Freshmen Tailgate, and Girls’ flag football game where I enjoyed the vivacious cheers from our Link Crew Leaders. Friday, I look forward to applauding our stage crew and cast of 1984 and all the hard work they have done to bring this haunting book to life.
As we enter fall, its symbolism of transformation and reflection resonates with me. Early in the year, as I wrote about the social media post, I urged our community (students, staff, and caregivers) to reflect with one another about who we want to be moving forward. This change necessitates collaborating as stakeholders to work towards a culture that centers emotional health, kindness and inclusivity. I appreciate many of you reaching out to continue this conversation and offer ways we can move forward towards our goals as a community. Please know that I’m continuing to think about how to offer opportunities for reflection and transformation for our students, families, and staff.
In this season of change from summer to fall, it’s a great time to consider how we can continue supporting our children, not only academically, but emotionally. Whether as caregivers or educators, we are their steady guides, helping them navigate this time of growth with both encouragement and the space to learn from their own experiences.
Let’s take a moment this fall to reflect on the important work we are doing, and how we can further support our students in becoming resilient, confident individuals.
As your principal and the parent of two children, I understand how hard it can be to watch our children struggle and experience pain. Like many of you, my instinct is to step in and shield them from discomfort. Yet, I recently read an impactful article from The Atlantic, entitled, “Lighthouse Parents Have More Confident Kids” by Russell Shaw. This reminded me that one of the most important things we can do for our students is to allow them to navigate life’s challenges themselves, with our support as a steady guide. I am taking on the challenge to listen more and solve less, to empower my kids to handle difficult moments on their own. It’s not always easy, but I know it teaches them resilience and fosters independence.
I meet with students all the time who are advocating for themselves and talk with caregivers who want a sounding board and consultant to navigate some of the difficulties that their children are facing. Let us continue to partner to help our students navigate life successfully and in healthy ways, without a focus on perfection or the avoidance of mistakes that can foster growth.
Holly Fleischer
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