Messages from the Principal
An Attitude of Gratitude – December 1, 2010
The Holiday season is a time to recognize all that we have in our lives. For me, I have much to be thankful for and I want to share my appreciation with all of you.
I am thankful for Beechwood parents like Esti Hall. When her son Owens graduated from Beechwood, she vowed to stay involved, even though she no longer had a child attending the school. As promised, there she was on Thanksgiving, doing her thing: organizing, serving and socializing. Esti, you are the best and we are so happy to hear about Owens success at Eastside.
I am grateful for teachers who take the time to say, “Mr. L., you are doing a great job.” It's always a little awkward complimenting the boss. Nonetheless, it feels good to be recognized for your hard work.
I appreciate parents who react to criticism without being defensive. When I say, “Please try harder to get your child to school on time”, I love it when these folks start showing up early and saying with a smile “We're working on it Mr. L.!”
I am thankful for staff who go above and beyond the call of duty by coming in the night before the Thanksgiving feast and getting all the tables and utensils organized; or by coming in on their day off to prepare a fun craft project for all the kids to do in their Thanksgiving families.
I am grateful that we have older children at this school who know how to be leaders and to set an example for the younger kids.
I am grateful for the fact that we have Music and Drama at Beechwood. The 3rd and 4th grade play was great. Funny and well rehearsed! And what a great audience! Even our youngest students stayed attentive and respectful throughout the performance. I am really looking forward to more singing and dancing at the upcoming Holiday Show.
I am so appreciative of the fact that I get to work with my brother John. He is an outstanding teacher and provides me great support as Vice-Principal. Besides that, he is a pretty funny dude who helps me not to take myself too seriously.
Finally, I want to say thank you to my family. My wife Margaret is a hard-working woman who I still enjoy spending time with after almost 30 years together. My daughters Charlotte and Emily have made my life rich in ways they do not yet understand. To be a part of a loving family is the greatest gift of all.
-Mr. Laurance