Holiday Message from the Superintendent

Greetings,

I know staff, students and parents are all ready for a well-deserved break, but before we leave I would like to take a few moments to share a brief message. To tell you the truth, I originally planned to start this message with a very different tone but it just didn’t seem to work given the tragic event that occurred only one short week ago.

Our nation still mourns, our hearts are still filled with sorrow, and we continue to offer our thoughts and prayers for the families and community of Newtown.

Tragic events, such as what occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School, stir all types of reactions and emotions within us. We ask how and why, we debate laws and health issues, we examine policies and procedures that ensure our own safety, and, on a positive side, we take time to appreciate the people who are making a difference in the lives of others and in our own lives. I would like to focus on this last point.   

First, to our staff I want to say thank you.  I want to express my appreciation for all you do for the children in this district. You have shown that no matter the situation or circumstance all children can and will achieve in our classrooms. Whether you’re a teacher, principal, bus driver, food service worker, parapro, or one of the many other outstanding staff members who work in our district, your role is critical in providing a quality education to the students in our schools. Please, don’t ever forget that even the smallest acts can make the biggest difference in the life of a child.
 
I want to thank our parents. Your continued support of our schools is truly an asset that will never be taken for granted. You have helped make this district a place where all students feel welcome and can be successful. Parents from neighboring communities continue to move to Dearborn so they too can have their children attend our schools.

Finally, I want to thank the students in Dearborn for their continued commitment to making education a priority. School can be hard, but the rewards that come from pursuing a quality education are endless. I encourage you to continue to attend school with the same excitement and determination that I have witnessed in classrooms throughout the district.      

When we return in January there will be a whole semester of learning ahead and plenty of good news to celebrate.

I look forward to sharing information on our newest option for high school students, the Henry Ford Collegiate Academy, a program that will allow high school students to graduate from their home high school in five years with both a high school diploma and two year degree at no cost to parents.

Adding more choices for our students, meeting their learning needs, and challenging all students to achieve beyond their expectations are just a few of the items we will be talking about in 2013.

This year, and for many years to come, the month of December will be a difficult time for those directly affected by what occurred last week in Connecticut.  For the rest of us, this time of year can be a chance to pause, reflect, refocus our energy, spend time with friends and family, and appreciate our good fortunes.  

I hope that all of you will take some time to relax with family and friends, reflect on those fond memories that bring a smile, and hopefully create new memories that will last a lifetime.  

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Brian Whiston
Superintendent
Dearborn Public Schools