Sunday Message

With the first flakes recently flying in portions of the commonwealth, I wanted to update everyone on the decision making process.

As has been my priority the last two years, if we can call off school the night before we will as it allows families time to adjust for child care arrangements and it provides our staff adequate notice for those who often arrive at school early. If we cannot make the call in the evening, the call will be made as early as possible and it will be made with safety as the top priority. Certainly we want to try to attend school, but not at the risk of families, HS drivers, bus drivers, and our staff who all will have to be out on the road. We also need to ensure that our maintenance crew can clear the buildings in time for the opening bell.

Please click the link below for information on the decision making process, and how information will be sent out.

https://5il.co/1jp1t

So many folks have asked that we extend the deadline for donations of new socks, mittens, hats, and scarves for our drive, as they have asked friends and family to join in the gathering of these items over the holiday season! We have extended the deadline to December 20th, please drop off donations to GRAIS. All items will be brought to local charitable organizations such as Our Sister's Place in Fall River and Conway House in Middleboro.

As we head into the second week of December and closer to winter break, I contemplated what message should be sent in a time of uncertainty, emotionally, physically and financially for so many people.

According to the National Retail Federation’s Annual Consumer Spending Survey conducted recently, Americans alone could spend nearly $1.2 Trillion on gifts, decor, and more during the 2024 holiday season, much of which will be spent online. I certainly will contribute to that amount, yet have realized over the years that we also must pause and refocus on those who do not have as much, are ailing physically or emotionally, and never forget the significance of loss for many during the holidays or simply those who are alone.

The college student in the story below, should you choose to read it, reminds us that sometimes we all forget to embrace the gifts we actually have compared to so many others and that as a society we need others around around us. Simultaneously, we must also never forget the simple and important lessons before us - that loved ones, authentic communication, organic appreciation, true gratitude, positive memories, empowering relationships, kindness, empathy and forgiveness are the most important gifts we can give to each other and to ourselves. We must remember that the search for power, the need to be mean, or littering the world with “hatred and lies” do not help the world become brighter, they simply darken our own souls.

I hope you enjoy this and thank you to the family who sent it.

What she wanted for the Holiday's

So many of our Faculty, Paraprofessionals, Assistant Principals, Secretaries, IT and Library Staff, SRO’s, Counselors, Nurses, BCBA's, OT and PT staff, Principals, Schedulers, School Psychologists, Transportation Drivers, Food Service, Maintenance and Custodial Staff, Coaches and Advisors as well as Central Office Administration and Staff, Town Hall Elected Officials/ Employees, First Responders, School Committee and our community partners work diligently to support others in need: be it with clothing, an ear to listen, a gift to enjoy, food for the table, or a hand quietly provided to support those in and out of the community. We thank them daily and especially during the holidays!!

And we thank you for your support of them as well.

Be well, have a great week and most of all be … healthy.

Alan

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