The potential for what we can do has grown substantially. We have the tools, the staffing, the will, and to a great degree, the challenge now lies with prioritizing, managing our individual and collective energy well, and using good process so we continue to spiral upward in ways that develop our program for the benefit of children and their families.
The days have been crystal clear and cool too. Though we had our share of rain, we are reaping the bounty of those storms with the most beautiful flowers. The picture above shows a few of the many peony blooming in my neighborhood. These flowers remind me of the great potential we hold to nurture beauty in nature, in children's lives, and in our lives and the work we do.
Everyone is a bit weary--the whole school has pushed to meet expectations and then do more. The creativity is flourishing, and the children are mostly happy and playful. In so many ways, what we have embraced and developed over the years is what I want for every child: caring adults, an engaging, beneficial program, opportunity for play and creativity, and warm friendships. It's certainly not perfect as there are always ways to better, move ahead, and reap that potential, but right now, our school community is very, very positive.
In the days ahead we'll stay the course supporting children as they complete and present biography reports, entertain us with their musical abilities, celebrate a good year, and create wonderful cardboard creations. There is time to celebrate with each other too as we honor colleagues who are retiring, and put the finishing touches on the year's accomplishments.
We're already filling the summer and next year's calendars with professional learning events, field studies, special projects, and thinking about how we might rearrange and revise the program to teach better in the year to come.
You're never there in education as it's an endless journey towards betterment, but there are moments of reflection like this one when you recognize the strength, creativity, kindness, respect, and hard work of so many colleagues, administrators, students, families, and community members who all come together with one aim which is to teach children well. I am grateful for this, and hope to do my share to value and sustain the treasures we have, and where there is room for growth, to work towards that end. Onward.