So the holiday break is agonizingly close, and I know that we are all excited about the opportunity to rest, relax, recharge, and to reflect on the last 4 and a half months of school. It’s been a long run to this point for sure, but thinking back I’m really proud of how much we’ve accomplished for our kids and for our community. We’ve grown together, we’ve learned together and learned from each other, and we’ve become a really tight group of educators focused on doing what’s right for our students. The first semester is often times the most challenging, as we implement and consolidate new initiatives…we get to know the new students and our new colleagues…we figure out and manage change, and we give all of ourselves as professionals to set the stage for a successful year…and all of that is exhausting.

I see the upcoming holiday as a tremendous opportunity for all of us to re-set, to re-boot, and to re-focus, and to turn our attention to the second half of the year. With that in mind, I want to challenge you all to really take time for yourselves over the next few weeks, and to find ways to connect with the people that you love, with nature, and with your surrounding environment. Essentially, I’m challenging us all to unplug for the holidays, and to give our reliance on technology a much needed break. I’m challenging us all to put down the phones, and the iPads, and to go out for a hike, or a swim, or a run, or to lunch and dinner with friends and family without needing to post or record or take a selfie or be tempted to stare at your screen.

I know we talk all the time about how our students are addicted to technology, and how they are disengaged because of the love of their screens, but I’m not sure we are any better as adults. I know that I spend too much time checking my phone or surfing the net, and sometimes I find myself missing out on opportunities to connect with my kids, or my wife, or with other people, or with the beauty of our natural world. I’m making a commitment this holiday to leave my computer behind, and to find joy in what’s really important in my opinion…the connections that we make with others…face to face. I’m excited to travel, and to explore, and to play, and not feel the need to document or record every single experience. I’m sure that I’ll check my email once a day just to check in, but other than that I’m out…and I encourage you all to do the same. I’ve included some interesting articles, and some powerful videos which bring to life the importance of unplugging for even just a little while. Think about how much time you stare at a screen each and every day…think about how many times you are doing it with another person right next to you…at dinner or in bed or when you’re traveling. Instead, let’s read real books, and write in journals, and have deep and meaningful conversations while staring at the stars. The beauty of our world is breathtaking, and like I mentioned in last week’s post, the beauty of other people is even better…take the time to take it all in!

I want to wish you all a safe and amazing holiday! I want to wish you all a magical and life changing 2017, and I can’t wait to hear about the adventures that you’re all about to have. Happy holidays and Happy New Year everyone. Thank you for making my 2016 so incredible, and here’s to an even better year to come. We have 4 and a half days left before we head off, so spread the holiday cheer, smile a little brighter and laugh a little louder and hug a little harder…I’m in the holiday spirit and I’m asking you all to join me…have a wonderful week everyone and remember to be great for our students and good to each other.        

‘Auld Lang Syne’ Lyrics – Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
And days of auld lang syne, my dear,
And days of auld lang syne.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?

We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pu’d the gowans fine.
We’ve wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin’ auld lang syne.
Sin’ auld lang syne, my dear,
Sin’ auld lang syne,
We’ve wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin’ auld ang syne.

We twa hae sported i’ the burn,
From morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin’ auld lang syne.
Sin’ auld lang syne, my dear,
Sin’ auld lang syne.
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin’ auld lang syne.

And ther’s a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie’s a hand o’ thine;
We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.