End of year is for celebrations (and vacation planning, for the lucky ones), and this week we had one just about everyday. Ms. Smith gave out amazing and creative-sounding awards for her pre-k students during their stepping up, and the kindergarten team coordinated two amazing graduations with Ms. McClain and Ms. Landaas leading the way. And then there’s the staff domination of the students in the basketball game, followed by an 8th grade graduation that was just about perfect.
One upping perhaps only herself at this point, Ms. Zecca provided the highlight of the graduation with a slideshow that hits just about every emotional note. We saw our graduates grow into the mini-adults they are now through a series of photos taken in the last decade, going all the way back to when they were kindergarteners. And it was something else to see a decade old photo showing them at their stepping up in 2007, dressed in the very same colorful t-shirts I saw their 2016 counterparts wore a day earlier at Thursday’s stepping up.
This week leaves little doubt that 102 achieves, and a key to our success has always been consistency; we find out what works and we don’t deviate from it. However, as everything around us change at an unprecedented pace, it is important that we are vigilant in self-reflection so that our many traditions can continue to serve as a foundation for excellence rather than a hindrance. We can’t afford to walk the same path as the likes of AOL, Blockbuster, and Sear’s; our students deserve better. Institutions with long-term success often struggle with distinguishing What is and what has been with what ought to be, and it’s something we need to tackle not just next year but every year thereafter. This work isn’t for everyone, but it’s work that’s intrinsic to a school that truly prioritizes student needs above adult wants.
Be ready come September: it’s 102’s turn to step up.
Weekly Highlights:
In record turnaround time, Mr. Gebhardt has already served up incredible photos for the Stepping Ups, student/staff basketball game, and the 8th grade graduation. Go here to see them all.
Things You Need to Know:
Monday PD: We will meeting in grade teams Monday afternoon to discuss end-of-year procedures before we break up to learn more about Thinking Generators.
CEC Meeting: If you can, please attend the CEC meeting at 7PM to support Ms. Meenan as she is recognized for her work. It’s going to be amazing.
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