Dear Vanderlyn Supporters,

 

It is with mixed emotions that I write you this letter on a cold and rainy day, a day reserved especially for VanderDash. My first emotion was that of sadness and disappointment because the weather did not cooperate with our plans. So, I tell myself, "You are not in control of the weather, and Mother Nature does not work for you and is not one of your students." However, the sadness and disappointment that I felt was for my students who have been looking forward to this event for months. But, it was because of them that the decision was made to cancel the race. One of the guiding principles I live by as principal is to make decisions that are in the best interest of children, and it was not in their best interest to be exposed to dangerous weather conditions despite their desire to run in the pouring rain. Within seconds, I imagined all the things that could go wrong (slippery roads, exposure to lightning, soaked and wet children= sick children, etc).

 

For someone who has to be in control at all times and keep things under control, my next emotion was of powerlessness. I then reminded myself that I live by a greater power and that I was not in that moment a principal, but a human being. You see, the weight of the world is always on my shoulder and everyone looks to me for the solution. I quickly realized that I couldn't solve the weather crisis, which now teaches me humility.

 

Through all of this morning's thrills, my final emotion as I closed out the building and said goodbye to the last volunteer was gratitude. My heart was filled with joy at all the camaraderie, teamwork, understanding, patience and compassion for others. I was reminded that VanderDash is bigger than a fundraiser for the school. Its true origin was for the sole purpose of bringing the community together. What I witnessed was a group of special people who, in spite of unexpected inclement weather, cared more about making the right decision for kids than the fact that their race event was cancelled. All was not lost, and what was gained is a community still coming together to fellowship, socialize and support what I am convinced is the best school in the world. The events of today are symbolic of our stormy times as they relate to the state of our educational system and our reaction to those storms. In spite of those storms, we rise, we come together, and we persevere.

 

Finally, to our VanderDash Co-Chairs, Carolyn Matulich and Leslie Frohman, thanks for a job well done! All of the countless hours, meticulous attention to detail, and the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into making this day a success are appreciated.

 

Your Proud Principal,

Mrs. Crenshaw