HCS Scholar Newsletter
Important Information From Mrs. Klaehn
November 2021
Kindness Matters
Dear HCS Scholars,
I have two children; Max is a freshman and Nolan is a 7th grader. I have learned that asking how their day was is a moot point; they say, "Fine", every single time! A few years ago, I started asking them to tell me something else. I say, "Tell me one kind thing you did for someone else, or one act of kindness you witnessed from someone else." This conversation starter means more to me than anything else when it comes to their day, because it reminds me that there is still goodness in a world which can sometimes feel very dark and lonely.
One of the things I have always loved about Honeoye students is that you are overwhelmingly kind. Well, I have to be honest with you; even though I believe this to be true at the core, there is a lot to be said about words and actions. Jane Austen is the author of Pride and Prejudice, which is one of my all-time favorite books (there are also a couple of fantastic film adaptations). In another one of her books, Sense and Sensibility, Austen says, "It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do." Let that sink in for a moment.
It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.
Those are some pretty powerful words, and I wholeheartedly believe them. I'm hearing that there are a lot of unkind things being said throughout our halls, in our classrooms, and in our cafeteria. Some of them I am aware of, and I address. It's important for students to know that unless you are directly involved (that means unless you are the student receiving the consequence), you won't know what the outcome is. We follow what we call "progressive discipline", meaning that violating our code of conduct results in more significant consequences with each infraction. Some consequences are more obvious than others, but I have to maintain the rights of all students, so it is not public knowledge.
I am asking the student body for two favors:
1. If someone says something hurtful or inappropriate to you or to your friends, let an adult know.
2. If you are friends with someone who puts others down or says/does inappropriate or disrespectful things, call them out on their behavior! Being a bystander to someone else's negativity reinforces it, and sends them the message their their behavior is acceptable.
At the end of the day, this is YOUR school, and is only as good as YOU make it. I can hand out punishments and talk about desired behaviors, but the most powerful folks to be the change are all of you, and I believe in your ability to make this school a safe and comforting environment for everyone.
Love,
Mrs. Klaehn
Teacher of the Month~October
September's recipients include: Mr. Bunce, Mrs. Morsheimer, Mrs. Barefoot, Mrs. Pezzimenti, and Mrs. Berger.
True BLUE Bulldogs
Mr. Feeney
Mrs. Addie Klaehn, Secondary Principal, Honeoye CSD
Email: aklaehn@honeoye.org
Website: www.honeoye.org
Location: 8528 Main Street, Honeoye, NY, USA
Phone: 5852295171