Dear Charger Families:
I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and found ways to enjoy the days off with family and friends. It’s a holiday that I really enjoy. Having time together as a family has always been extremely important, but I think it’s more important now than ever given the speed at which we live our lives. Knowing young people as both a father and a principal, I realize there is always something going on and our children don’t want to be deterred from their agendas. But, taking time with family and working to make that time special with no distractions is really worth doing, in my opinion, and I hope you think so, too. At school we deal with many things throughout the year, but at the heart of every situation there is a family, and families are the best means of supporting the young people we love.
As a follow up to some recent events, I would like to report positive feedback on both Touching Bases and Ethics Day this year. Based on the success of these two events we will plan to have them both again next year. I would like to thank our sponsors of the Ethics Day conference – Westfield Marriott, Cluster VII, PTSA, Chantilly Community Coalition, Student Government Association, Fair Lakes Rotary and numerous individual family contributions. None of this is possible without the efforts of dedicated people supporting youth education. Exposing students to ethical decision making, the theme of our conference this year, in an audience of their peers is a powerful way to draw them into deep reflection on challenging topics. I hope if you have not taken the time to talk with your child about the benefit of sound decision making or the consequences of poor decision making, you will find time to do so.
The first semester of this year we have placed an increased emphasis on defining and recognizing the characteristics and value of being a Charger In Good Standing. Students have recently received Chantilly lanyards and a student picture ID. Last week all students got a letter telling them they are or are not a Charger in Good Standing. Those in good standing have a label on the ID that says so. During the second quarter students will randomly be recognized for doing the right things, wearing the ID, being on time, and serving as a positive role model. These students will get a ticket that can then be used to claim a small token or perk. Those same tickets will then be used for periodic drawings of more substantial rewards to motivate adherence to the positive aspects of the program. We see this initiative having a positive impact on the school climate and culture for everyone involved.
We are just a few short weeks away from the winter break, December 24 through January 3, 2009. This is traditionally a time of year for reflection and one where we often make New Year’s resolutions. I hope the break affords you time for rest, relaxation, and thoughtful reflection with family and friends.
Warmest regards,
James J. Kacur
Principal
