Impactful:
When I look back at my younger years, there are a few things I wish I would have taken more seriously. Not because my life has turned out differently than I had hoped, but because these lessons would have likely supported a better version of myself earlier. If I could go back and share three things with my younger self, here is what they’d be:
1. Invest early in yourself and your future:
I used to think investing only meant money. What I know now is that it also means investing in people, in opportunities, and in yourself. Starting small with money and letting time work in your favor is great! But, putting yourself out there and building connections even when it feels uncomfortable is also a critical investment in what and who you will become. Choices that are focused on building a foundational network compound just like dollars in an account.
2. Be a learner for life:
When I was younger, I saw learning as something I had to do. Now I see it as something I get to do. Every skill you practice, every book you read, every conversation you have adds up. Learning is not about getting through school, it is about building the kind of foundation that keeps giving back as you grow older.
3. Lead with kindness and understanding:
Listening to understand rather than trying to be understood changes everything. People remember how you treat them more than they remember the words you say. Being kind and choosing to understand others builds trust and respect that lasts. Relationships matter more than anything else. When people are on their deathbed, they don’t ask others to bring their diplomas to them, their remaining cash to them, or their expensive collection to them. They ask for the people they love to come.
If I could have understood these lessons earlier in my own life, my path might have looked a little different. The good news is it is never too late to start and never too early to begin.
Practical:
The National Center for Education Statistics indicates that regular attendance is vital for student success. After all, each missed school day is a lost opportunity for learning, and there are oodles of studies that show that students with strong attendance perform better academically. By 9th grade, attendance becomes one of the most reliable indicators of a student’s likelihood to graduate. Simply put, consistent attendance helps students make the most of their education, setting them up for future success.
Frequent absences not only affect the students missing class but also impact teachers, who often work to adapt lessons and provide extra support to help students catch up. At Spectrum, our teachers are deeply committed to building solid relationships with students while fostering academic growth in all of them. Every day, I see the compassion, care, and dedication that our teachers pour into supporting students. In addition, I see the lengths they go to to fully support those with attendance challenges. We ask that both students and families reflect and consider the effects of attendance on both student learning and the teachers who support it.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to your and your student’s success!
Weeks-at-a-glance:
- Monday, September 29th: C@SH Day & Mid-trimester #1
- Wednesday, October 1st: PERKS report pulled
- Monday, October 6th - Saturday, October 11th: Homecoming Week!
- Monday, October 6th: C@SH Day
- Tuesday, October 7th: Mandatory Senior Advisory date