Notes from Principal Dunham: Keep Running

As we grind our way through early March longing for sun and warmer days, sometimes we need a reminder of what all of our effort and energy is for. It’s easy sometimes to get caught up like a hamster in a wheel forgetting why we are running like mad in the first place. On Tuesday of this week our students helped to remind me what’s it all about.

First of all I was able to watch our girls modified basketball team play against Camillus Middle School. It was a great game, but what stood out more than the basketball being played was the sheer determination and effort that the girls brought with them. The game wasn’t perfect by any means as they never are; mistakes were made and shots were missed, but the girls played through it all with tremendous teamwork and enthusiasm. They represented themselves, their teams and their schools with great character and they should all be incredibly proud. I like to win as much as anyone, but at the end of the day, being a great teammate and friend is so much more important than the final score.

6th Grade Orchestra

Later that night I watched from backstage as our 6^th grade Band, Orchestra and Chorus students absolutely crushed their concert. We talk about growth as being such an important measure in school and in life. It’s not just about where you are, but where you came from and where you are headed. These three groups of musicians and singers have come such a long way from the start of the school year. In those early 6^th grade concerts these groups could be labeled as “works in progress”. Through their hard work, the direction of their incredible teachers and support from home, they have evolved and grown considerably into poised performers. Anyone who heard them at the start of the year to now is just blown away by their improvement.

6th Grade Band

In both instances it was the body language and the focus of our students that impressed me the most. And remember, these are middle school students. They are awesome, but they can be a bit goofy at times in The Wonder Years. For them to step up when it counts and bring their best was spectacular to witness. Those two events from Tuesday are just a small snapshot of the many ways that our students continue to impress and remind us all what it’s all about and why we continue to keep running in our wheels.

Student of the Month

The start of the new month brings with it our new ‘Students of the Month’ for March. 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. Yesterday we recognized 6^th graders David Desko, Kelly McManus, Vivian Raposo, and Osvaldo Valenzuela, 7^th graders Maria Girazov, Molly McIntyre, Joshua Pierce, and Caleb Williams, 8^th graders Richard Buza, Julia McCann, Abby Patterman, and Luis Suarez. Well deserved and congratulations to all!