Dear Hunnewell Families,
I hope everyone had the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful time with loved ones over the past week. Having eight uninterrupted days has truly been a blessing. I was fortunate to catch up on rest, enjoy invigorating exercise, and indulge in some delicious food. Additionally, I took the time to enjoy movies, podcasts, and audiobooks. One movie I highly recommend is White Bird, based on the graphic novel by R.J. Palacio and starring the incomparable Helen Mirren. This heartwarming film beautifully illustrates the enduring power of kindness and courage, even in the face of adversity.
A poignant quote from White Bird stays with me:
“You might forget many things in your life, but you never forget kindness. Like love, it stays with you . . . forever.”
As we step into 2025, let us be inspired to lead with kindness. It takes courage to stand up for others, to lend a helping hand, and to ensure that everyone feels seen, valued, and safe. Just as White Bird reminds us, even the smallest acts of compassion can ripple outward, transforming lives and creating legacies that last.
This year, I invite us all to pledge to be courageous in our kindness—to ourselves, to our families, to our friends, and to everyone we encounter. Together, we can make this year brighter, more inclusive, and compassionate for all.
Another memorable passage from White Bird reads:
“I try not to think in terms of good and bad. I prefer to think in terms of light and dark. I believe that all people have a light that shines inside of them. This light allows us to see into other people’s hearts, to see the beauty there. The love. The sadness. The humanity. Some people, though, have lost this light. They have darkness inside them, so that is all they see in others: darkness. No beauty. No love. Why do they hate us? Because they cannot see our light. Nor can they extinguish it. As long as we shine our light, we win. That is why they hate us. Because they will never take our light from us.”
As we embrace new opportunities and challenges, may we continue to shine our light brightly.
Here are some important events and reminders to help us kick off the new year:
Daily Breakfast Program: Begins Tuesday, January 7 from 8:15 AM until 8:30 AM. Breakfast options are free and students do not need to sign up beforehand. Each day will include one main breakfast item and one gluten-free option. Please see the January breakfast menu from Whitson’s (it can also be found on the Whitsons Meal Planner site). The Breakfast program begins at 8:15 AM and ends promptly at 8:30 AM. The students will eat in the cafeteria.
Walk to School Day: Wednesday, January 8 at 8:15 a.m. Let’s walk together and promote healthy habits.
PTO Meeting and SEL Presentation: Thursday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. Our school psychologists ( Sara Sullivan and Katie Florio) and social worker (Mrs. Tyler) will present valuable insights into Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
Bingo Night: Saturday, January 11 at 5:00 p.m. Get your tickets early! We are also seeking volunteers to help make this event a success.
International Night: Friday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m. Showcase your cultural heritage! Sign up to represent a country and help celebrate our school community’s diversity.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Let’s lead with kindness, and make 2025 a remarkable year.
Dare to Dream,
Mr. Dees