Similar to a fish hatchery.

This photo of a fish hatchery in Iowa reminded me of our district.

We have Eagles of all ages coming to our schools every day, too!

And I like that.

Whether it’s for learning, practicing, performing, or simply meeting with one another, I like how FSD can more than hold its own on the popularity scale with eagles.

No fish hatchery is going to out-draw us!

Now, with the New Year in mind,
I’ve got to ask.

How are your resolutions going?

If you’re like most of us, your answer would be “not so well.”

And this would jell with the collective research from many psychologists who say we have good intentions when we make our resolutions, but easily get distracted when daily life inevitably gets in the way.

I’m not great when it comes to living up to New Year resolutions, either.
I wasn’t kidding when wrote in my first email to you back on August 12 that I’m more of a

Listen – Reflect – and then Act kind of guy.

So I appreciate how every holiday season always gives us a bit of extra time to reflect upon the past, our present, and what’s ahead.

I much prefer reflections to resolutions.

And this is how I’d complete the checklist you see here.
 
To begin, I’d delete the word “Resolutions” and insert “Reflections.”
 
Then I’d write for my first reflection something that has to do with the past.

• # 1 without question would be a heartfelt thank you to you and the entire FSD school family and community for the wonderfully warm welcome and support when I received when I became your new superintendent early last fall. 
  Reflection #2 would follow with something that has to do with the present.
  
•  #2 would be an expression of my gratitude for the honest and open conversations and communications we are now having about what’s best for our students. Although FSD is one of the top districts in Michigan – with a staff second to none – there will always be challenging issues and situations we need to work through together. And I’m grateful for your willingness to reach out to me and keep the lines of communication open.
  You won’t be surprised to see my reflection for #3 has something to do with the future – and I hope you find it as exciting as I do.
  
• #3 will be a future invitation to you to join in the upcoming Strategic Planning process we will undertake in our district. Please watch for more news about this in the spring. The future of FSD will remain bright when we commit to taking our conversations and communications to the next level – and I believe we’re both ready to begin the work. Our students, staff, families, and community are worth it!

So, there you have it.

Obviously, I’m all in for Reflections instead of Resolutions.

Because as leadership expert Margaret Wheatley pointed out –

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.”

Thank you again for all you do. (And for reflecting on today’s email.)

In closing, did you know January is National School Board Recognition Month?

Our school board trustees are dedicated volunteers and are generous with their time and thoughtful direction.

I’ll hope you’ll join me in saying “thank you” to them.
 
And I’ll see you right here in your inbox next week!