Can You Believe It?

It's almost a cliché, that collective gasp of "Can you believe it's already [insert month]?" We see it parodied everywhere, like in Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologues where he playfully mocks the utter astonishment people express at the calendar turning. He often follows this up with clips of local news anchors earnestly exclaiming, "Can you believe it, it's already..." And yet, despite the humorous repetition, there's a genuine feeling that resonates as another school year draws to a close. It truly does feel like just yesterday the school buses were making their first rounds. Can you believe it? The school year is almost over. Yes, I can certainly believe it. We have experienced much together this school year.

I don't really think it's a 'Can you believe its already....' but rather an acknowledgement that if we're not paying attention, we will wake up one day and wonder where all the time went. I do often remind our employees to make sure they take advantage of each and every day, because before we know it the school year will have evaporated. Even today, with just a little less than three weeks remaining I continue to remind our staff to keep their eye on the ball and to take advantage of each precious remaining minute of instruction. 

There is no doubt that we are on the final approach and the runway is coming up fast. Indeed, we'll bid farewell to the Class of 2025 this Sunday and final exams are underway for our older students. Pirate term starts very soon and there is a palpable excitement in the air for the promise that summer will bring. 

As the final papers are graded and our students (and teachers) begin the countdown of days that bring the promise of summer fun and flexible schedules, it's natural to take a breath and reflect on the journey that we've navigated together. Indeed, at the beginning of the school year none of us could have imagined the complexities and challenges this school year would bring. We've witnessed profound moments of growth, sparks of intellectual curiosity, and deep sadness. In this school year, we've faced unexpected obstacles and moments of frustration, uncertainty, and perhaps even hopelessness. It's in this intricate blend of highs and lows where the true essence of a school year lies. 

The point is this: during our opening convocation at the beginning of the school year I try to paint with a broad brush the hope and promise that a new school year brings. I wrote this in my opening address: 

The start of a new school year is like a blank canvas stretching before us, ready to be filled with the endless possibilities and dreams of our students. My dream is for all Hudson students to leave here with the skills and tools they will need to transform our world for the better. I feel confident that our students will succeed in the future because of the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff. The work they are putting in today will enable students to fulfill their dreams tomorrow. 

As we close out this school year that canvas is blank no more. I do hope the lessons that were learned this year provide for reflection and contemplation. Hopefully the knowledge gained and the relationships that were formed will continue to shape all our students as they contemplate their future dreams. Let us celebrate the journey while acknowledging the challenges we have overcome. This year that is ending in just a few short weeks will continue to shape us all. Then we can look forward with anticipate to the opportunities that lie ahead, armed with the wisdom and resilience gained from this school year.