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Principal's Corner
Dear Du Bois Family and Friends:
Last week, following much consideration by our assistant principal, Ellie, and me, we added more time to our lunches and recesses. This change to our schedule was our idea, and although some of our colleagues asked excellent questions that showed they were dubious of this plan, we all (students, staff, food service staff, custodians, and our families) joined together to work hard to make the plan work.
But it didn’t work.
This experience is a good example of how our homes, our school, our communities, and even our country, can and maybe should work.
We had a need. In this case, the need was more time for academics. We had an idea and a plan. We tried it. And then we watched and we listened to our community–including many of you…and many, many of your children. The data was striking and clear–this was not going to work for kids. And as kids are our lone reason for being as an organization, this was not going to work, period.
We shifted the plan. Our egos didn’t love it–but our heads and hearts knew this was the only way. Egos never taught a child anything. Heads and hearts do miracles in homes and schools every day.
Our school immediately saw a reduction in student stress and worry.
None of you called or e-mailed to say, “We told you so.” None of our colleagues at the school called or emailed to say this either. We were not trolled online or abused via social media (at least I don’t think we were). The unanimous reaction of our community, students and staff included, was not “Told you so,” but was instead, “How can we help?”
Ours is a community where it is safe to take thoughtful risks. Ours is a community where second (and sometimes third, fourth, and fifth) chances are plentiful. Ours is a community where mistakes are learning opportunities–not deal breakers. Ours is a caring, learning-centered community. Thanks to all reading this for being that Community.
Have a peaceful weekend, and see you on Thursday at 6:00 PM in the cafeteria for back-to-school night.
Jake M.
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