The Audacity of Hope

Today was an inspiring day as we ushered in our 44^th president. Our students and staff gathered together as a community in our gymnasium to watch the historical and profound event. I was particularly pleased when the students, without prompting, began clapping and cheering at the right moments during President Obama’s inaugural address. Seeing the awe and wonder, and witnessing first hand the promise of a new tomorrow in a new generation, is a memory I will cherish for years to come. With an enduring spirit ~ Yes, We Can!

Following the inauguration, Sleepy Hollow School hosted its fifth annual spelling bee. I am always awed at the abilities of our young people. We went 11 rounds and, in the end, after exhausting four previous lists, had to use the high school list of words to determine a champion. The evening rounded out with a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings, one of our PTC family fund raising efforts. It was wonderful to see so many of our families during this event.

Friday, I had the opportunity to join our kindergarten teacher at a workshop. What an exciting day full of learning experiences. Since this was technically a “snow day” for the staff and students, due to the frigid weather we are experiencing in the Midwest, I was truly impressed that she gave a day up with her children to put herself in the learning seat! I can’t say enough about the high quality of educators we have on staff at Sleepy Hollow School, we are genuinely blessed.

The highlight of last week (all three days thanks to the cold temperatures) was while I was completing a state of the campus walk through, a first grader came up to me, gave me a hug, and said that I was “fuzzy” and “warm.” When I said, “Well then, I must me a mammal,” she cracked up laughing and then went about her business of completing a classroom task. Talk about a much needed boost in the middle of the day, she definitely “filled my bucket.”

Speaking of filling my bucket, the staff has really taken to the picture book that I shared with them at the last staff meeting. Several teachers have read the book, or have invited me to read the book, to their students. “Bucket” bulletin boards have sprung up, and our little cherubs are rushing around sharing how they fill others’ buckets. Yes, my friends, the world is a beautiful place, full of beautiful children. How lucky am I to spend my days with them?!

With an abundance of hope,

Anastasia