09/02/2017
It's the un-official end to summer, Labor Day Weekend. That means on Tuesday September 5, yellow buses will be running, crossing guards will be out, students will be on the best behavior for the first day, bus drivers will be up early to make sure the buses are fit for students, cafeteria workers will be excited and nervous to try out their recipes on a new bunch of students, administrators will be nervously awaiting the first bus to arrive, couple that with the last bus to depart.
However, educators are not the only ones that play a part in a child's life. Many people have many roles that impact children, and for those people who do, I want to say thank you. How you help and empower children usually makes our jobs easier as educators. Every one impacts a child, so this saying is for all of us, Every Child, Every Day. We must be mindful of our actions (or inactions) and their impact on their lives.
As a board member, I am constantly amazed at how people want to help, be a part of the greater good. It's easy to watch the news and get disheartened these days. However, all I need to do is to look around our community to see friends helping friends, encouraging one another and to give a helping hand when needed. You are setting an example for children when you do that.
I encourage you to step into a school, to volunteer to read to a child, a class, on a weekly basis, even if you don't have a child there. Use your talents and passions to empower someone else. Adopt a class and take special treats in once a month, not for any other reason other than to show you care about the kids.
For those sending your students to Portsmouth Schools, thank you for sending us your best and brightest, your love and your life. We strive every day to challenge them, to grow them and to fill them with hope, wonder, imagination and innovation, so that they can be all they can be when their time comes!
I wish everyone a safe and restful Labor Day Weekend! Get an extra wink of sleep! Have one to many hot dogs at the cookout, and have confidence in the school division to do our best with your best!
Best Wishes for a successful school year! ~Sarah~