As I serve on the SCAMP, Chamber of Commerce, and Independence TV boards ~ work with the members of our board of education ~ and engage with educators, parents, and students, I marvel at their commitment to Clarkston.
It is very clear the people here take great pride in the community. I thank you for all you give.
As our children observe adults engaged in the selfless service of others, it is easy for them to focus only on the work being done.
After all, it takes great effort for members of our Garden Club to trim greens and create holiday items to decorate homes. It takes time as a volunteer stands in the cold, ringing a bell to raise money so others can have gifts at Christmas.
It takes collective effort for several of our local businesses, schools, and churches to display giving trees in their vestibules, offering opportunities to help those in need. If we only focus on the work, we miss the joy and learning associated with giving.
Similarly, children have school work to do. If we only focus on the work, the joy of learning is lost.
Please remember the completion of work is never the goal of an assignment. Rather, learning is the goal, and reflection on learning is where knowledge grows.
Parents, you can help by making time to ask your children what the purpose of each school assignment is, what they think the teacher wants them to learn and get better at as a result of the assignment, and what they have learned in the process (Ritchhart, 10).
As children engage in their work, help them understand practice, whether in ballet, writing, or piano, leads to expertise. Help them develop the joy of learning and the dedication to pursue a passion.
As we complete another calendar year, here are some reasons to celebrate the excellence of the Clarkston Community Schools:
? CJHS students performed their first ever musical, Seussical .
? CCS became one of the few districts in Michigan to increase fund equity, for the second consecutive year, thus cutting our cash flow borrowing in half.
? CHS’s Clarinet Choir was selected as the top woodwind ensemble in the state and invited to perform at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival.
? Four elementary students demonstrated their coding skills at the State Capitol and were introduced by Representative Jim Tedder, along with their leaders, Lori Banaszak and Lisa Drew, to the entire Michigan House of Representatives.
I wish every Clarkston family a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.
Rod Rock, Ed.D., is superintendent of Clarkston Community Schools