Dear Upham Community,
It was wonderful observing all of the Upham Spirit this morning as each student proudly showed up with their blue Upham shirts. A big “THANK YOU” goes out to the Upham PTO for providing the students and the staff with those wonderful blue Upham Eagle shirts.
After all of the anxiety that this community has had to navigate it is wonderful to see the spirit of Upham live on. I want to give a big “THANK YOU” out to the Upham Staff for their ability to overcome adversity and in doing so, provide a consistent level of professionalism as they influence your children. The students did not seem distracted by the discussions centered on the swing-space issue. Just the opposite. They remained focused on learning and having fun. Just as it should be.
There is a quote that is placed on the whiteboard in my office by Simon Sinek. Mr. Sinek is an inspirational speaker, TED Talk presenter, and author of the classic book, “Start With Why.”
The quote goes like this… “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something that we love is called PASSION.”
Serving the Upham families has been my passion. As we move through the next 2 ½ years it is my plan to continue to serve you, the staff, and more importantly, your children as we transition into redistricting and a new building. You have all been an inspiration to me as I observed the love, passion, and commitment for your beloved school. Thank you for your well-wishes, check-ins, and confidence. Thank you!
PTO
The PTO Co-Presidents and I met this week to discuss our long-range planning for the year and also our transitional planning for the closure of Upham. Our fund-raising efforts will not include a traditional Upham Auction. We will continue the teacher/student portion. That seems to be a wonderful experience for the teachers as well as the students. Our last Upham Auction generated enough funds to allow us to maintain a healthy budget moving forward. The COVID restrictions have kept us from spending at our normal rate and our budget will carry us through the closing.
We will continue to use the Color Run (coming in the spring of 2022) over the next couple of years as a community builder and fundraiser. In short…we are in good shape.
Parking Lot and Fence
I would like to ask each of you a huge favor. Please, please DO NOT drive up the wrong way on Wynnewood for dismissal. Please plan on getting to Upham 5 to 10 minutes before dismissal to find a parking spot. We now have many students and families walking or riding bikes and it has become unsafe on the Wynnewood side when a car drives up late or drives up the DO NOT ENTER side of Wynnewood. Please help us maintain a healthy and safe dismissal.
As you may have noticed our fencing has some broken and dangerous pieces exposed. Our snow removal contractor has come to the site and assessed the damage. They will be out shortly to repair the damaged pieces and replace our gate.
Cradles to Crayons
October 25 through October 29 the PTO will be collecting items for Cradles to Crayons. Please bring new or gently used winter coats, clothing, and shoes (toddler 5- adult 10). Cradles to Crayons provides children living in homeless or low-income situations with essential items that they need to thrive. Thank you for anything you can bring.
Upcoming Dates
Friday, October 29- Upham Halloween Parade (8:45 AM- 9:15 AM)
Thank you for all your support.
Dare to Dream,
Mr. Dees