"Tis the Season" may be the cheerful news of commercials and ads. For many this is a season of celebration and a festival of lights. Many families are making plans for gatherings and travels. Many families are shopping and preparing meals and gifts and celebrations and good times.
This same season and set of days over these two months are also disappointing and painful for many. The days are shorter and the nights longer. We travel to school and work in the dark and return home in the dark. The weather is unpredictable and changing frequently. Scheduled activities may need to change leading to more frustration and conflicts.
Not all families and individuals view this time of year with glee and joy. Too many of our children, families and individuals do not have sufficient food. Shelter is a problem for too many. The concept of giving gifts and big meals and sharing with families and friends for many is a major disappointment and not part of their reality.
For teenagers the separation of two weeks might as well be summer break or even worse a lifetime. School (thankfully) is a safe, warm place with friends and activities. It is a place of freedom and becoming. It is outside the confines of the home and the parent. The separation is stressful. The anguish is real for those teenagers and they need our support.
All of us at school are aware of the highly emotional happens yesterday and for the past several weeks in our state, country and throughout the world. Words are shouted in hate and anger. Emotions are intensified and we see hate and evil in uncommon places. We are fearful and cautious.
We appreciate the "heads up" that our students and families share with us about happenings around the neighbor or over the dinner conversation. We follow each lead seriously and evaluate courses of action. The safety of our children, staff and families is vitally important to all of us. At no time will we ever place anyone in harm's way intentionally. We are cautious and careful.
We should not allow fear to limit and control our lives. We do live in a fearful world. There is good reason to be aware of potential problems. We want to protect our families, our children and ourselves. We do that by watching out for our neighbors. We do that by supporting our friends. We do that by not spreading false rumors and wild stories with little basis in fact.
The school is aware of the various behaviors and actions of our students. We continue to promote a learning opportunity and balance being a child and growing into adulthood. We are alert and concerned about the health and safety of all our children. If you have questions or words to share, please call or email. We want all of our children safe.
Have a good break. School is closed starting December 21 and returning to school on Monday, January 4.
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