Good evening,
As we head into the first full week of December and closer to winter break, I contemplated what message should be sent in a time of uncertainty, fear, passionate opinions on the correct course of action for a myriad of things, as well as the emotional, physical and financial future for so many people.
On Black Friday this year, The Wrentham Outlets had a three hour wait simply to get into the parking lot, approximately 15 billion dollars was spent, with 11 billion more predicted for Cyber Monday as the holiday season begins (which includes Christmas, Dawli, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah). That information however left me thinking about the question: What is enough? I thought of the time so many spend searching and stressing, when time is so precious, or the money spent when financial concerns for most of the country are rising and the quiet angst that causes.
As we look at the enormity of that amount, we should not ever feel guilty for finding the perfect gift(s) for our loved ones. We also should pause and refocus on those who do not have as much as ourselves, those who are ailing physically or emotionally therefore cannot get out to enjoy the holidays as they would normally do so, and those that are dealing with the significance of loss during the holidays that sadly blankets so many. Simultaneously, we must also never forget the complex and important lessons that we are “supposed to” re-evaluate during the holidays - that loved ones, authentic communication, organic appreciation, true gratitude, positive memories, empowering relationships and forgiveness are the most important gifts we can give to each other and to ourselves. We must remember that the search for power, the need to be mean, the seeking of vengeance or littering the world with “poor me responses” do not help the world become brighter, they simply darken our own souls.
Last year, in Indianapolis during the NFL Combine (a time where college players work out in front of NFL teams hoping to become a pro) Liberty University’s Malik Willis was walking to his hotel when he stopped, opened his suitcase and suddenly gave some of his own brand new clothing to a homeless stranger who was sitting on the street. It was videotaped from across the street without this young man knowing. When it went viral he was asked about it and he said, “I have enough clothes, and my loved ones and my coach always taught me that I am blessed to have the gifts I have and to always remember that what I really need is around me and within me”.
Through the giving Mr. Willis taught us is that what we have in front of us emotionally is actually more than enough, if we let go of the “stuff” and focus on the people in our lives and the good in our lives. And therefore I hope the story below, should you choose to read it, resonates with you in some way.
We learn a simple lesson from the father and daughter in the story and the hope that was passed down generation after generation. All that is experienced in life hopefully helps us to appreciate every good moment, and allows us to cherish what we have. I remember hearing, long before my two children blessed my life, “having things, or buying things does not make a child spoiled - so do not feel guilty; rather it is one’s lack of appreciation for what they are given - often shown by how they ‘treat it’, and the needed understanding that not everyone is as fortunate and that is what makes one spoiled”.
We all know that giving back is not about spending money, and we see daily here within and throughout this community, the generosity and spirit of giving that our incredible faculty and staff, as well as so many of our students contribute to daily. Our Faculty, Secretaries, Paraprofessionals, Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Nurses, Support Staff, Coaches, Counselors, School Psychologists, SRO, Advisors, Cafeteria, Maintenance and Custodial Staffs, as well as Central Office Administration and Staff, School Committee, Town Officials and Support Staff, First Responders and Our Community Partners all work to ensure that our students “have enough” to be able to navigate the balance of social emotional mental health needs and the habits of mind necessary to be successful citizens after they complete their public school expereince. Each day in their own way so many follow the example of Malik Willis and the father and the daughter in the story and give what they have, or wish more for our students. They deserve our appreciation, our thanks and our gratitude.
So I ask all of us to again, take a moment and reach out to say thank you, extend a hand, make a call rather than simply text, visit someone who could use your time and most of all, let those who might not know you appreciate them, that you do. It is one of those magical gifts for both parties.
May your week be filled with enough of what we all need- love, kindness, appreciation and support! And that you find that perfect gift that is appreciated, for whatever holiday you give it.
I wish you well, and most of all… “I wish you enough”
Alan
Alan Strauss, Superintendent of Schools
ARHS
Congratulations to Lakers Jacob Cusson, Lauren Bernaiche and Nathan Levesque celebrating their commitment to further their education and athletic participation to the next level! Although this is highlighted with more details in the HS link below, it is important for our community and our younger students to understand that ARHS offers such outstanding programs that any student who is wishing to excel at the next level- with their academics, in a career within the military, or work force, or continuing their passions in the arts or athletics, without question, can pursue their dreams graduating from ARHS.
DIVERSITY COALITION
The next Diversity Coalition meeting will be tomorrow Monday December 4th in the ARHS Lecture Hall at 6:30
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
AES Windows & Doors Project
We wanted to show everyone, not simply our AES families, of the progress made on the front doors. They look amazing and we thank the entire community of Lakeville, for their support in this wonderful project.
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.