Another Year in the Books!

6/10/2016

What a great year we have had! Now that school is official out for the summer, the Palmer Trinity School campus is a desolate place. Gone is the sound of laughter, school bells, bustling of backpacks, pencils gliding over paper and the clicking of keyboards. It is a perfect time to sit in my office to reflect and, as I look back over this school year, there are many things that were wonderful about 2015 – 2016:

- We welcomed new faculty that brought an infectious enthusiasm to the classroom.

- Enrollment in sixth grade was the largest in school history.

- Seventh grade participated in an overnight experiential trip to Camp Sparta for the first time.

- Eighth grade traveled to Washington, DC as a capstone travel experience for our middle school students.

- We increased our extra-curricular offerings by incorporating a Mathletes Team, a Robotics Club and an after school Shore Ecology and Awareness (S.E.A.) Program at the Deering Estate.

Our 8^th Grade Closing was the perfect finale for the school year. It was filled with a great poem read by Emerson Lane, an acoustic rendition of the Imagine Dragons by guitar students, the Middle School memories introduced by Sabrina Alonso and Patricio Diaz and the video (including a special cameo) directed by Karla Gonzalez. It was difficult to fight back the tears. As I think about their three years of PTS I know that these students truly enjoyed “LIFE IN THE MIDDLE.”

My final words to the group of students moving onto Upper School was heartfelt and I have included them below:

And, finally, to the students: THANK YOU!

Last year, at this time, I read some thoughts from graduating seniors who also had a sibling in 8^th grade. I asked them to provide advice on the transition to high school and how best to cope with the increased demands. This year, however, I did something a little differently.

Instead, I found some inspiration from a sixth grade student who happens to be a sibling, a little sister, to one of you. At the beginning of the year, I asked all sixth grade students to write a letter to their future selves. It could be about goals or advice, and as I was reading this one in particular, I said to myself – this is your speech. This is what you have to say to the 8^th grade. And while she titles it, “Dear Future Me,” it is completely applicable to say, “Dear 8^th Grade Class as you go into high school.” Here goes:

“Dear Future Me,

No, life is not about riding out the storm. It’s about learning to dance in the rain. Life will never be perfect. Just make the best of it. Follow your heart. Do what you think is best. Stay true to yourself. Don’t let those people get to you. They are people who can’t make themselves happy, and they try to, by doing the wrong thing. Try to put your best foot forward. Follow your dreams. If someone tries to pull you from it, don’t let go. You have talent. If you don’t care for it, or cultivate, what will it be? This doesn’t mean you have to hole yourself up and read books all day. Have fun! Make new friends and meet old ones. Don’t forget HIM. Live in the moment. Don’t always focus on the future. Don’t revisit the negative things in the past. It’s not becoming of a Jedi. Try hard now. It will pay off when you’re a millionaire. Finally, don’t worry. You’re smart!”

Then she signed her name.

That is from a sixth grader and it perfectly captured what I wanted to say to you all this day. Don’t be upset that there is a storm brewing, be prepared and make the best of it. Life isn’t perfect. The transition to high school is going to be difficult. Embrace that. Embrace the change and remember that the purpose of schooling up until this point is to get you ready for this moment. At the beginning of this ceremony I told you all to soak in this moment so allow me to finally pause and allow you to do so. Things forever change in just a few moments and there is no going back.

As you move on, your teachers and I will watch you from a far, keep a close watch on you and watch you grow up even further. Don’t ever forget the times you spent in Middle School. Don’t forget the love of your teachers. They deserve a massive amount of credit for shaping you to what you all have become – especially if you all become millionaires.

I will forever hold you dear to my heart and treasure each of your collective personalities. You will forever be cemented as the class that finally got me to dab (and that video was my tribute to you).

When you get to Upper School, you will be under the guidance of Mr. Chapman. If you want to get on his good side, here’s three pieces of advice: stay off the grass, tell him you love the author Jane Austin and quote Shakespeare.

But before you depart, I thought it was appropriate to share a quote from my favorite author, Dr. Seuss. This quote is from, “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to great places.

You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

Any direction you choose.

Don’t stop believing in yourself and keep on dabbing.

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