Finding Hope and Joy This Holiday Season

As we prepare to depart for the holidays, on behalf of the Hudson Community School District I would like to extend to you our warmest wishes. This time of year is a time of joy, celebration and reflection. It is a time to cherish the bonds that connect us and to look forward to the promise of a new calendar year. Yet this holiday season has been unexpectedly darkened by tragedy. As we prepare to embrace the festive spirit, our hearts ache for those among us who are suffering loss and hardship. While this season of joy may feel muted, it's important to remember that even in the face of immense sorrow, hope remains a beacon of light. It is during this time that the strength and resilience of our school community truly shine.

The holiday season may feel different this year. For my wife Ann and I, it will be spent at the University of Iowa Hospital while she recovers. Others are dealing with unspeakable loss and tragedy. It is my hope that the darkness of life's challenges do not completely extinguish the spirit of the season. I urge you to find solace in simple joys. For us, it is a tiny lighted Christmas tree in a hospital room. Perhaps for you, it the comfort of your friends, relatives, and neighbors. Or the shared meals and spirit of giving. It is my hope these small acts of kindness and connection bring a measure of comfort and healing. It is my hope that during these challenging times, we can still find a way to celebrate and honor the memories of those we have lost, and those who are going through personal challenges. May this time serve as an inspiration, reminding us to live each day to the fullest. 

Indeed this past year has presented its share of obstacles, demanding adaptability and perseverance from us all. Yet, amidst these challenges, we have witnessed remarkable acts of kindness, support, love, and unwavering dedication within our schools and throughout our community. We’ve seen students rise to academic challenges, teachers innovate in their classrooms, and families work tirelessly to support their children's education. These acts of resilience and collaboration are a testament to the spirit of our district and the unwavering belief we have in the potential of every student.

During this holiday season, we want to reaffirm our dedication as a school district to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for all. We also believe in the power of the community to uplift and empower. It is crucial that we lean on one another for support. In the days ahead, offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or even a comforting presence. In the face of adversity, it's important to remember that hope endures, even in the darkest of times. That is the promise of the Christmas season. 

As we enter the new year, let us carry with us the spirit of hope, healing, resilience, and community that defines our district. And as we navigate this difficult time, let us hold onto the joy and wonder of the holiday season. May the spirit of Christmas fill you with warmth and light, and my hope is that you find solace in the simple pleasures of life. Let us pray for strength, healing and peace; and the hope for a brighter future in the days ahead.

Celebrating Our Fine Arts Program

Tomorrow night our 5-6 grade band and choir will perform in their winter concert. That will be followed next Monday with our 7-12 grade concert. If you are looking for a great evening of entertainment, I would encourage your attendance! If the success of our music department so far this year is any indication, you will be in for a real treat! Indeed there is a lot to celebrate with their success, and you will no doubt enjoy these programs. As we close out the first semester next week, both the Music and Theatre Department has once again dazzled us with their exceptional talent and creativity. From captivating performances at state level concerts to harmonious melodies filling our auditorium, the department has delivered a series of unforgettable experiences that have left a lasting impression. 

There is no mistaking the fact that the accomplishments of our music department so far this year have filled all of us with immense pride. Perhaps the showcase and center of these accomplishments is the success of our fall musical, 'Anything Goes'. The powerful performances of the entire cast will create lasting memories not only for those students, but for our entire community that had the opportunity to attend. This comprehensive musical had it all, and it was done quite well. From the lighting, costumes, set design, and especially the choreography-it was remarkable! This show as a true testament not only to our director's vision, but to the students' dedication in putting in the hard work that paid such huge dividends as a finished product. 

Simultaneously, many of our music students were involved in preparation for All-State festivals and Opus Honor Choirs. As the pinnacle achievement in a high school music students career, none is more prominent than selection to All-State. Of the thousands of students who audition statewide each year, the choir is reserved for only the top 600 musicians in the state. Indeed the competition is fierce, requiring hundreds of hours of preparation for an audition that lasts mere minutes. Those years when we have a single student selected fill us with great pride. This year however, we had a staggering 6 students selected! That has to be a record for our district! Not to be outdone, our elementary music students also had the opportunity to audition for the Opus Honor Choir. Equally as challenging, these choirs are the equivalent of the high school All-State choir. Three elementary students were selected for this prestigious honor! There is no doubt the future is bright and we are teeming with talent!

Let's not forget about the success of our instrumental music students. Impressive in their own right, these musicians have had quite the semester! With 7 students being selected to the Northeast Iowa Bandmasters Honor Band, it is a true testament to the idea that hard work and perseverance pays dividends. If you had the opportunity to see these students shine during marching band season you know what I mean! Indeed, their half-time shows during football season were fantastic!

It is an honor to showcase our music department and see our students shine. To see these students perform is inspiring. Our district is committed to providing this, as one of our many platforms for our young people to fully embrace their experience here at Hudson. So, again I encourage you to take advantage of seeing these young people perform either tomorrow night or next week. You'll be glad you did and our students will be excited to have you in the audience. Who knows? You might just hear some of that seasonal music that is popular this time of year!