There is no better way to start a new school year than to gather the entire district staff together to celebrate the upcoming year!  We started the morning with a "wellness activity."  While in years past, the staff was offered the chance at walking around the track and reconnecting with one another.  This year, the staff participated in activities to build their team unity, connect and prepare for the year!  Who doesn't want the chance to grab a selfie or make a Swiftie bracelet?

We kicked off the all-staff meeting with our band and cheerleaders!  The fight song got everyone on their feet all the way through to "Hang on Sloopy."  Then, we introduced multiple speakers including members from the Oakwood Schools Foundation, the Director of the Oakwood Alumni Association, members from the Oakwood Schools Board of Education and our District Treasurer.  In addition to the welcome greetings, we had the opportunity to celebrate our new staff members and offer a warm welcome to them.  

During the Opening Day Celebration, I was able to share my hopes for the upcoming school year.  While I continue to maintain a mindset to promote three areas of focus (high student achievement, safe school environment, and efficient and effective operations), I shared my three hopes for the 2023 - 2024 school year:

1. Believe in Growth - regardless of our role, our success isn’t marked by a destination but growth and learning, using every moment as an opportunity to reflect, learn and grow.  Within this hope, we need to model and support students in reflection from the past, committing to be better tomorrow, and being the hope for the future.  The goal, in every situation, is to "breathe hope."  

2. Be a Champion - we are also in positions in which we can be a champion of one another.  Being a champion for another person means we extend beyond just breathing hope but also inspiring others and challenging them to be their best selves.  We need champions in our life to spur us on, and we need to realize the potential we possess in being a champion for others.

3. Go Farther Together - as we realize our work is not done in isolation, it’s important to promote the sense that building community means it’s all about relationships.  Therefore, it’s critical we lock arms moving in the same direction by not allowing anyone to remain alone, sharing our story as a way to remember and encourage others, and celebrating our work and each other along the journey.

In reflecting on my three hopes for 2023 - 2024, I see it as a way to anchor our district’s mission: 

Doing what is best for students is our guiding principle. To this end, the Oakwood School community commits the resources, support, expertise and experiences needed for all students to achieve.

And, as we prepare to welcome our students in the coming weeks, I am excited to be part of the Oakwood Schools journey, family and community!  Thank you for joining us as we fulfill our vision to educate “students to become ethical decision-makers who achieve their life goals, take responsible risks, and contribute to the greater good of the world. Graduates are prepared for their post-secondary pursuits, proud of their Oakwood education, and poised to lead and serve.”