Twenty-three years ago I came to Homewood as my first administrative job. There is so much that has changed over the years, but also much that endures because of what a special place this community is. We experienced 911, Covid, political strife, George Floyd, and mind-boggling advances in technology during my tenure. They have each left us changed and more importantly reinforced that we are truly better together.
Thank you, Wildcat adults, for sending us the best kids! Your high expectations challenge us and make us strive to also be the best we can be. School really is a partnership. When you follow up at home, talk about their day, read and spend time together, we see a difference in the classroom. We are often asked what parents can do in the summer. Read- to them and with them. Explore- there's so much to see and experience, like Izaac Walton, Irons Oaks, or the parks. Talk- and more importantly really listen. Their brains are developing so fast and language is an integral part! The way they think and the things they say will both amaze you and keep you in stitches!
This generation is growing up with technology many of us couldn't have imagined. For all the good and convenience it brings us as adults, we are also seeing the research on how it negatively impacts kids. Attention spans are shorter, communication skills are impacted by lack of human interaction, and as they get older social media negatively impacts self-esteem, especially in girls. We have learned to vent, malign, and ostracize behind a keyboard. Our kids are learning this, too.
I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I love keeping up with my former students, colleagues, and family, but it scares me that it knows what dog food I buy and my preference for toothpaste. I hate that it's often used to spew inaccuracies and disinformation, and that's it's super hard to know what's fake and what's real. If we, as adults, don't know....imagine impressionable students seeing the same thing. As a school, we can't/won't comment. (That doesn't mean that we wouldn't like to, believe me.) Staying quiet doesn't mean that what you hear or see is real; it's us choosing not to engage. If you have questions or concerns, starting with the school building is always the best place for accurate information and to facilitate change.
There's a rattle and hum to Willow that you can't understand if you haven't been here. There are over 600 little people, 125 staff, and assorted parents/grandparents/guardians on any given day. We are all about routines and structures. Imagine what it would be like without them. ( I picture it like Sam's Club on taste-testing day, but on steroids.) So much of what we do is to ensure safety. We need you to think this way, too. On a daily basis, there are multiple U-turns on Willow Road, parking next to the "no parking" signs, and parents refusing to pull down during drop off. It's unnecessary and can be dangerous. It's hard to explain to students why they have to follow the rules when they watch grown ups who don't. We ask that you always strive to be a positive role model for your student. Your actions often speak much louder than your words.
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I have had the privilege of knowing thousands of Wildcats and their families over the years. The memories and conversations will always be in a special corner of my mind and heart. Thank you for trusting me with the most important part of you. It's been my honor. 💗
Have a safe summer!
Melissa
