Superintendent's Scoop
December 2019
Dear Parents/Guardians and Community Members:
Gratitude. Lexico.com defines gratitude as, "The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness." Every morning, I make showing gratitude during the day a goal. For students and staff at Collins Elementary, gratitude is this month's character word. Having school on Monday, rather than Monday being the first snow day, was an opportunity for Collins Elementary to practice gratitude in-spite of disappointment. Finding a way to be grateful despite set-backs is a practice for which I am getting better.
In my humble opinion, education is the greatest profession in the world! Each day I work for kids - the students of the Houghton Lake Community School District. No two days are alike. I am blessed to serve the families and community members who make up the school district. Being grateful at this time in my professional life is easy.
Author Melody Beattie said this of gratitude: "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." The past of HLCS, despite obstacles and challenges, is what has built the district. Finding one small thing each day to give thanks for provides a sense of calm. Last spring, the Houghton Lake Community School District's Strategic Planning team set a new vision for the district: We will be an outstanding Pre K-12 school district where all students are provided the tools and skills to reach their full potential. I am grateful for the work being done to make this vision a reality for our students.
For the past three months, a dedicated group of professionals and community members have volunteered time to determine exactly what "tools and skills" our students need for their future. The Houghton Lake Community Schools' Think Tank group (visit the Facebook page!) has identified innovative instructional practices, programming, and facilities that are providing students forward-thinking educational experiences. Educational practices that are providing students the tools and skills they need to thrive after high school.
The field of education is beginning to understand that our students today need to be prepared for professions and jobs that no longer exist and that are not yet created. We must prepare our students for their future - not for our pasts. As the Think Tank group continues to meet, the vision of HLCS will continue to form. I am grateful to those individuals who have started this journey. I welcome all families and community members to join the Think Tank and attend the January 7th meeting at 6:00 PM in the Junior/Senior High School library and be part of the planning!
As we wind down the calendar year, find ways to express gratitude. Support the Collins Elementary and ask your children, grandchildren, nieces & nephews, and neighbors how they expressed gratitude today!
HLCS Think Tank
HLCS Think Tank
HLCS Think Tank
Community Education
Community Education
Community Education
A Complete Guide to Potentially Dangerous Apps All Parents Should Be Aware Of
The link below includes a list of apps that children might be using and parents must know. The digital era is not slowing down, and social media is not going away. The best we can do is stay informed and monitor what our children are doing on-line. Please take a look at the information provided in the link below and share!