Tonight, I had the distinct pleasure of attending out Boy Scout Pack 88’s Blue and Gold Banquet. This is always an event I truly look forward to and tonight was no exception. As I sat in the crowd and watched or 5th grade boys cross over the bridge in the Arrow of Light ceremony, I felt a bit melancholy. It was during this part of the ceremony that I found myself reflecting on the boys as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students. It was also at that synchronous moment that I realized that in a few short months these young men would be transitioning to the middle school and I no longer would see their beautiful faces in the school. This is when my heart began to get heavy and I did my best to hold back the tears, I think (and hope) I was successful in masking my sadness.
Immediately following the bridging ceremony several former students (6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys) came over and said hello to me with gregarious hugs and smiles. They were extremely polite and well-mannered, making their parents (and their principal) proud. My heart soared once again since this reminded me that, although students will grow and mature, children will always remember their foundational roots.
It was through tonight’s Blue and Gold dinner that I was pleasantly reminded of the profound honor and privilege that I feel being part of the Sleepy Hollow community. Last week, a parent of five children (three of whom have transitioned to middle and high school) said that she and a group of neighbors were talking about the sense of community that Sleepy Hollow residents have. She went on to say that the group of parents found that the common thread between them was Sleepy Hollow School. In fact, she said that many of the friendships she has now are grounded in the relationships she formed when her eldest children were at Sleepy Hollow School. In this sense, I find Sleepy Hollow School to be the center or “hub” of a wonderful community. It is part of what makes Sleepy Hollow School unique (okay, the headless horseman also plays a role!). I am deeply committed and thankful for the students, parents, and staff. It is my second home, and it has been said that, “home is where your heart is.”
Best,
Anastasia
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1 comments:
I've told you this before, but your post here validates what I have noticed in just 6 months of being back in the SHES community. There is a sense of pride and family here that you just don't find anywhere else. It's so rare. I miss this for my own children, who attend schools with 1200 other students in their buildings (K-2 and 3-5). They will never understand what it means to be part of a neighborhood school. This sense of community starts with great leadership and a real commitment to success for all stakeholders involved. There is great pride for all as we watch students grow, change and excel. I know how I feel when I see former students in the community who have moved on to middle, high school and even college. We beam with excitement for them, and smile that for just a moment, we might have helped to lead down the path to their individual successes.
I'm already thinking of what we can do musically to make the end of the year for our 5th graders meaningful. Let's talk soon and toss ideas around with the team!!!
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