Families of Longfellow Elementary-
Winter Break is upon us. With the bustle of the season, we all have that moment where it feels like things just keep going faster and faster. It feels like each year we do more and more.
For some of us, we do it to create a memorable holiday season. For some, it is to just make ends meet for our family. Whatever the reason, please take a moment to stop and enjoy time. Time with family and time with friends is precious. Turn the TV off, turn the screens off, and connect with those you love. Time and togetherness is the greatest gift you can give.
This morning, I was walking one of my 1st grade friends down the hall. She was glowing, telling me all about making gingerbread houses (and how you couldn’t eat the candy because of the glue). I think of our incredible staff and the hundreds of gingerbread houses they’ve made over the years. For this kiddo, there was only one gingerbread house. Her innocence and excitement reminded me of the true meaning of this time of year. She reminded me that you only have one “first” gingerbread house.
Yesterday, our 4th graders performed their Hall of Fame projects throughout the building. There was excitement. There were nerves. It is a great project where students get to honor people from our history. It teaches them how to speak in front of strangers. The project walks them through their first big research project, and teaches them persistence when faced with a big task (and how breaking things down into small pieces can make the daunting seem a little more manageable.)
As you head into break, please take care. Break the daunting into smaller pieces. Remember you only get one “first”. More importantly, remember that you matter. Those around us matter. Reach out and connect. Look them in the eye. Let them know you care. Let them know they matter too.
Cory Scheffel