To My Faculty and Staff

Today we finished day one of our new school year.

Today you impressed me.  You were flexible, patient, innovative, compassionate and understanding.  I firmly believe that teaching is a calling and many of you affirmed that by your words and actions today.

You pray for your students and coworkers.

Today you told me that you know there is a reason that you have the students you have.  You believe that God placed them in your class for you to impact.

Today you tried teaching without a desk.  A desk is often viewed as a barrier and you removed that barrier, that walled fortress from your classroom.

Today, you were flexible and struggled through plumbing issues, interruptions and frightened students.

Today, you took in the very best our community has to offer.  You opened your hearts and minds to the future by shouldering the monumental task of teaching.

Today, you picked up your paintbrush.  You mixed the colors on your palate, dabbed the end of the brush in the paint and began to put brush to canvas.  You placed the first few strokes on a masterpiece that will take years to complete.  You may never see the finished product, but you painted anyway.

You admitted your flaws, shortcomings, failures, and fears.  You revealed your passion.  All hallmarks of great teachers.

You began looking for that one thing, that extra degree necessary to produce steam.

For all of this I thank you.

As you continue, remember you are a cast member.  You make memories, make them great.