From the Desk of Dr. Sladek

“If it’s difficult to say goodbye, consider your life truly blessed”

I have quite the heavy heart as I write to you today. Recently, I feel like I have been bombarded with “goodbyes” and the reality of this week creeping in. Quite the bittersweet celebration to behold...a lifetime of memories and magic made in these hallways and the resiliency of this staff, the students and our parent community... and the forward direction you all are heading into! Each staff, student and family having their own unique path ahead of them ready to conquer.

Saying “goodbye” has many meanings across many environments. Whether you are saying goodbye to a job, a friend, a home, a beloved pet or family member; whether it’s for a moment, for the day or for a life-time – there’s quite an art to the gesture. We have all said goodbye to the “old way” of doing things or been faced at a crossroads where a decision had to be made.

Over the last few weeks –we have started to say goodbye to this school year. A school year... like no other. The crazy, unpredictable, ever-changing year. Since the decision was made about Truman Elementary's future it felt like the last few months were so long yet so unbearably short. In an instant the year is coming to a close and i am left feeling robbed of precious time with those we cherish most.

Endless questions swirl our brains. – “Did I do enough?”, “What will they remember from this school year?” “What will happen next year?”. While I can’t promise you all of the kiddos will remember the countless hours of work the staff and you as a parent put in to create such a magical year under such tremendous heartache and pressure, I can promise you that I will. I am honored to have been a part of working with the inspirational teachers and dedicated staff and supportive families in the midst of a such an emotional roller coaster.

If you take away nothing else from this school year, take away the fact that we all stayed present in a time of uncertainty and this staff gave all they could give and more to the students and families that relied on them to do so.

In my own life, I’m saying goodbye to one "role" in my career while moving onto another. While I am hesitant/nervous/scared for the challenge of a new position and being presented the opportunity to impact even more little lives and families – I reflect on what I’ve learned and how I got here. I take away the invaluable lessons I’ve learned from all the teachers, children and classrooms I have encountered at Truman Elementary. I cannot think of the little souls who have impacted my life without experiencing pure joy. I am honored and humbled to take with me the memories and lessons from each person I have encountered along the way. Thank you for that.

When saying goodbye, remember: we are more than our emotions because we have the ability to stay mindful. Saying goodbye can feel overwhelming. Reflect on how you are feeling when you say goodbye. Realize how that person, thing or situation impacted you. Remember the lessons you learned and teach them to others to honor the memory.

So as we close out this week strong...I say to you...

Goodbye for now – I wish you all endless happiness

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think”

Pillar of the month:

All Pillars are focused on and represented in the month of MAY

*Citizenship *Collaboration *Creativity *Critical Thinking

*Responsibility *Respectfulness *Communication *Resilience

Monday 5/20 - C Day.

Tuesday 5/21- D Day. New Middle School Interactive Design Process - Public Forum 6:00pm @ Riverbend Middle School.

Wednesday 5/22 - A Day. Kindergarten Graduation 1:15-2:15pm

Thursday 5/23 - NO LETTER Day. Last Day of School for the 2023-2024 School Year! Parent & Gaurdian "A Hui Hou" Open House 8:05-8:35am. Early Dismissal at 1:10pm

Friday 5/24 - NO SCHOOL!

We have a fun filled day planned for the students and time for parents even!

PTO will be provided doughnuts and we will have a designated time from 8:05-8:35am for parents and guardians to make their ways through the halls one final time to thank and say their Aloha's to staff.

We will also be having our 3rd Trimester Pillar Awards assembly - be on the look out in your dojo messages if your student is voted by their classmates I will be inviting you to join our assembly at 8:45am.

After the assembly and throughout the day the students will enjoy stations like games in the gym, memory book making & signing, lunch outside, recess with their grade level and then as a school we will come together for one last time and gift every student with a surprise!

We are also inviting 4th grade parents to line our hallways as they take their last walk at dismissal as an elementary student!

Register through the parent portal, ask for a paper sheet or call the office to get your student registered ASAP!

This has always been a hot topic for families of where we can purchase Truman Tribe gear. I have teamed up with a local business and they have graciously set up a store with tons of options!

• Scarves
• Hats
• Cups
• Tshirs
• Sweatshirts
• Stickers
• and more...

The store will always be open so you can order whenever!

May Overview

• 5/22 Kindergarten Graduation Day
  
• 5/23 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Aloha Day - Early Release @ 1:10pm.