Happy New Year's Picture

Posted on January 4, 2006

This is a short note to thank all of those teachers, students and families who put in time and effort to make their schools a safe, inviting and welcoming community of leaners. All one need do is walk in the front door of any school and within a few steps you will know if it is a school where students, faculty and parents work together with respect and care or not. Upon entering a school where core concepts are practiced you will see a building that is well cared for, adults and children with a purpose, with smiles on their faces and with the time to stop and say "hello" or "welcome to our school". You will see the walls covered with student work. You will see the school's core values and norms posted. You will hear the sounds of enthusiastic voices as children and adults engage in the process of teaching and learning. You will hear students sharing their ideas, their feelings and their concern for the material they are studying and for each other. You will feel welcome. You will feel safe and interested. You will be amazed at the quality of the staff and at the quality of the students. You will want to linger, to be a part of it. You will be glad that this is your school, the school where you work or the school your children attend.

I hope this is a picture of your experience.

If so, take the time to congratulate yourself and those around you. Let the teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers, office staff, custodial staff and students know that you care.

If not, get involved. You can make a difference.

Tim