For me, Thanksgiving is the most enjoyable holiday of the year for the following reasons:  the main attraction is food instead of gifts, it focuses on being grateful for your loved ones and friends, and it provides respite precisely when all of us in the schools become exceedingly tired. Having only ever functioned in the academic calendar for my entire life, making it to Thanksgiving holds a certain sense of accomplishment. (I also have an extra special place in heart for the holiday since my oldest child was also born on Thanksgiving day nine years ago.)
 
This year, as we come to a natural reflection place in the school year, we are working together as a staff to review what's working and what needs further consideration.  We will be making some adjustments to the current schedule to accommodate for the differentiated needs of our youngest children and will be communicating that to you shortly.
 
Ms. Villegas and I have also been furiously working to complete the first Cycle of the new DCPS teacher and staff evaluation model called IMPACT.  The process is thorough and rigorous yet incredibly time consuming.  As all of us are adjusting to the new heightened sense of accountability and rigor, and while we truly believe that the new system is challenging yet fair, it has also significantly increased the level of stress in our faculty.  Ms. Villegas and I both want to thank our wonderful staff for their commitment to the students and ability to live graciously under trying times.
 
Finally, we just received notice that DCPS is supporting our growing administrative needs and will be able to hire a second full-time Assistant Principal at the Intermediate Campus for this year as well as keep the current Coordinator position.  We have already launched the search for outstanding candidates and hope to fill the position as soon as possible.  I would like to thank Sr. Girón for his willingness to step up and help us during the transition. Once we hire a new AP, we will have Sr. Girón return to teaching 5th grade full time.
 
We will not be sending out another Friday Folder until after Thanksgiving. This year, I vow to slow down and enjoy the holiday with my loved ones. I will turn off the blackberry, enjoy my family and friends' company, and worry less about roasting the perfect turkey and transforming the house into something it's not.  I hope you will do the same!
 
All the best,
Monica Liang Aguirre