A School District Is A Community... A Family

It’s about kids; but it is also about families. Listening to parents is essential because no one has a better understanding of what their children need than moms and dads! The voice of parents should be sought out and respected, because they are our partners. No one understands this more than the parents who work with us to make certain their children receive the education they deserve. Parents like the remarkable Andrea Rainey make our district a better place.

Mrs. Rainey goes above and beyond to help the teachers and students of this district. Consistently kind and upbeat, her Facebook posts show the successes of our students, reminding us all how fortunate we are to be a part of this community. For every event you plan, for every field-trip you attend, for every fundraiser, for using your voice to promote the good, and for sharing your children with us, I thank you! You are a champion!!! #itsaboutkids

It's About YOUR Kids!

During the last few years I have learned a great deal about grace, kindness, love, the power of community, and survival from the Strzalkowski family. Each member of this remarkable family has taught lessons that I will never forget.

From Mrs. Strzalkowski, I learned the power of grace and appreciation. Despite the fact that she was facing unspeakable trials, this gracious woman took the time to send thank you cards and notes of appreciation for the smallest of gestures. I keep one of these thank you notes posted in my kitchen to remind me that no matter the situation, gratitude is possible. From Mr. Strzalkowski, I learned the power of words and how words can be woven together in such a way as to raise the collective consciousness of an entire community. From Amie I learned the power of humor – how the silliest of jokes can brighten the darkest of days. And from Anya I learned the power of survival – how sometimes the greatest act of heroism is simply continuing to move forward – to grow, learn, thrive, laugh, and create.

A good teacher will impact the students in his classroom, a great teacher will impact the world. Jason, Shelley, Anya and Amelie Strzalkowski you are all great teachers and for the lessons you have taught, I am eternally grateful! You are champions!!! #itsaboutkids #itsaboutyourkids #teamamie

Leaders

In December of 1777, General Washington knew his army was discouraged. Food and supplies were running out and defeat seemed imminent, as the Americans lost battle after battle against the British. These men still believed in their cause, but they began to question their ability to overcome. It was in this moment that General Washington knelt to pray. I am thankful that the God who answered the prayers of General Washington still answers prayers today. And I am thankful for leaders who pray, leaders like Mr. Lindsay.

Mr. Lindsay’s door is always open. Those under his leadership know that he is never too busy to listen, to offer words of encouragement, to brainstorm techniques, or develop new ways to help all children achieve their best. In times of stress and extraordinary pressure, Mr. Lindsay is a calm voice of reason. His passion for education and dedication to student learning are undeniable. He consistently goes the extra mile to help make Owen Intermediate a better place to work and learn. For every teacher you’ve supported, for every child you’ve motivated, and most of all for every prayer you’ve offered, I thank you! You are a champion!!! #itsaboutkids

Teachers Like Books...

It has been said that people are a lot like books. We all look fairly similar on the outside, but the only way to gain understanding is to look inside. Nothing can come close to the inspirational message of a good book or a good teacher; and no one is better at imparting inspirational messages than Mrs. Morton.

Mrs. Morton spends her days surrounded by books and she has a talent for connecting young adolescents with the perfect fit. She does this by reading people and knowing exactly what makes them tick. Mrs. Morton enriches lessons, enhances curriculum, and improves instruction by providing teachers and students with resources and ideas ranging from classic literature to the latest technology. For empowering students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information – and for making me want to be a teacher, I thank you! You are a champion! #itsaboutkids

Empathy

Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It is this trait, above all others that is most valuable in a teacher. Empathy positively impacts our work as it allows us to confront the realities of those in our care and forces us to change our plans accordingly – and it is a trait that both Mr. & Mrs. Harding have in abundance.


The Hardings work on opposites ends of our district, but they work towards a common goal. Both are excellent educators who go above and beyond for their schools, colleagues, and of course their students. They know their students well and use that knowledge to increase engagement, improve learning, and make their classrooms a place where children want to be. For understanding the power of a smile, a compassionate word, a listening ear, and for knowing that every act of kindness has the potential to change the world, I thank you. You are champions!!! #itsaboutkids 

Words are Power

Words are power. The words we use, and more importantly the ones we do not, have a great effect on those around us. This is especially true of teachers. Ms. Spence understands the value of words. Anyone who has ever spent time in her classroom- and this will be a great many, for she welcomes all who will come - can attest to the fact that Ms. Spence knows just what to say and when to say it. She knows how to build a child up, to redirect, to challenge, to inspire. Her classroom is a place where language comes alive through the books she reads, the experiences she shares, and the stories she empowers her students to tell. For every word fitly spoken, I thank you. You are a champion!!! #itsaboutkids

Worth the Wait

The light from the Alpha Centauri star system takes over four years to reach the earth. Thus, the beauty we appreciate tonight was actually generated years earlier. Similarly, the work done in elementary schools takes years to be seen by those of us in later grades.


Savage Elementary School is full of super stars, but today I thank Ms. Anguilm who brightens our entire district with her hard work and dedication. Ms. Anguilm understands children and does whatever it takes to make certain they receive exactly what they need. Her ability to move students from speaking about a topic to writing with creativity and passion, is truly inspiring. Ms. Anguilm proves that one need not gaze into the night sky in order to see a star. Thank you for shining so bright! You are a champion!!! #itsaboutkids

For Those Who Play On

On Christmas Eve in 1914, there was a brief cease fire between the Germans and the British. While the troops held their fire, a lone hymn was sung. Music speaks what cannot be expressed in words. It is a language like none-other and it is a language in which Mrs. Courter is fluent.


Mrs. Courter – the creative, wonderful, talented, world-changing Mrs. Courter – She uses her musical gifts to make Owen Intermediate a joyous place where children (and grown-ups) want to be. Mrs. Courter adds pep to our assemblies, music to our hallways, and places a song in the heart of all who know her. She takes children with a desire to play and turns their wishes into reality. No one fights harder for kids than this amazing woman. Thank you for playing on… You are a champion! #itsaboutkids

A Harvest Worth Reaping

At times the harvest seems distant; but we must never forget that what a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Today I thank Ms. Mounsey who labors to ensure students leave her room prepared for what comes next. She consistently provides her students with exactly what they need, keeping in mind that what they need is often far greater than any standard or content expectation. Let us never forget that education is not a race, but rather a journey. For every seed you plant, for every tender sprout of knowledge that you water, and for helping students as they begin this most important of journeys, I thank you! You are a champion! #itsaboutkids