Good evening,
Last week the ARHS Football team lost in the first round of the playoffs, fortunately the season continues with two more games. Something very powerful was posted on social media by a Dedham parent, Amy O’Brien, after the game. The message that was forwarded to us was this:. “I caught an absolute class move after the game concluded. Apponequet player #52 approached a couple of the Dedham players, as he was walking over to get on the bus to leave, and shaking hands, congratulated them on a great game. No one was around, just being a good kid, great athlete. I loved it.” Junior Lucas Tremblay, #52, understands that even in disappointment, kindness always wins and we thank him. We know that daily so many of our students act in ways that make us proud even when the moment is not easy or they thought no one was watching. It is acts like this one that reinforce that although National Kindness Week begins tomorrow, and will be a point of emphasis in all of our schools, that kindness is a choice everyday of the year.
We have all watched - either personally, locally, or nationally - the fluidity of situations change with the wind. Often it causes people to react in ways they typically would not, yet the emotional damage left is often difficult to forget. There is truly so much goodness and kindness in the world and the line from Amada Gorman’s poem states this so simply “....There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it”. Her words, her poise, her passion resonates with so many for a myriad of reasons and for me what stood tall was her positivity and belief in Humanity, in Hope and in the Human spirit. This week I recalled a story that was sent to me from a student, whom I had taught and coached, who overcame some very difficult and traumatic experiences as they moved on from high school. This student asked me to read the message to each class and remind them, when all else fails to never ever let the light of kindness fade, or to let the flame of PEACE, FAITH, LOVE and HOPE flicker out. For without these we lose our ability to stay rational, to stay calm and to stay kind. Never has there been a better time to heed this advice and I hope something in this story resonates should you choose to read it. I hope if you do, you will reflect as I did on how you would have reacted, how others would have reacted and the potential damage caused.
The flame of kindness, even in difficult times, should never go out of our life and it is hopefully everyone’s understanding that each of us can choose to maintain Hope, Love, Peace and Faith but first we must remember to always “look under the newspaper” before we react in other ways.
Everyday our Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Assistant Principals, Faculty, Secretaries Counselors, Nurses, Advisors, Coaches, Library and IT Staff, SRO, Schedulers, Maintenance, Custodial and Food Service Staff along with Central Office Administration and Staff, School Committee, Elected Officials, Town Employees, Parents, and Community Partners come together to ensure that the light of Kindness, Peace, Faith and Love are surrounded by the necessity of HOPE when life continues to change. Our responsibility in education is to both educate and to provide an emotional and social foundation that will provide students the ability to keep the flame of hope strong even when it is dark. I am grateful and thankful for the work so many of these people do each day, in many ways that no one sees, to ensure that our country's future is bright and our students, even in the difficulty of the darkness, learn how to appreciate and embrace the light so that they can thrive in whatever path they desire!
As the line from Amanda Gorman’s poem suggests, in the first paragraph, we must keep remembering that there is always light and we must let those around us know that there is also always hope. It starts by letting people know their kindness mattered.
To our families celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, we wish you a joyful holiday!
May you be well, be healthy and most of all be… in peace.
Alan
Alan Strauss, Superintendent
Follow us on Twitter( X) and Instagram @FLRSDsuper
National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society
Congratulations to our 61 ARHS students who were recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Each student selected has modeled the Pillars of Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character and will continue to carry this with them throughout HS and beyond.
Congratulations to our 68 FLMS students who were inducted in the National Junior Honor society. The students to be selected must reach the five standards which includes Leadership, Character, Service, Scholarship and Citizenship within their school.
Winter Is coming
I understand that many are excited at the thought of winter, yet it also brings the conundrum of school delays and potential school cancellations. Please know that just as we did last year, we will do everything we can to inform everyone as early as possible, including the night before when possible. It is important to us that we support everyone who needs to make plans, yet with that approach comes the risk of the weather suddenly changing.
Please see the link below on our weather decision making process.
FLRSD Inclement Weather Decision-Making Process
Open Houses
We want to thank everyone who attended an open house this year. According to the Principal's the number of families/guardians who attended is the highest in many years.The feedback has been exceptional and we appreciate the collaboration.th relationship between families/guardians and the school is avital for student success. If you were not able to attend, which we fully understand, we encourage you to contact your building principal to discuss the highlights of the open house.
Bus Drivers Wanted
Are you, or someone you know looking for a part time position? First Student, and our nationally recognized team of exceptional employees, is looking for drivers. Please contact Ken Rezendes Kenneth.Rezendes@firstgroup.com with questions.
Maintenance, Grounds and Custodial Teammates Wanted
Are you or someone you know looking to join a talented, hard working, positive working team?Please contact Greg Goodwin @ ggoodwin@freelake.org
Freetown Lakeville Regional School District School Links
Please click on the link(s) below for district information and easy access to your child’s school news
FLRSD: News | Freetown Lakeville Regional School District
ARHS: Apponequet Regional High School News
FLMS: Freetown Lakeville Middle School News
GRAIS: George R. Austin Intermediate School News
AES: Assawompset Elementary Schools News
FES: Freetown Elementary School News
Below please find links to important forms and information. These are located on our website but hope this may assist you in locating them quickly.