I received an incredible gift last night when I joined our 6th graders on their night walk at Walden West.

Yellow broom flowers shined brightly in the twilight hours as we headed towards our solo hike destination.  The call of a wild turkey sounded from the trees.  The silence that we each practiced allowed me to hear the different buzzing frequencies of the various insects flying past my ears.  My eyes adjusted to the dimming light and I deliberately worked to calm my mind so that I could appreciate the beauty through which I walked.  I reminded myself of our guide’s direction, “be present.”  On our way back to camp, the moon glistened as it crested over the treetops and we came upon several deer. 

This time could not have been more magical.  It provided me with tranquility atop a flurry-of-a-day and during this small amount of time, the only decision I faced was to stay in the moment.  On any given day, we are each faced with countless decisions.  Some of these we approach with intention: what to wear, eat, time to arrive at work or school, whether to play soccer or basketball, and the list continues.  Other choices unfold based on an instantaneous, and often unconscious approach to a situation.  For example, when greeted by a friend or peer, do we take that extra moment to actively listen or do we interact in a typical fashion and then move forward with our day.

As a principal, I have the incredible privilege of guiding children through reflecting on their choices on a daily basis.  During some discussions with students this week, the sentiment of regret surfaced.  That emotion often sends a painful sensation into our stomachs when we realize that we made a wrong choice and we can’t take it back.  Although it doesn’t feel all that wonderful, remorse is healthy.  It is key though to acknowledge the feeling, reflect, and to then enact steps to not repeat what lead us to it in the first place.  It’s also critical to forgive.  Often, the hardest person to forgive is our self.

Making mistakes is not just part of life, it’s part of growing up and learning.  While each of us wants to be the best we can be and we want our children to be the best they can be, there will come a time when we/they just don’t make the best choice.  We can support our children by discussing what contributed to that decision, why it may not have been the best choice, and then support them with specific language or steps when faced with a similar situation in the future.  Thank you parents and staff for the role you play in raising thoughtful children who strive to make the best choices possible.

Note:  Remember the ball pit assembly?  How about the air orchestra?  Well, Almond has another fun assembly planned for Friday, 5/23.  The theme is around service to others and we have a special guest (Lady Gaga) who will teach us the We Day Dance.  The assembly will be in the multi and involve glowing lights.  Have I peaked your curiosity?  I hope so!!!  Come one, come all.  We will assemble outside in our typical spot and staff will quickly guide students into the multi.

Don’t Forget:  I promised not to email you daily about the survey, but didn’t say anything about not mentioning it in the Thursday Word J.  We currently have 523 students enrolled at Almond.  129 surveys have been completed.  If I calculated my percentage accurately this time, we’ve gone from 6% to about 25% since Monday.  That’s fabulous, but I expect 80% participation because I want your voices to be heard.   Come on parents!  Let’s show our children how it’s done when it comes to participation.  Here’s the link.

In Closing:  See you all at next Thursday’s Open House from 6:30pm – 7:30pm.  It’s a wonderful evening to celebrate the year’s accomplishments.