Dear Milwood Elementary Panther Parents and Families,
This will be an open letter to you, to express my respect, appreciation, and gratitude to you all for being part of our Learning Community. Of all the most important and valued ingredients in any significant and meaningful relationship, “Trust” sits at the top of the list. Precious, valuable, and elusive, it is hard to put our finger on exactly when we know it’s there, but we definitely know it when we see it, and more importantly we know it when we feel it. For me, watching and getting to know our Students, Parents, and Families, many of whom choose to stay with us for their entire six-year elementary lives, is a special experience, made so by the trust developed and strengthened over time.
Both as a Teacher and later a Principal, one of the things which has always fascinated me is the “Trust” involved in the daily process of school. Parents and Families get their little ones (and some not so little) up, washed, brushed, combed, curled, pressed, fed, booked, backpacked, hugged, kissed, loved, and out the door on each of our 180 mornings. They get them delivered to us via school bus, car, minivan, SUV, bike, stroller, and the old-school way: on two feet. Once dropped off, our Parents and Families go away to do their adult-things for the day, trusting that 7+ hours later we will deliver back their most precious possessions smarter, happier, kinder, and generally in the same physical condition as when they were delivered to us (shoes on the right feet don’t count, as that’s a never ending battle 🙂). And there’s the “Trust,” in us, and in how we do what we do to help prepare the “gifts” that you send to us each day.
Now don’t get me wrong, as we have good days, challenging days, and everything in between, but generally speaking we win a whole lot more than we don’t. I will tell any and everyone who will listen, when they compliment us on what a great school we have, that I have “an AMAZING staff.” Truly, not much of this gets done in a meaningful, positive way, without great people. Which brings me to you all, Parents and Families. I commented to our equally amazing and wonderful Secretaries Ms. Kim and Ms. Carolyn, it seems like I am seeing more of our Parents and Families in our building these days. Some examples:
Counting coins during our Penny Wars
Chaperoning our School Dance
Operating our Scholastic Book Fair
Help with Picture Day
Help with Harvest Day: Costumes, Donuts, and Snacks
Participation in our P.T.S.O. and Parent Advisory Council
Joining us for Field Trips
In addition, we have our regular AM Drop-Off and PM Pick-Up Parents. They have formed their own little community, often remaining to connect with each other and watch their children play. I don’t use the word “Community” lightly, as I believe these folks, and many of our Parents and Families feel a sense of connection to the Learning Community our team works to grow each day. Which brings me to the part where I say Thank You, to all of our Panther Parents and Families who place the “Trust” in us, to always have the best interest of your children at heart. We know how hard you work. We know you are doing your best. We know you are sending us your best. We are blessed with 376 wonderful, challenging, amazing, bright, and energetic Students. We are also blessed and thankful for the Parents and Families that come connected to them. I just wanted to let you know that you are seen, acknowledged, and appreciated.
Go Panthers!
Sincerely,
Craig LeSuer, Principal
