Students on the new zip line

We have had an AMAZING start to the year — what a fantastic group of students and staff we have!  We’ve welcomed a number of new students as well as several teachers and aides to our school.   From our youngest Kindergarten students, to our new students who’ve transferred in, to our returning more “veteran” students, I am super impressed with how well everyone is adjusting to school, the routines and expectations of our school.

 As we do every year, we spend much of the first 8 days reviewing our Leader in Me program and our school-wide expectations to Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.  Our primary focus at the start of the year is our leadership program, The Leader in Me.   Our goal is to use leadership and academics to educate the whole child.  The students are reintroduced to the 7 habits in the first 8 days.  They learn to be proactive and to control the things they can control.  The students learn to set goals and to create the action steps that will help them reach their goals.  With the help of the classroom teachers, the students learn about priorities and doing what needs to be done first.  The final 4 habits help the students learn to be kind, work together, listen, and rest.   We want to help students reach their potential and find their voice in school and at home.

 We had several new pieces of playground equipment installed over the summer break.  My staff and I have had a wonderful time watching the students as they take turns playing on each new structure.  It is a joy to watch students practice the skills they have learned about kindness and respect as they play at recess.