A Different Perspective
…shedding the “Back-to-School” moniker
As the start of the 2022-23 school year nears, I don’t want to look “back.” Sure, the adage that knowing history allows us to not repeat its mistakes has a lot of value, and, of course, I believe the lessons we’ve lived and learned will provide great reference. I prefer to look ahead and am energized to encounter so many who agree that the promise of our new tomorrow is bright. I believe the recent challenges we’ve overcome together inspire us to think of new and better ways to do our jobs. To make meaningful connections, to bravely step away from paradigms and the “we’ve always done it this way” attitudes that overshadow the bold, the innovative, the new and the different. There is a quote from Kermit the Frog that suggests, “Take a look above you. Discover the view. If you haven’t noticed, please do. Please do.”
I recently attended three sessions, one with parent leaders, one with our Portrait of a Graduate (POG) design team, and the last with fellow administrators in the district. At each there was a renewed sense of expectation for this upcoming school year. At each, we talked about change–the reconfiguration of our elementary buildings and creation of Holland Intermediate. We talked about the competencies identified by the POG design team, that now guide the district’s strategic direction: Adaptability, Communication, Critical Thinking, Integrity, Leadership and Perseverance. We discussed the myriad of connections that matter in our trajectory to success. There are countless resources available to us and the time is now to look up and discover the view. To move forward towards the promises awaiting our students, families, colleagues and community partners.
Things to look forward to:
•Getting to know us better. The new Jump Start days for elementary and intermediate families offer expanded opportunities and of course, our annual Springfield high and middle school open houses.
•This year, we are balancing the feedback from parents– half to say we share too much information and half that want more. Once you become familiar with our website, you will find it is a tremendous resource with answers to most every question. We also encourage all to follow our platforms on social media and stay aware of happenings through our weekly updates, newsletters and the Journal. (Twitter: @sls_super, @springfield_com, Facebook: Springfield Schools Community Liaison.
•Our partnership with Chartwells promises to energize our food service department.
•Becoming more familiar with the Stopfinder app offered through our transportation department.
No matter how you look at it, we are about to begin another exciting journey into the known and unknown. I know I am excited that we’re taking this journey together.
