Thursday Folder
12/20/12

The Greatest Gift

This past week has been one of deep reflection and sadness. The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut reminds us all of the fragility of life.  My heart breaks thinking about the lives lost and the holes in the hearts of the survivors.  It is crushing.  It is difficult to know what to think or even attempt to make sense out of something so absolutely and devastatingly senseless.  In fact, the only thing that truly made sense to me this past weekend was to hug my children often and to show my family abundant love.

 

As educators and parents we have the awesome responsibility of gifting future generations with lessons not found in most textbooks or e-readers; compassion, empathy, cooperation, respect and peace are character traits and virtues that we model and teach one interaction at a time....with our families, friends, coworkers and perfect strangers.  While proficiency on the state standards and mastery of the ACT or SATs is a goal, one of the greatest gifts we can pass on to the children in our homes and classrooms is the ability to master caring and to help them be proficient in showing kindness.

 

"If you have the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind." ~One of Mr. Brown's precepts in Wonder, by R.J. Palacio

 

We are carefully reviewing our school's safety protocols, and will continue to conduct regular crisis drills over the course of the school year.  We also will do the little things that make a BIG difference.  We'll strive to make choices that impact attitudes and dispositions....lifting spirits and building community.  I emphatically encourage you to join us in this important endeavor; when given the chance....choose kindness.  Choose it often.  Authentically.  Unswervingly.  Choose it when you are in a hurry.  Choose it when it's not deserved.  Choose kindness because it makes a difference and impacts generations. 

 

We never know what tomorrow will bring.  Embrace the day and fill it with kindness overflowing.  Let gratitude be your trademark and courage to confront callousness be your calling card.

 

Blessings and peace to you and yours,

 

~Mr. G  

Greenwood PTA Meeting - Tuesday,  

January 8 at 9:30 am in the Media Center

The PTA will meet at 9:30 am Tuesday, January 8, in the Greenwood Media Center. Guest speaker will be Susan Sommerfeld, West Middle School Principal.  Ms. Sommerfeld's presentation on Transitioning to Middle School will begin at 10:15 am.  Everyone is invited.  Fifth grade parents are encouraged to attend.   

Worth Repeating

Take me home 

Our Lost and Found bin continues to sprout. Please remind your child to check for any lost items. The pick up deadline has been extended to Friday, December 21. Those not picked up before Winter Break will be donated.

What's Happening in Community Education 

To register for any of these classes visit:

www.ceregistration.wayzata.k12.mn.us  

  

Grandmasters of Chess - Develop the brain bending strategies of a brilliant and complex game.  Get pumped and primed for chess tournament season!   

  

Elementary Engineering Super Structures - New camp format!  Complete the entire curriculum in one week.    

  

Watch for the Winter and Spring Wishes Catalog in student backpacks on January 3!

  

Mark Your Calendars for the 17th Annual Parenting Forum on Saturday, February 2, from 8:30am - 12:30pm at Central Middle School!

Lunch Menu

To view January's lunch menu, click HERE.  

Events
January 8 - PTA Meeting

February 2 - Parenting Forum and Marketplace
 
Sincerely,
Greenwood Elementary



Greenwood Elementary
18005 Medina Road, Plymouth, MN 55446-2919
Phone: 763-745-5500 Fax: 763-745-5591  


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