On Wednesday a parent came in and brought a note of thanks to one of our staff to say how much her family appreciated the efforts of our staff member and how the small seemingly innocent acts of kindness that this staff member showed were monumentally helpful to their student. The smile and the sense of self-worth that this tiny act brought was moving in so many ways. And so, in conjunction with National School Counseling week I share a story that has been used by educators around the world in teaching the importance of “lending a hand”, never knowing the impact of our work and the understanding power of our roles in working with kids. There is no question that School Counselors at all levels lend a hand, are unsung but vitally important life savers for so many of our students and sources of guidance for countless more. I hope it brings a smile and that you find some small way to reach out to those who have lent a hand here at FLRSD and to our counselors I say thank you!
When Mrs. Klein told her first graders to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful, she thought how these children were clearly so happy and full of life as the pictures they were drawing were of things they had experienced or had in their possession. Each child worked diligently and with pride on their picture. It was a happy, yet not truly meaningful sight for Mrs. Klein. What took Mrs. Klein aback was Douglas’s picture. Douglas was very quiet and likely to be found close in her shadow, saying almost nothing as they went outside for recess. Mrs. Klein sadly often thought that she was not reaching Douglas as he never really said much. Douglas’s drawing was simply this:
A hand, obviously, but whose hand?
The class was captivated by his image. So students on their own started to give their opinions of what the hand represented, “I think it must be the hand of someone that brings us food,” said one student. “A farmer,” said another, “because they grow and pick fruit. “It looks more like a policeman, and they protect us. ” said another curious child. Yet there was no consensus.
Mrs. Klein had almost forgotten Douglas in her pleasure at finding the class so responsive. When she had the others at work on another project, she bent over his desk and asked whose hand it was. Douglas mumbled, “It’s yours, Mrs. Klein. You give me yours”
Then Mrs. Klein recalled that she had taken Douglas by the hand from time to time; she often did that with the children. But that should have meant so much to Douglas …
She then teared upon realizing , this was her Thanks, and everybody’s Thanks—not the material things given unto us, but the small ways that we give something to others. Leadership, which has nothing to do with titles, is about creating situations where people flourish and not caring at all who gets the credit.” author unknown
As I think about Douglas and just as importantly Mrs. Klein and our staff, I ask us all to think of the helping hand that has supported and guided us or those we care about , whether it was in a very small way or a big way and THANK THEM for their support. Expressing gratitude gives both parties positive feelings that stay within us. It is our natural tendency to notice the bad things that happen to us each day, but instead what if we focused on the one good thing? I will continue to believe that the goodness in all of us is far stronger than the negative acts of a few. Our students here within FLRSD, whom I have the pleasure of sitting with weekly and staff are collectively remarkable, and missteps should not be seen as a voice of the whole.Yes, they are to be managed and held accountable, but the goodness that permeates our school community is far more powerful than the negativity of a few.
I ask today that you reach out now rather than wait until it is too late to say thank you, you appreciate them, or you admire what they are doing. In the case of FLRSD I will ask that at some point this year that you reach out and say thank you to one person, whom you have not previously said anything for what they did for a school, our community, your student, your family or a loved one.
Everyday I see our teachers, staff, paraprofessionals, nurses, IT & library staff, Principals, Assistant Principals, CL’s( curriculum leaders) Counselors, School Psychologists, Coaches, Security, Advisors, SRO, Maintenance, Food service & Custodial staff, School Committee, First Responders, town officials and community partners do small and big things to help each other and most of all, our students. And just as importantly, I see our students across all areas of schools- the arts, athletics, and academics helping and supporting each other in so many wonderful ways. The kindness of our students is a gift everyone should feel great about!
Have a great week everyone, and I hope you lend a hand to someone and that it is returned two fold !
Be well, be safe and most of all be … in kindness and peace
Alan strauss, Superintendent
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FLRSD- Custodial/Maintenance Employment Opportunities
The Freetown-Lakeville School District has many employment opportunities in the Facilities Department. We have Part -time and Full time positions available!
Please contact Greg Goodwin, Director of Facilities if you are interested in joining our team.
Or call
508-923-2000 Ext. 1718
SEPAC (Special Ed. Parent Advisory Council)
The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will be visiting the District in March 2023 to assess our special education programming. In preparation for this, the DESE is holding a parent orientation on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 @ 6:30. We will be streaming this presentation during our monthly SEPAC meeting in the library at ARHS. You can also connect remotely from home through the following link: https://meet.google.com/xux-kesm-jag
Please contact Ashley Bouley if you have any questions abouley@freelake.org .
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: https://www.freelake.org/news
ARHS: https://www.freelake.org/o/arhs/news
FLMS: https://www.freelake.org/o/flms/news
GRAIS: https://www.freelake.org/o/grais/news
AES: https://www.freelake.org/o/aes/news
FES: https://www.freelake.org/o/fes/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 (we will continue to add to this and if you have suggestions on what would be helpful to add please let us know) Thank you for the latest suggestions!