“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow.” —Mary Anne Radmacher, American author and artist
The character word of the month is perseverance. It's an apt word for January. Coming off the buzz of the holiday season into the snow, ice, and darker, colder days, plus the nearly inevitable seasonal illness, January requires a certain amount of stick-to-it-iveness!
This week, I am reminded of the value of perseverance as my sister-in-law graduates with her RN degree at the age of 55. Going back to school at 53 while working full-time and managing regular life is quite the feat. I'm beyond proud of the sacrifices she and her family made to make that accomplishment possible. It makes me feel a bit silly to complain about the snow still in my yard, killing my grass!
We’ve also had recent examples at JRDS of the value of diligent effort. Four talented band students participated in the VBODA District 6 All-District Band auditions. Each student did quite well, and two made it into the symphonic band by having spectacular auditions—the result of hours of dedicated practice. In another example, this time in athletics, our 7th/8th-Grade Boys Basketball team went up against the older, more experienced VES Boys Deacon Basketball team (9th and 10th graders)—and kept the game SO close, losing by only three points. Our 7th and 8th graders brilliantly demonstrated excellent team play, marked by grit and dogged determination. I am so proud of our Cardinals; please congratulate these young people on their accomplishments.
I look forward to seeing parents in our school next week during conferences. And remember over the coming winter weeks, take care of yourselves and each other.
Let's Fly!
Jenn