LEADING THROUGH LISTENING

  Each year, the month of April is recognized as World Autism Month. While having special days, weeks, months, etc. is a personal bugaboo of mine because it's so easy to accidentally miss something/someone that ultimately is upsetting or insensitive to another person, there is no doubt that they are necessary to draw attention to aspects of the world and our lives that many need the unfortunate reminder for. I can't say that autism has had a direct and ongoing impact on my life, but I have dear friends who have. A simple conversation, or really a listening session, can help anyone understand just how challenging it is to unlock the secrets of autism, but also how beautiful the experience can be. Personally, I have had the fortune to be a music teacher of an inclusive autism pre-k/kindergarten program. There is nothing more special than working with students who are non-verbal but want to express themselves in some way. The power of music, and communication in general, makes tha

For some, Peter Cottontail may be hopping down a bunny trail this weekend, but the question may be which trail to hop down? At any stage in life, there is a multitude of trails one can walk down. The trail most traveled, least traveled, unknown? Some folks even decide to give up when venturing down a challenging trail. Unfortunately, for many individuals in our society, this has become the reality for many reasons. In our schools, students are quick to give up on anything from small tasks, to athletic teams, to friendships because the challenge is greater than expected. Life is full of challenges as all adults know, but adults also have experienced the benefit of perseverance and survival. Our students have not all had the opportunity to experience the joy and satisfaction of a positive outcome yet. However, some students haven't experienced this because throughout their whole life they have been told that they can't succeed, or at least that is the perceived message that they

 Believe it or not, we have made it to the month of April already and Spring Break is around the corner. Our students continue to grow and amaze with each passing week thanks to the work and dedication of our educators and school staff. We have successfully completed the first week of state assessments, passed a referendum, preparing for the first public presentation of the 2022-2023 budget, organizing the junior prom and senior ball, making plans for graduation and many more things that help us realize and remember what schools are all about. Generally speaking, the Spring is a time for celebrations of all kinds for schools, and not just for the senior class. There is no doubt that this year has been challenging in many ways and that there are still questions to be answered as we head into summer. Despite any obstacle, our teachers, leaders, and support staff have found a way to overcome and succeed, and for this, we should all be celebrating. I know that people from all facets of our