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Dear SPN families,
Thank you all for attending Back to School Night last Thursday evening. It was delightful to have in-person meetings again after 2 years on Zoom. However, as you are all aware, we are still in the midst of the COVID pandemic, and our protocols and procedures are vital to keeping school in session. It is equally important for our students, faculty and staff to stay healthy. Furthermore, if faculty/staff become ill, we do not have an adequate substitute pool.
At times like this, when striving to navigate challenges with grace and success, I recall a lesson about snow geese and teamwork. As snow geese migrate south every year, they travel thousands of miles to warmer weather. When snow geese fly in formation, it typically resembles a V. The V formation provides lift for the other snow geese as they each flap their wings: they can fly much further together than they can solo. They share the leadership, rotating different geese to the point position. There is no lift effect for the lead goose, which makes is difficult and why they share the leadership position. They also honk to encourage one another, much like athletes and fans cheer or chant to get energized. Finally, when a snow goose is injured or not keeping up with the flock, a few snow geese will stay with that goose until it can join the flock again.
We need to be more like snow geese. Let’s “honk” support and celebrate those in our “flock” who hold the leadership roles in the classroom, outside with traffic safety, with PTG, School Board, and Athletic Board. Consider them geese flapping their wings to keep up with their responsibilities.
A major responsibility for all of us at SPN is to be informed and to follow through with requests and expectations. Please read all newsletters because they contain very valuable information. Following through with school requests and expectations will help us all move forward together to reach our destination. Finally, as someone falls ill, or out of formation, let us stay with that person, helping to get them back to where they need to be.
On Tuesday we had to COVID test 13 students here in the office before sending them to their classrooms because we had not yet received their test results (which were required due to the modified quarantine protocol). This caused great disruption to our already busy morning office routine and delayed students getting to class on time.
As I mentioned at Back to School Night, I am currently teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts, which is an honor and a privilege. Similarly, James Toner, our Vice Principal, has added a lot to his workload this year in taking on 8th grade Homeroom and Religion. Where the two of us might have had time to address requests, inquiries, or provide additional support to teachers, students, and parents previously, we no longer have that luxury of time. Generously, many staff and parents have provided support which helps us manage these workloads. Honestly, the best thing anyone can do is to make sure to take care of their own responsibilities.
Thank you for your support and your partnership. I have faith that our community will continue to thrive because I have faith in each and every one of you to be like the snow geese. Honk!
Ms. Julie Thomas
Principal
Focus on Faith: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love.
Ephesians 3:16-17
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