Good evening FLRSD,
It is my hope that this weekend, and all of the hustle that leads up to Thanksgiving week finds you healthy, happy, and in whatever way works for you, in peace.
As so many prepare to navigate holiday traffic, packed grocery stores, family dynamics, a wonderful dinner, our Laker football and cheerleading teams then quickly pivoting to Black Friday and the “need” to find the perfect gift that seems to not be available, I hope we can all find time during Thanksgiving to include being grateful along with thankful.
I remember listening to a podcast where two clergy members of different religions spoke about the importance of being grateful, rather than simply thankful in order to live a fulfilling life. I vividly remember asking myself what was the difference as I was sure they were interchangeable. The article below is very interesting and should you choose to read it, it offers one perspective that gratitude is an emotional connection to an action or person that stays within us while thanks is often a quick positive response that does not stay with us. I ask each of us over the holiday break to look individually and with loved ones as to what we are truly grateful for and then see how we can continue to empower that gratitude so we do not take it for granted.
I am sometimes saddened by the fact that too often we focus on “ giving thanks” or saying “I should have told someone how much I cared or how I appreciated something they did”, either at a holiday, a celebration or after a tragedy, rather than making it part of our daily lives. We must never become too busy, too stressed, too overwhelmed to show gratitude to be kind, helpful and collaborative or it will be too late one day. The importance of including gratitude in our actions rather than simply being thankful and moving on is monumental.I think back to a story (author unknown) that my mentor teacher had displayed on his wall and it has been a part of my thinking ever since. If you choose to read the story below, I ask us to think about how impacted and empowered we would be if we were the person on the receiving end and how we can follow in the employers footsteps.
The Power of Gratitude in Action
Let’s thank those who support us or simply help us, and NEVER assume we can do it tomorrow or it will not matter. We all know that we are guaranteed THIS moment and nothing else. Each of us makes a difference when we do, feel better when we do and live with regret if we do not and something tragic happens. Saying it is not enough unless it is said with integrity and passion and with the understanding that those words and actions must be in sync for them to have value.
As we head into Thanksgiving, I am thankful and grateful to you and to everyone here within our school community for what they give each day: the lessons, the time, the opportunity to explore, their desire to allow students to speak their voice, share their journey and achieve while being the shoulder to lean on in times of difficulty. The fact that so many come out to attend Open House or NHS induction ceremonies or volunteer for PTO, School Council, SEPAC, Boosters or Diversity Coalition is a gift of hope for so many. The job of being a Principal ,Teacher, Secretary, Paraprofessional, Director, Team Chair, Nurse, Staff member, IT and Library Media Specialist, Food Service, Custodial or Maintenance staff member, SRO, Coach, Club Advisor, Schedular,Central Office personnel or School Committee member are amongst the most important in the world and are for some reason, some of the most maligned. Please thank them in some small way for all they do! Just as the woman in the story was moved to tears for the gratitude she was shown and the thanks someone gave her, those above will be forever grateful for your efforts.
May your next two weeks be filled with gratitude and thanks.
With gratitude, thanks and in peace
Alan
Alan Strauss, Superintendent
Follow us on x( twitter) and Instagram @FLRSDsuper
Our unified basketball team competed at Durfee High in the annual Jamboree and played two exciting games including a TRIPLE overtime victory that was decided at the buzzer by a Brayden Dorsey basket. Congratulations to everyone who played, coached and came out to support our students.
Unified Banner Ceremony
Our national Banner has arrived and was presented at the Homecoming pep rally on Friday. We are one of 22 schools in the commonwealth and 1 of 250 across the nation this year to receive this prestigious recognition. There are 10 standards that must be met in order to qualify and these include but are not limited to the promotion of inclusivity for all students, at least 2 Unified Sports, and an inclusive group within the High School for both students with and without intellectual disabilities to gather together on a regular basis. Congratulations!
Diversity Coalition
The next Coalition meeting is scheduled for Tuesday Nov 21st at 6:00 in the ARHS Lecture Hall. We encourage you to come!
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.