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September 9, 2026
Dear Principals and EEC Directors,
The beginning of a school year always brings its share of excitement, challenges, and unexpected moments, and this year, the unusually hot weather has certainly added another layer. With several of our schools and early education centers experiencing air-conditioning problems or not having air conditioning throughout their school, I know some of you have been navigating uncomfortable classrooms, shifting students and staff to different spaces, communicating with families, and making countless decisions simply to keep the day moving forward.
These are the moments when leadership matters most.
Your faculty and staff are looking to you not only for solutions, but also for reassurance, patience, and perspective. At the beginning of the year, everyone is already working hard to establish routines, build relationships, welcome families, and meet the needs of students. Add excessive heat and a broken air conditioner, and even the smallest challenge can feel much bigger.
Thank you for being the calm and steady presence your communities need. Thank you for checking on your teachers, helping wherever needed, finding creative solutions, and maintaining a sense of humor and grace when circumstances are less than ideal.
Our theme this year calls us to “Be His Heart in the World.” Sometimes that happens in profound moments, but more often it happens in very ordinary ones, offering encouragement to an exhausted teacher, bringing a fan into a classroom, reassuring a frustrated parent, or simply reminding your staff that you see and appreciate their efforts.
As we move beyond these first busy weeks of school, please remember to extend that same grace to yourselves. Leadership is demanding, particularly at this time of year. I am grateful for the way you continue to care for your students, families, and one another.
Stay cool and know that you and your communities remain in our prayers.
Blessings,
Karen
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