The Fence and the Gate
“Showing up is not about being perfect. It’s about being present, consistent, and kind—even when it’s hard.”
— Unknown
There was once a small village nestled between rolling hills and winding rivers. The people who lived there were kind, but like many communities, they didn’t always see eye to eye. Over time, disagreements over small things—a dog barking, a fence line, a forgotten “hello”—began to grow.
Neighbors started building taller fences, thinking it would give them peace. What they didn’t realize was, the more fences they built, the less they knew each other.
One day, a strong storm rolled in. Trees fell, rivers rose, and the power went out. The people found themselves outside, trying to clear debris, help the elderly, and care for children. They couldn’t do it alone.
Something remarkable happened.
One by one, people began cutting gates into their fences—not to remove the boundary, but to make space for someone else. They passed through those gates to help, to listen, to lend a hand. The fences were still there, but the gates made all the difference.
After the storm passed, many of those gates remained. They reminded the village that being on the same team didn’t mean being the same—it meant being there for each other. It meant showing up when it counted.
We’re Better When We Show Up
At Newaygo Public Schools, we are a team—and more than that, we are a family. We won’t always agree. But the real measure of community is not how alike we are, but how willing we are to show up for each other—especially when it's hard.
Let’s keep building gates. Let’s listen more, assume the best, and remember that our kids are watching how we treat one another.
We don’t need perfection. We just need presence. That’s how we move forward.
#TogetherWeRoar
Mondays Well Spent – Thanks to You!
Dear Newaygo Families,
As we wrap up our Late Start Mondays for the 2024-25 school year, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support. These weekly PLC (Professional Learning Community) sessions have allowed our educators to collaborate, align curriculum, and grow professionally—all with the goal of improving student success.
From implementing Heggerty Reading & Writing and Bridges Math, to piloting upper elementary programs and strengthening our Guaranteed & Viable Curriculum, the progress made this year has been remarkable. We've also deepened our commitment to Capturing Kids’ Hearts, PBIS, and grade-level and departmental alignment. Your support—especially with our Late Start drop-off option—has been instrumental, and we’re proud that many families took advantage of this resource.
Thank you for partnering with us as we strive to provide the best for our students.
#BetterTogether.
With gratitude,
Ben Gilpin
Superintendent, Newaygo Public Schools
Playing the Game .... Or Changing it Together
Recently, I listened to a podcast by my friend Danny Bauer, a nationally recognized educational leader and author. In the episode titled “Playing the Game by Your Own Rules”, Danny shared a powerful story from his time as a student.
He recalled writing a poem as his final essay—pushing boundaries, thinking creatively, and expressing himself in a unique way. But instead of being met with curiosity or encouragement, his teacher saw his effort as defiant. He even felt she disliked boys, and he knew what he had written wasn’t going to be “good enough” in her eyes. As Danny reflected, it wasn’t about learning—it was about playing the game of school. He knew the rules: conform, comply, and check the boxes. His story stuck with me.
Because the truth is, school should never feel like a game our kids are trying to survive. It should be a place where they are known, heard, and supported—not where they’re navigating rules that feel disconnected from who they are.
At Newaygo, we believe that home and school are not on opposite teams—we are partners. And like any strong partnership, communication, support, and trust are key. When families and educators work together—truly together—we build stronger relationships, deepen understanding, and eliminate the feeling that students must “play the game” to succeed.
I choose to believe that every parent, every guardian, and every educator wants better for our kids. Let’s continue showing up with open minds and hearts, forging stronger connections, and reminding our students that their voice, their creativity, and their uniqueness all belong here.
Together, we can change the rules.
Together, we are #BetterTogether.
