The Principal's Perspective
September 21-25
As we enter this fall season, many families in our community are observing Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Regardless of your background or traditions, there is a powerful idea at the heart of this day that is important—especially as we raise middle schoolers together.
If you look at the origins of the word "atonement," it breaks down into something remarkably simple: at-one-ment. At its core, the word is about bringing two separated parties back together. It’s the intentional act of making amends for whatever you have done wrong and restoring harmony; it has the potential to make the world a better place. When I look at it I hear the phrase "At one moment" and that is all it takes to make change for the better- one simple moment.
Our Lions are navigating many different phases of growth from 6th to 8th grade. They’re figuring out who they are, how to express themselves, and how to coexist with a wide variety of other people their age. Just like the adults in their lives, they don't always get it right, we all make mistakes. Feelings get hurt, misunderstandings happen, and people walk away sad, hurt, or angry.
Making amends isn't a one-way street—it takes people willing to sit down and do the hard work. True reconciliation doesn't mean our scholars have to be best friends with everyone in the building. We tell them all the time: you don't have to be friends, but you do have to be respectful of each other.
When a conflict happens, the real growth comes from a willingness to listen. It’s about two students sitting across from each other, being brave enough to hear how their actions impacted someone else, and committing to moving forward without causing that harm again. That process requires empathy, humility, and a lot of practice. This restorative process is often very successful as it becomes a learning experience for all students involved. I have sat in restorative sessions with students and I have seen the lightbulb go off when they realize that what they said or did caused more harm than they intended; in that moment they begin to see their classmate's humanity. This is what allows atonement to take place, at one moment in time.
As we enter the fall season, as the leaves change, it is a powerful reminder to let the dead things go. In the spirit of reconciliation, I pause to reflect on those things that perhaps I can let go of for the betterment of all those around me. I pause to reflect on what can I do differently to avoid doing wrong. What are the things that I can do to restore and bring peace to otherwise tense and disharmonious relationships or circumstances? This is what I am reflecting on this weekend. I hope you can join me in reflection as we continue to pave the way for our amazing scholars, it only takes one moment to make the difference for someone else! We are all in this thing together and we are stronger together than we are apart from one another! Go Lions!
From the Library
We are very excited that author Sharon Cameron will be speaking to the 7th graders on Thursday, Oct. 8th. This FREE visit is thanks to Booked. Please use this link to purchase your own personalized and signed copy of her newest book - Up From the Ashes.
Safety Issue- Immediate Attention Required
- Safely pull over to the side of the road (do NOT stop in the middle of the street, it holds up traffic and is dangerous
- Please remind your scholar to look both ways before they cross
- Under no circumstances should anyone be pulling into the lot to drop off students (even in inclement weather)
- Do not approach or engage with other scholars if there is a concern or issue. Please refer any concerns to the main office, or 911 if there is an emergency
- All adults must enter through the main office; you cannot enter through the student entrances
Attendance Requirement and Attendance Plans
Daily school attendance is required by law for children ages 7–17. Caregivers are notified of any absences via automated phone calls, and real-time attendance records can always be monitored on PowerSchool.
Attendance Plans: An official attendance plan is required for any scholar who exhibits chronic absenteeism.
Incentive Eligibility: Scholars with chronic absenteeism who do not have an active attendance plan or those who violate the plan will automatically be ineligible for in-school incentives and incentive field trips.
Incentive Days Structure: On incentive days, non-eligible scholars will spend the time completing schoolwork and activities missed during their previous absences.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure your scholar arrives at school on time, every day!
