Thursday, June 1, 2017

Dear 4th Graders: 2016-2017

Dear 4th Graders,

It doesn't seem possible the time is almost here for you to transition from Novi Woods to being 5th graders in your new school.  My guess is you're excited but also a bit anxious about your next steps.  That's OK.  Living somewhere between excitement and anxiousness is normal.  Perhaps you recall those same feelings when you started at Novi Woods?  Many of you, of course, started at Woods in kindergarten, but several of you have joined us in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th grades.  Regardless of when you joined Novi Woods, you have made a difference, and the community at Novi Woods is richer because of you.

Together, Novi Woods has partnered with your families to grow great leaders!  Together, we have learned about and demonstrated grit, empathy, passion, compassion, frustration, understanding, perseverance, sadness, joy, and so much more.  There have been awards, rewards, retirements, and many new faces.  I've been privileged to help you laugh, learn routines for success, and to learn how to think about the power of "yet."  There have been some band-aids along the way, but there have been many more high fives.  You've shared wiggly teeth, your smiles, your tears, and some of you have even shared new siblings with us.

  • Concerts, Art shows, Field days, Woods workouts, Parachutes, Recorders, Clay, Book check-out, book fairs, curiosity kits
  • Dens, Pride Circles, Paws for Great Leaders cards, Leadership Chats, fire drills, a human pizza and sundae, principal for a day, lice checks
  • Open houses, Walk to school days, Halloween parades, conferences, Valentine's parties, crafts, games, and recesses on the "big" playground!  
  • "It looks like a good day for sledding, Novi Woods."
  • Are you a bringer or a buyer? Morning announcements, Words of Wisdom, the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • NWEA, M-Step, Friday folders
  • Yearbooks, Family Fun Nights, Spirit Wear, Family Picnics, Multi-Cultural Night, Milk and Cookies Night, Fun Runs, Assemblies, ArtSmart, Field Trips, 4th grade clapout..
4th grade clapout? 

Yes, before we know it the entire school will be honoring and clapping for you as you exit Novi Woods for the final time. It will be touching and a little surreal, I promise.  And while it's fun to look back on all of these fond memories, my hope for what you may remember as you move forward is quite simple.  You are the great benefactors of a community of parents, teachers, secretaries, bus drivers, maintenance professionals, groundskeepers, custodians, a nurse, noon aides, cooks, cashiers, superintendents, Board members, paras, CARE  workers, volunteers, directors, coordinators, administrators.....and a prinicpal who have done our best for you and your classmates.  Quite simply, my hope for you is that you know you were loved by an entire community--a special community called Novi Woods.  

"Let's make it a great day, and remember, it takes teamwork to make the dream work!"



PS--Listen to and respect your parents.  They will always be your first and most important teachers.