“As I write this, there is no snow blanketing our yards with its sparkling beauty, making everything look clean and white. It seems unusual to share a seasonal message with the ground bare and our snow shovels still safely tucked away. Nonetheless, the calendar clearly indicates that December is upon us.

Approaching this time of year can be filled with joyful expectation or anxiety and feelings difficult to describe. Accept your needs. Be kind to yourself. We all need to do what we can to cope with the stress and expectations we find all around us.

In the midst of the twinkling lights and festive decorations appearing in homes, on streets and in stores, may you find the time to appreciate the simple joys of life. Take a moment to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while reading a book, spend time in nature, tackle a puzzle or bake cookies from your grandmother’s recipe, just to change the pace.

We hope that you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Christmas and holiday events in our schools. Students are memorizing lines, learning new songs and dances, practicing on their instruments and getting ready to share their gifts of the season with their family and community.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am sharing our best wishes to you and yours. Whether you celebrate Christmas by reflecting on the birth of Christ, enjoying Christmas traditions handed down through your family or have special days in your calendar to ring in the season, may you find connection with friends and family and create lasting memories in your hearts and homes.”

–Esther Eckert, Board Chair