FLRSD Sunday Message, March 10, 2024

Good evening FLRSD,

Each day life continues to teach us many things. It is our hope that each of us finds a moment to reflect on the lessons learned, positive or difficult, small or large and that we spend time on what is most important, rather than what is not. We need to remember what a gift our health is, that our loved ones are doing well and we have our own inner peace.

We have all struggled at some point to remember the lessons we have learned and the gifts we have. We struggle because we are so caught up in our daily responsibilities of life, or we are caught up in things that sometimes feel larger than life. Our personal deeply rooted beliefs, thoughts and perceptions of the person speaking adds a layer to really hearing what is being said by others, making it so that we only hear what we want, or that aligns with what we feel is right or we deserve. The danger of that thinking is monumental.

Perspectives are personal when it comes to what we hear and what we want. We must ensure to continue to listen and not drown out what we do not want to hear simply because we do not like who is saying it or we disagree because it doesn’t conveniently fit as we want it to.

One of the most iconic lines ever from the Breakfast club - “You see us as you want to see us in the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions” is spot on. The tendency for us to focus on what we see and what we hear depending on our perception, rather than what is actually being said.

My coach in HS, reminded us daily that we have two ears and one mouth. He hoped we would listen more and talk less in order to be better teammates and eventually partners, employees and members of society. He also used to ask us to think about “Why, if two people tell us the exact same thing we are not likely to heed what is being said?” In so many ways this dependence on who is speaking hinders us from listening fully. It is that premise that brings us to today’s message should you choose to read it.

What do we choose to hear?

Everyday, I am amazed at the empathic, selfless and focused attention that so many of our Faculty, Staff, Paraprofessionals, Secretaries, SRO, Counselors, School Psychologists, Directors, Team Chairs, Principals, Assistant Principals, Nurses, Library and IT Staff, Schedulers, Coaches, Advisors,Nurses, Custodial, Maintenance and Food Service Staff give to our students, and this community everyday. And in conjunction with our Central Office Administration and Staff, School Committee, Town Hall Officials and Employees, First Responders and our community partners we continue to build a bridge of equity, empathy, inclusion and commitment to all of our students, all of which can only begin with listening intently and openly.

This week as the weather warms us a little more each day and the sun stays out a little longer it is my hope that you are heard, understood, and that you give the same to others. The world is better when we all do!

Alan

Alan Strauss, Superintendent

Follow FLRSD @FLRSDsuper on Instagram and X

AES PLAYGROUND

We are thrilled to inform you that the AES playground is also getting a makeover. Due to some incredible collaborative work from the town, Senator Rodrigues office who was responsible for the appropriations of almost $100,000 to make this possible, and the FLRSD District the playground will be fitted with some new equipment to replace any broken equipment. Thank you to Nate Darling and Greg Goodwin for their work in helping to get this needed upgrade

In order to safely install this equipment, the AES will be closed 24/7 from March 18- Approximately the beginning of April break. Although this is an inconvenience for a few weeks the results will be well worth it.

We invite the community to visit AES between 10-12 on Saturday March 16th to see the incredible makeover from the door and window project. Our kids cabinet will be hosting a gently used clean clothing drive as well to support Gifts to Give. AES Open House Information

ARHS Career Day

On April 5th, ARHS will be hosting a Career Day for our students. We are in need of presenters. If you are interested, please see our Career Day invitation or reach out to jcronin@freelake.org for more information. Thank you!

PCC Summer Program at Stonehill College

If you or your student, grades 7-10 are interested in the magnificent summer residential enrichment sessions at Stonehill College please click on the presentation below and attend one of the informational sessions. FLRSD has always supported this wonderful opportunity and provides partial scholarships to a number of our students. There are information sessions on March 6th and April 8th at 7 pm @ the Stonehill College Welcome Center Auditorium. Parking is next to the auditorium. Contact pcc@stonehillcollege.edu for more information

PCC information

PCC FLYER

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