05/20/2026
ATTENTION 5th GRADERS:
Before I let you go, I hope you will allow me this one last opportunity to give you some advice to take with you to middle school.
1) WORK HARD. Things won’t always come easily to you, and they shouldn’t. What is worth learning is worth working hard for. Don’t let frustration get the best of you – persevere, ask for help, keep trying. The payoff will be great.
2) BE HUMBLE. Yes, you are smart, talented, athletic, creative, and capable. You are a lot of great things. But so are many others. Celebrate your strengths, but don’t forget to lift others up and recognize their achievements too. Kindness and humility will earn you true respect.
3) SMILE OFTEN. It may sound simple, but a smile can change your day—and someone else’s too. A positive attitude can open doors, build friendships, and boost your confidence. Even when things are tough, choosing to smile can make all the difference. You’ll be amazed at how much better the world looks – and how the world looks at you – when you have a smile on your face.
4) BE RESPECTFUL. Show courtesy to everyone—your teachers, your classmates, your family, and yourself. Good manners and a respectful attitude will always set you apart in the best way.
5. GET INVOLVED. Find extracurricular activities that you are interested in at the middle school and get involved. Explore your interests. Try something new whether it’s a sport, a club, music, theater, or something else entirely. You’ll discover passions, grow your confidence, and meet new friends who share your enthusiasm.
6. LIVE BY the “GOLDEN RULE” – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Treat others the way you want to be treated. It’s one of the most important lessons you’ll ever learn, and one that will serve you well throughout your life. In my opinion there is no more important rule to live by.
And just a few more words of wisdom:
If you open it, close it.
If you turn it on, turn it off.
If you unlock it, lock it up.
If you break it, admit it.
If you can’t fix it, call someone who can.
If you borrow it, return it.
If you value it, take care of it.
If you make a mess, for Pete’s sake clean it up.
If you move it, put it back.
If it belongs to someone else, get permission to use it.
If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.
If it’s none of your business, stay out of it.
If what you have to say will brighten someone’s day, for Heaven’s sake say it!
If what you have to say will hurt someone, keep your mouth shut!
If something isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it.
If you think you know it all, look around and guess again.
Fifth graders, you leave here having learned a lot, but you have much more to learn in the years ahead. Be willing to keep on learning from your teachers, coaches, parents and friends. Maintain a positive attitude, a helpful disposition, a willingness to try new experiences. Keep reading, be helpful, clean your rooms, be good to each other, kiss your parents, keep smiling, and may you never ever forget that you made Little Feathers Fly at PNI! Now continue on your journey and go and earn your feather.
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Your proud principal,
Mrs. Carter
