SCHOOL ZONE 5-12-16

WHAT IS POPULARITY?

The loss of a student is one of the most difficult and challenging experiences teachers and administrators have to deal with in their professional lives.  We attend training, but are never fully prepared to handle a tragedy like this.  All we can do is offer support to the family, our students and staff. 

I was very impressed by the strength of Morgan Wojciechowski’s mother on the evening of the prayer vigil.  She was somehow able to find the courage and poise to stand up and share with the audience a conversation she had with her son a few days before the incident.  The talk between mother and son was about popularity, and what it means to be truly popular.  Morgan was convinced that popularity is not just superficial and on the surface, but should be something deeper than that.  He told his mother that being kind and caring to others was the type of popularity he wanted to attain.  Mrs. Wojciechowski was grateful to have had that conversation with Morgan because at that point she knew he “got it”.  In other words, Morgan understood the family values his parents had talked about and modeled.  He treated those he met with dignity, respect and compassion, no matter who they were.  This is what his parents are most proud of. 

This is a great testimony to the power and influence that parents have on their children’s lives.  The fact that Morgan’s life had a great impact on our community was clearly demonstrated by the number of people who attended the prayer vigil and spoke positively about their memories of Morgan and his relationship with them.  He was well-liked by both staff and students and was a leader in our school and in athletics.  Morgan was a student that “walked the walk” and spoke with actions of kindness and compassion.   

As a school district we value parents like Mr. and Mrs. Wojciechowski.  Their dedication to teaching the important lessons of life is a wonderful example for all of us.  While the lessons learned in school are important, the true measure of our lives is how we treat others.   The large number of students and community members who attended the vigil were a testament to the importance of values that matter more than anything in life.  Character, integrity and kindness make unforgettable impressions on everyone.  Morgan will be missed for these traits.

UPCOMING DATES FOR SENIORS:

Parents and guardians of Senior students should take note of the following important dates:

May 13, 2016          PROM SET-UP
May 14, 2016          PROM – Community may visit from 4:30 to 6:00 PM; red carpet arrival at 6:00 PM; Dinner at 7:00 PM with dance to follow

May 20, 2016          VHS Senior Final Exams
May 23, 2016          SENIOR DISTINCTION / PROJECT DAY - Permission Slips are required! All students that change out of their dress clothes into appropriate work clothes must bring them to school. NO ONE will be allowed to go home and change.   Students who choose not to participate in the Project Day MUST stay in school.

May 24, 2016         EHOVE Senior Final Exams
May 24, 2016         SENIOR AWARDS PROGRAM - Auditorium 6:30 PM

May 25, 2016         EHOVE Senior Final Exams
May 26, 2016         EHOVE Senior Picnic  11:05 AM     
May 26, 2016         GRADUATION PRACTICE  at VHS  1:00 PM
May 29, 2016         CLASS OF 2016 COMMENCEMENT 1:00 PM - All seniors are expected to be in the VHS auditorium by 12:27 PM with cap and gown, ready to go!