(The following submission is part of a monthly series of editorials, courtesy of our partnership with North Penn School District and the North Penn Board of School Directors.)
Dear Community,
I once had a dear friend who shared this sage advice with me: “You only have 18 summers with your kids. Make the most of each moment.”
As we transitioned from summer to the start of the school year, I often reflected on the time I was able to spend with my kids and how these moments — I hope — have also prepared them for the upcoming school year and beyond, like the courageous conversations we had in the car on the way to swim practice where they asked tough questions and pondered big issues. The brief moments we spent laughing in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner, before they rushed off to go FaceTime with friends knowing now how much we all value that social interaction for them. And of course, the outings, events, and road trips we took when the COVID-19 transmission rates were low, where at times, things felt a little more normal.
As we got closer to the start of the school year, my conversations with my kids have centered on seizing each moment, not holding back and diving into learning, while also being mindful of the need to be hyper-focused on the role they play as students in supporting health and safety measures, not only for their personal safety and well-being, but also for the good of our community.
We started the school year recognizing that it will take us all making every effort to keep our students and staff as safe as we possibly can. But I have faith in our community and in our collective value for the well-being and educational experience of our students. We can all agree that we want the best for our students.
Whereas we had all hoped that this school year would be and feel more like “normal,” we know that basic mitigation efforts must remain in place for the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Our students, staff and community are resilient. We have been inspired by efforts to be adaptive and flexible and we know those skills will be on full display this year as well. Despite what may be viewed as two opposing views, we can all agree that we have much that unites us.
Our district's mission, vision and value statements help to serve as the foundation of what unites us in our shared goals and helps to serve as a tool to quiet the noise of division.
Our Vision:
The North Penn School District seeks to develop students who embody its universal values of achievement, kindness, collaboration, respect, responsibility, resilience, and integrity. Through an education that develops students both academically and emotionally, equitable opportunities, and a respect for human differences, members of the North Penn community will contribute to their local and global communities.
Our community needs us to be united and working to contribute towards the health and safety of all. Let us unite to support our students by working to fulfill our common vision.
Signed,
Juliane Ramić
NPSD Board of School Directors
Term Expiration: 2023
See also:
Editorial: Reflecting On The Class Of 2021 And Beyond
Editorial: Challenging Times Call For Collaborative Solutions
Editorial: Recognizing The Opportunities Presented By North Montco For Students, Community At Large
Editorial: Dr. Frank Boston A Key Figure In Local Black History
