When I was much younger, I remember sitting in the living room of my grandparents’ house and hearing my grandmother sing as she worked in the kitchen.  One of her favorite songs to sing was “Everything is Beautiful in Its Own Way.”  Not only did she like the tune and the fact that it was sung by gentleman from just a few miles away, she most appreciated the sentiment.  In those formative years, I learned from listening to her and from observing the way in which she treated others in need that we all have needs, we all have something to give, and we all have gifts and talents that set us apart and make us “beautiful.” 

During our time together as a staff in August prior to the arrival of students, we invested some of our time in activities that helped us to understand ourselves as individuals (as well as collectively as a staff) a bit better.  We also attempted to take these new understandings and apply them to the work we do throughout the year with students.  We talked at length about the many facets that make us who we are.  In many ways we are all like precious stones – when we are in our “natural” state we might be overlooked as any other rock.  However, when a trained eye spots that “rock” and cleans and polishes it and places it in the hands of a master craftsman who knows precisely how to cut it, that ordinary “rock” shines because it is a precious gem.

We understand that in this example, the rock cannot “discover” its potential, nor can it clean and polish itself or place itself into the hands of the master gem cutter.  This process takes time and it takes all parties working together. This is why you will read in my articles and letters words that refer to the collaborative process of educating students.  This is a process that cannot occur in a vacuum.  As Hillary Rodham-Clinton once said, “It takes a village to raise a child.”  This is a process that begins in the home, that has the encouragement and support of family and friends within their “circle” or community, and that works collaboratively with the school so that the student is placed in the best possible position to succeed.

If the geologist were to hand a stone to a gem cutter and describe it as an opal when in reality it is a sapphire, it would affect the way in which the gem cutter approached the stone.  If the geologist handed the gem cutter a diamond and asked that it be cut in the shape of a solitaire, he might be disappointed to return to find a marquis.  You may be reading and wondering where is this going?  The key component of both examples is clear and open communication among all parties.

As we go throughout the year it is imperative that the lines of communication are open and honest.  As I mentioned, our staff has a good understanding of the differences that make each and every student unique.  They understand that each student brings special gifts and talents as well as unique needs.  Each professional educator will do everything possible throughout the year to reach each student in his/her own unique way.  However, on those occasions when this may not be the case (because schools, as well as all other business and institutions, are staffed with humans who are less than perfect, but who strive to learn from each situation) the staff member deserves the courtesy of a conversation.  Without an open conversation, an apparent “blind spot” may begin to grow larger.  Therefore, I urge each of you as we go through this year to invest the time to find something positive to share to (or about) a student, a staff member, or a parent.  I am confident this small investment will pay great dividends as we grow throughout the year.  This one simple choice is one that we remind the students to do each day - - “Make it a great day (or year) or not…the choice is yours.”  Thank you for choosing to work together as we strive to keep our GES Stars shining brightly all year long!