Hello, Upham and Hunnewell Families,

This message will be a little different than the others. It is more aligned with what is sent to the staff each Sunday.  So…here goes

As we all go our separate ways this weekend, each family has or may not have their traditions. Some of them are religious, and some are not so much. There is a running theme, which is needed more than ever…LOVE. We all recognize or celebrate some tradition that is based on love.

Yesterday, I observed our unbelievable secretary, Ms. Robin, show the type of love we should always follow and is a simple answer to some of our most complex problems. Each day one of our students waits on the bus. Now, this particular student is a mover and shaker. If you know what I mean, they need to be engaged, or they will find the wrong type of engagement. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” Ms. Robin will ask them if they want to help her with something in the office. In this instance, she asked if they “wanted to color.” This student loves to color and stood beside Ms. Robin, content and diligently working with their tongue to one side. Here’s the good part. Without looking up and missing a beat, the student asked, “Wanna color with me?” Ms. Robin’s retort? “Love to!” That’s it!

An old African proverb goes like this…

“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.”

Yes, we are a school, and you send your children here to learn how to read, write, and perform mathematical magic. And…you also send them here to be loved.

Our students need to feel loved more than ever, especially at the elementary level. It’s that simple. They need to feel heard, acknowledged, and, yes, loved!

I want to wish you all a happy and restful long weekend. Many religious observances are happening simultaneously. I wish you and your family the best, no matter your affiliation. And hopefully, someone will ask you…’Wanna color?” Saddle up and feel the love.

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

Principal’s Message
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