FROM THE PRINCIPAL...TONY WHITE
At this time of year, we hear messages of good cheer, joy, and kindness. Kindness and empathy are often thought of as the same thing, but I actually believe that one is the cause and the other the effect. Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. To me, once a person has achieved empathy, kindness is then the result. Empathy is not a skill that children are born with. It can only be cultivated through intentional teaching, recognizing and celebrating empathetic moments, and reading books and articles together.
Reading often catches folks by surprise as an activity that builds empathy. However, when we think about the act of reading, our brains are constantly making a movie in our mind. In making that movie, not only do we envision what the setting and characters look like, but we also must visualize their feelings as they respond to situations and interactions. In visualizing those feelings, our Eagles begin to develop an understanding of the way other people feel. Children are naturally egocentric and think mostly of how they feel in situations, so this process truly wires the brain in a new and exciting way!
Speaking of empathy and kindness, I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to send Let's Talk! messages to D303 leadership and get in touch with me to share appreciation and praise for your Eagle's teacher during these truly unprecedented times. Also a big thanks for all of the letters your Eagles have dropped off for teachers here at Norton Creek. If you have had questions, concerns, and insights to share, I thank you for those too. Those help us learn, grow, and do what we do better. In all cases, we are grateful for our partnership and relationship with you. You trust us to give your children the very best everyday - whether they are learning in person or remotely, and we strive to make good on that trust everyday.
As we head into winter break, I wish you all the Happiest of Holidays as Hanukkah's Eighth Night is tomorrow, Christmas and Geeta Jayanti next Friday, and Kwanzaa starts the 26th. Then, we get the chance to reflect on 2020 and put it to rest forever as we look forward to 2021! Have a wonderful, fun, relaxing, joyful winter break and holiday, and I look forward to seeing you when our in-person learners return on January 5. And, for our remote learners, keep up the excellent work! Visiting your classrooms has been a treat, and I am so impressed with your focus, attention, and diligence!
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NORTON CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL