FLRSD Sunday Message, March 24, 2024

Good evening FLRSD,

As April inches closer the days get longer, spring sports begin and temperatures are supposed to rise with it - not this weekend for sure. April often brings with it a renewed sense of getting outside and enjoying the beauty of spring. Embracing the positivity that comes with warmer weather and even the renewed hope that the Red Sox will be competitive this year are constructs of the routines of having HOPE.

I recently saw a card that said, “HOPE is a small rebellion”. Whether we are in the midst of something as complex as a personal struggle, or as simple as rooting for our favorite team in March Madness. HOPE continues to give us the belief that something positive can happen. It allows us to focus on things, and often gives a renewed sense of appreciating what we have and what surrounds us.

Sadly, until something “big” comes upon us we often lose sight of the reality of this beautiful life we have. - which is a life of harmony that brings us joy, love, happiness for all; a positive pathway for our children and inner peace when replaced with ego, anger, vengeance, proving our point all of which takes away from a life of gratitude, appreciation and kindness.

This story which was shared with me many years ago by a graduate student reminds me of the need for us to never let go of what is most important, to never forget the little things that make our circle so wonderful and to always keep HOPE close to us. Should you choose to read it, it is my hope that we are all again reminded of how important it is to keep our head space positive and to live in joy.

The trip is too short...

The woman in the story is absolutely correct- the trip is too short and we should help each other take a breath, understand that everyone is dealing with something we cannot see and therefore giving others grace should be the norm rather than the unusual.

When I look around this wonderful school community, I am touched by how much our teachers, counselors, SRO, Assistant Principals, Directors, Nurses, Principals, Paraprofessionals, Library and IT Staff, Coaches, Advisors, Maintenance, Food Service, and Custodial Staff give each day so that our students move beyond simply Hope, as they are leaving each grade with confidence and the comfort in knowing they did their best and ultimately when each one says “Goodbye” to ARHS, Old Colony, Bristol Plymouth or Bristol Aggie they are prepared for the world that awaits them. We are also blessed that the Central Office Administration and Staff, School Committee, First Responders, Town Officials and Community Partners fully support the vision and mission of providing all students true understanding of what they truly need to be the successful adults they deserve to be. When you have a chance, thank them, just as I am thanking you, for all the guidance, support, love, encouragement, accountability and HOPE they give to your students and loved ones each day.

It is my hope that each of you always, in this short trip, have what matters most: Love, support, laughter and the ability to let go of anything that interrupts “the trip”!

Alan

Alan Strauss, Superintendent

Follow FLRSD @FLRSDsuper on Instagram and X

Before/After School Programs- Please click here to view the upcoming Spring programs beginning March 25th! Spring Session-After the Bell

AES PLAYGROUND

The AES playground will be closed 24/7 from March 18- approximately the beginning of April break for repairs. Although this is an inconvenience for a few weeks the results will be well worth it.

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

Cradles to Crayons

Shaan Barnick and Kora Santangelo, our Project 351 Ambassadors, are hosting a clothing drive. Project 351 is a leadership and service organization that focuses on young people who strive to lead service projects in the towns that they represent. We will be running a spring service for Cradles to Crayons from March 25th to April 5th. The mission statement of Cradles to Crayons is to: “enable our volunteers and donors to turn compassion into action and provide the essential items that children in struggling families need to thrive at school, to participate more fully in life, to just be a kid”. These donations will go to children all across Massachusetts to help fight clothing insecurity.

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