This time of year it's easy to get lost in the laundry list of things that need to get done - the shopping, baking, decorating, wrapping, sending out cards, attending parties and the list goes on and on. Making the holidays a season of chaos is a choice, but it doesn't have to be that way. It's important that we all - regardless of your faith, background, political affiliation, or traditions, slow it down and take the time to enjoy the moment. With that, we need to stop and enjoy the people that surround us - our friends, family, colleagues and the people that we cross paths with each and every day as we go about our lives. It is those people and relationships that matter most. We all need to make sure we continue to celebrate and fortify our relationships even in the hustle and bustle of the Holidays.
We continue to focus on building relationships and making connections with our students and one another. I don't recall where I read this quote, but I absolutely love it: "Relationships are the most valuable currency we have." They are the fabric and foundation for everything else that we do. We will all be wealthier if we take the time each day and make it a priority to build relationships.
P2 has been an important part of building and strengthening relationships here at school. The past two weeks we have been focusing on two character traits that go hand in hand: being HUMBLE and KIND. At home we encourage you to have a conversation with your child about KINDNESS and HUMILITY and think about the different ways that we can live our lives demonstrating both traits. To help you make connections here are the links to the Positivity Project Character Trait Card for KINDNESS and Character Trait Card for HUMILITY.
Students of the Month
Staying on the theme of positivity and celebrating those that carry themselves in a way that we can all be proud of, we recognized our new ‘Students of the Month’ as we turned the calendar to December. We continue to have students, who through their actions and character, help to create a positive school environment. Choosing ‘Students of the Month’ isn’t about grades and athletic or musical prowess, it’s about demonstrating all of the qualities that we value and celebrate - exemplary work ethic, citizenship, character, compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, responsibility, optimism and/or leadership in creating a positive school environment. As a school community we are extremely grateful for students who day in and day out show up, work hard, do their best, and make our school a better place.
This month we recognized 6th graders Samantha Casson, William Schneid, Randal Smith, and Gabby Stanton; 7th graders Karolina Lata, Anthony Mangano, Chalie Searle, and Hannah Sparks; and 8th graders Michelina Colapaolo, Margaret Dalgety, Jacob Dubar, and Romeo Donaire. Well deserved and congratulations to all!
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| 6th Grade Students of the Month |
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| 7th Grade Students of the Month |
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| 8th Grade Students of the Month |
We are grateful for your continued support of our students and staff. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Encouraging all of you to slow it down this time of year and have a happy and healthy Holiday season!
Continued Success,
Steve Dunham
Twitter: @Sdunhamwgms
Email: sdunham@westgenesee.org
