From the Desk of Mr. Jeff Kuhns

Confucius said that we learn by three methods: 'First by reflection, which is the noblest; second by imitation, which is the easiest and third by experience, which is the bitterest.'

I completed my first year walking the halls of the five buildings of West Perry at the end of January. Most days it seems much shorter than that. In that time, we have learned through all three methods that Confucius outlined.

The most important to me is reflection. Without reflection there is no learning. As I reflect over the last year, a lot has changed. If you were to take the temperature of the buildings a year ago and today, you would get much different readings. The culture has improved at least a little bit in every building and a dramatic amount in others. We have been more transparent with what we are doing and our goals. We are not always as transparent as people want us to be but there are parameters we need to stay within. We have created a parent and community advisory committee which has been helpful in hearing more voices and we have developed a very ambitious comprehensive plan to lead us through the next three years with the assistance of a myriad of stakeholders. We are on our way to my goal of West Perry being the crown jewel of the County and the Capital Area.

Imitation is less important to me although we have learned things from observing other districts around us. Sometimes we benefit from being patient and observing the mistakes of others. Many people have heard the quote 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery' but most don't know how that quote ends: 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.' Our goal would be for others to imitate us in our position of greatness. Although we are not quite in that position yet, that is our goal and we are moving forward.

Finally, learning from experience. I like to tell people that this is in fact my first rodeo! Even though I have years of leadership experience, this is my first time at the helm of an entire school district. I have undoubtedly made mistakes but I have learned from them. We will and I will continue to make mistakes. The best that we can do is be upfront and vow to not make the same mistakes again and to always err on the side of what is best for students. Students will always be our North Star.

Hold on, spring is coming!