Dear RSU 21 Community,
This week we celebrated teacher appreciation across the district. We have seen so much well-deserved appreciation in the form of gifts, letters, kind words, and plenty of food. I wanted to share my letter to the teachers with you in hopes that my gratitude and admiration might resonate throughout the community.
To our incredible educators,
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact you have within our RSU 21 community. Across Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel, we don't just teach subjects; we have the distinct honor of changing the trajectory of our students and, in many cases, the trajectory of entire families.
Each day you step into our schools, whether at Kennebunk High School, Middle School of the Kennebunks, Kennebunk Elementary School, Mildred L. Day School, Sea Road School, or Kennebunkport Consolidated School, you are building the foundation for our students' futures. Your dedication ensures that every child in our district is seen, heard, and supported. Thank you for your hard work and your "heart work." We truly have the greatest profession in the world, and I am proud to serve alongside such a committed team in RSU 21.
"Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." — Theodore Roosevelt
When I think of our work, I think of the Starfish Poem. Originally written by the scientist and poet Loren Eiseley, this story serves as a reminder that while the world's problems may seem vast and overwhelming, our power lies in our individual actions. Each day you make a difference, even on the toughest days. Please know that you are appreciated and that the work we do is meaningful.
"The Starfish Poem"
An old man was walking on the beach one morning after a storm. In the distance, he could see someone moving like a dancer. As he came closer, he saw that it was a young woman picking up starfish and gently throwing them into the ocean.
"Young lady, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?"
"The sun is up, and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
"But young lady, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You cannot possibly make a difference!"
The young woman listened politely, then bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the sea. "It made a difference for that one."
You make a difference!
Sincerely,
Martin Grimm
PS - I want to wish all of the mothers a very happy Mother's Day. None of this happens without you!
