Submitted by Mr. Stephen Waigand,

Principal, Rock Port Elementary

We are putting the finishing touches on the 2020 calendar year. What a year it has been in education and our world. I came across a quote the other day from Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney, “If you cannot let go of the uncontrollable things in your life they will control you.” It made me pause and reflect on the things I can control in my life, including my attitude and outlook. There are still many celebrations (big and small) around us if we are willing to stop and look for them.

We are coming off of our first, and hopefully last, round of virtual school days. A big shout-out to our teachers and staff for the time and effort they put into these days. In addition, thank you to the many parents, grandparents, older siblings, and daycare providers that supervised many of those learning opportunities. We have engaged parents and a committed staff, both were evident once again over the virtual school day stretch. We continue to learn and grow with each experience; however, we are thankful to be back in school for the final three weeks of the semester.

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of my favorite parts of the school year where kindness, service to others, and the joy of giving is on full display. Our Blue Jay Shop returns for the fourth consecutive year. Students have the opportunity to shop for loved ones and experience the joy that comes from giving to others this Christmas season. In addition, many of our elementary students participate in random acts of kindness organized by the third grade classrooms. Some activities include creating a banner for health care workers, reading to preschool students and nursing home residents (virtually), sprucing up the playground, and collecting items for the local food pantry.

With all this talk on giving, certainly students have a few requests of their own. Last week, they walked to Main Street to mail their Santa letters. Nothing will put a smile on your face more than a good, honest letter from a child to Santa. We hope you enjoy reading the letters and a special thank you to the Atchison County Mail for supporting the cause! A Merry Christmas to all our students, staff, and families throughout Blue Jay Nation!

Stay connected in the new year with daily classroom events and school updates on Twitter @RPBluejays and through the elementary Blue Jay Bulletin for Parents. As always we strive to . . .

Love all our Passengers,

Serve their academic needs,

Care for the whole child,

Every Student, Every Day