FROM THE PRINCIPAL...TONY WHITE
I've always wondered the difference between partly cloudy and partly sunny. I'm sure there's a meteorological definition, but for the purpose of the point of my article, I'm not going to look it up. In my self-serving definition here, the difference is in perspective. I can look at the sky and focus on the clouds or I can focus on the sun. I can also focus on the sun, yet acknowledge that there are clouds in the sky. Sometimes they're beautiful, and sometimes they're ominous.
That is the perspective that I have on life since March 13, 2020. There have undoubtedly been clouds in our sky, and sometimes they have loomed ominously - millions sick and out of work, hundreds of thousands losing their lives, and school suddenly shifting to a virtual setting. Yet, the sun still shone too. We learned to take nothing for granted, how to reconnect as families as so many extracurricular activities went by the wayside and offices went remote, and placed an added emphasis on living more simply.
Two weeks ago, my wife was out for a midday drive with our kids, and happened to drive past Munhall Elementary School. She saw a class with their teacher skipping outside, and she started to cry. It was the first time she had seen kids at school since mid-March. Everyone seemed to radiate joy and truly belong where they were, and the simple beauty of this sight brought her to tears.
Whether your Eagle is learning remotely or in person, he or she is exactly where they belong, and I hope feeling the joy of learning and interacting with their friends and teachers for the first time in several months. School is magical - students learn skills they will take with them for the rest of their lives and continue to hone and perfect, make friendships that can last for decades and decades, and grow, evolve, and change right before our very eyes. In many ways, this school year is like no other, but no matter what happens, the magic of school and the truths of school (everyone wants to learn, make friends, be a friend, and have fun) will be true.
Happy Labor Day Weekend to you all, Norton Creek! The weather forecast looks beautiful, and I hope you enjoy it with your favorite people!
IMPORTANT DISMISSAL REMINDER:
Your student(s)' teacher and your student(s)' bus supervisor
Thank you for your assistance.
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Back to School Night is going virtual! September 8, Trail guides will be sent to all families with links to videos created by our teachers as well as links to September 10th Zoom sessions for you to jump on with your Eagle's teacher. The Zoom sessions will each last 20 minutes and run between 6:00 and 6:20 and 6:30 and 6:50 (giving families with students at multiple grade levels time to get to each Zoom). Your child's teacher will share with you a Google Doc for you to add your question to be answered at these sessions in the near future.
Families with remote learners will receive Back to School Night information from your child's teacher.
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NORTON CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL