September 25, 2017
The 2017-18 school year is now officially underway, and as usual, I am excited to be on this journey as a member of this wonderful school community. I am proud of who we are and looking forward to what we will accomplish this year--in our community as well as in our own individual lives. There are, no doubt, challenges that lie ahead. Some of these challenges we can anticipate, and others will reveal themselves as the year progresses, but I know that we are more than well-equipped to face and overcome any obstacle that comes our way because we always have, and gracefully. I am more than confident that our data will continue to improve because I am more than confident in our students, families, faculty, and partners. Being a part of this school community means something because our students, families and faculty are extraordinary. We are committed to "Going Beyond Access" by striving to do our very best to value impact on students' lives over intentions, committing to being sure that students see themselves reflected in the work, and by working hard to make the work that all of us do as authentically relevant for our students as possible.
Below is a copy of the poem I have sent to our staff at the beginning of the school year for the past two year and that I am now openly sharing with all members of our school community as this also pertains to all of you.
You are Putnam Ave.
You are Putnam Ave.
You are a wonderfully diverse collection
Of passionate individuals, who are committed to the success of your students, colleagues and school community
You are Putnam Ave.
You have a strong sense of your individual and collective identities, of our identity as a school community, of our core values, our vision, our aspirations, hopes and dreams
You are Putnam Ave.
Your actions are deliberate, always well-planned out and thoughtful. You are organized, purposeful, precise, focused and disciplined in all you do.
You are Putnam Ave.
You’re multi-faceted, full of charisma, full of fun, open to explore and learn and grow, full of joy and happiness, respect, divinity and love
You are Putnam Ave.
You thrive off challenges, you are full of resiliency, determined to continue to improve practice, to grow, to continuously get better and better.
You are Putnam Ave.
You are a success, you are accomplished, you live and breathe social justice, you strive for equity, you are a wonderful and healthy school community that's comprised of incredible people, because You are Putnam Ave.
This is the beginning of what will be an amazing school year! Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Mirko