From the desk of Matt Geha, Superintendent of Springfield Schools

  • From the desk of Matt Geha, Superintendent of Springfield Schools
    From the desk of Matt Geha, Superintendent of Springfield Schools
  • From the desk of Matt Geha, Superintendent of Springfield Schools
    From the desk of Matt Geha, Superintendent of Springfield Schools
  • These Springfield Schools photos were taken when the students gathered in 2019 for the annual Secret Santa Shoppe “wrapping” party.
    These Springfield Schools photos were taken when the students gathered in 2019 for the annual Secret Santa Shoppe “wrapping” party.

    Helping Hands – a Hallmark of #springfieldstrong … modeling generosity throughout the holidays

    Generosity of spirit is never easy to define. In Springfield Local Schools, however, it is visible and without a doubt a hallmark of #springfieldstrong. Nowhere is this spirit more evident than in the examples of residents and organizations who selflessly share their “riches” with others—not because it is expected or demanded—simply because it is the right thing to do. Whether it is at the begin

    Whether it is at the beginning of the school year, when we receive thousands of donated school supplies, or during the holiday season, when hundreds of families are “adopted” to receive meals and gifts, we witness neighbors reaching out their hands to help others. This year, there will be more than 300 Springfield students and family members who are served (we’re sure there are many, many more, too). So many individuals, churches and business leaders have contacted us to offer their helping hands— and often, all remain anonymous to all but those in the district who foster the relationships from year to year to both encourage and show appreciation to our many “Secret Santas.” We are extremely grateful for this support at all times, most especially, though, during the holiday season.

    As we begin this holiday season, I hope to see many of you—starting with the return of our JROTC’s annual Santa Breakfast on Saturday, December 4, perhaps at the Happy Holland Days festivities right after, from 2 to 6 p.m., and at the many concerts and sporting events throughout the month of December.

    I am reminded of two quotes—“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others,” from Audrey Hepburn, and the other from Denzel Washington, “At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished … it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” These quotes, and the generosity I so often witness, remind me during this holiday season how fortunate we are to live and learn in the Holland/Springfield community.