Optimism – the Eagles’ Way

How do you define optimism?
 
Here’s one way you might like.

Kate O’Neill in her book A Future So Bright believes we’re on the right track when we envision our preferred future and then chart out a path to get there. 

She calls this process “strategic optimism.”

O’Neill challenges you and me to accept that optimism is really “hope as a service”… where each of us gets to choose for ourselves who and how we serve.
 
I bring this up because I want you to know our FSD staff taking this concept to heart everyday – and doing it so effectively thanks to your  support and that of other parents and community members.
 
In FSD, “strategic optimism” is something we’re tackling as a team ­– and I like that!

And now, please cue the drum roll.
 
I have an announcement to make about our search to fill the principal vacancy at List Elementary.
 
Our interview committee has done an incredible amount of work over the last few weeks, and a couple of days ago, it made its “final candidate” selection.
 
And just last night, I concluded my discussions with our #1 choice –  and now with his acceptance of an FSD contract – I am thrilled to announce Mr. Jason Vislosky as the new List Elementary Principal.
 
Jason comes to us from Marlette Community Schools where he has been the elementary principal since 2013.
 
He was voted the 2021 Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA) Region 10 Principal of the Year.
 
And Jason is as just excited to be an Eagle as we are to welcome him here!
 
Please watch for more information about Jason in the days ahead. You’ll enjoy meeting him!

I also want to extend a big shoutout to Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance.
 
This wonderful school partner recently sponsored author John Coy’s visit to List Elementary, where he met with students in grades 1-4 to discuss the writing process, share what goes into the book creation process, and describe what it’s like to be published author.

John Coy has earned numerous awards and honor for his work.
 
He is the author of several young adult novels, the “4 for 4” middle-grade series, and both fiction and nonfiction picture books.
 
So, thanks again, Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance!
 
Teachers and students alike said the time invested in learning with Mr. Coy was “well worth it!”

Of course, investing in learning is always “well worth it,” agreed?
 
At least, that’s been my experience.
 
And our professional staff also proved this to be true during our recent PD.
 
With the focus of the day on our “Capturing Kids’ Hearts” program, every building was engaged in committing to a range of “Champion” strategies designed to empower teachers and other professional staff with the skills and techniques essential to encouraging each other via ongoing mentoring.

Educating children today is not the same as a generation ago.
 
Teachers face a formidable challenge, in that they must raise the bar on student performance while also competing against social, environmental, and outside pressures as never before.
 
This is why I’m glad our district is devoting resources in support of our professional staff as they implement “Capturing Kids’ Hearts” in our schools.
 
In closing, please take a minute to download our FSD app! 

• Step 1: Download the app by clicking the icon below or searching Fmuth Eagles via the App Store or Google Play.
• Step 2: Once downloaded be sure to turn Notifications ON to stay up to date with school news. 
• Step 3: Click through the app to find distict updates, school menus, news, calendar and more!

The app is free and it’s an easy way to keep up with all the great things our students and staff are doing.
 
And I’m grateful for all the support you extend to make this happen!