By Mrs. Jill Stiles

January 8, 2020

Happy New Year everyone! This was a big one! Not only a New Year, but a new decade. This is the time of year when we like to make resolutions, start fresh, reorganize.  For some, it is resolving to be more diligent with homework, to be more organized, to be more involved in classroom discussions; for others, it is resolving to be kinder to classmates and friends, to be a better example for others to see, to be more present with those you are with and less distracted by technology.  For our Seniors it continues to be a year of “lasts”: last soccer game (insert sad face), last mid-year exam (insert smile), last retreat, and there are many more to come – so be intentional, be present, as you finish out your Senior year. Finish out the year strong, so you have no regrets. But it is also a year of new beginnings as you prepare to go off to college or start a new career.  This summer will be one of many changes, shopping for dorm stuff, having one last get together with friends, and then off to your new adventure. Our prayer, as teachers, is that we have taught you well, not only academically, but that you are grounded spiritually to face whatever challenges lie ahead. We pray that you stay strong and grow in your faith.  

This week is one of  my favorite kinds of weeks at SSCA when all of the students come back from a long break.  The preschoolers run down the hallway, excited to hug their teachers and friends. The Upper School students are a buzz reconnecting with their friends.  This is one of the best things about SSCA that is so hard to put into words: we are such a community, such a family, and it is good to be back together again.  So yes, we reflect back on the year that was, and look forward to the New Year ahead of us. Perhaps you have not made any New Year’s resolutions, there is still time.  I challenge everyone, in this decade of technology when supposedly “we are more connected than ever,” to be present. Be intentional about spending time with family and friends, and when you are together put your phones away and be present with them.