West Park residents, I hope that you have had an enjoyable summer!
WELCOME BACK to a new school year! This is always a very exciting time for students, parents and educators. This time of year carries a great deal of expectations for me also.
The opening of a new school year reenforces my belief that we have wonderful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our children and that we are extremely fortunate to live in a community, like West Park, that values education. It is a chance to begin again, to renew our efforts and to once again pick up the journey to a better future. As we embark on another school year, please know that it takes exceptional staff, informed parents and involved community members to create the best possible arena for learning.
The start of the new school year is also always an exciting time, filled with much anticipation and energy. Children are excited to reconnect with friends they haven’t seen since the start of the summer, and families are eager to see their children continue making progress in their educational pursuits. Education can be likened to a great big canvas and this year we would like our children to throw as much paint as they can on the canvas of their education. I appeal to all students, the parents, the community and the teachers to value and uphold the importance of intrinsic motivation.
This year I have no doubt that our children will throw themselves into their education. Many will make the most of the canvas of opportunity they are offered and paint the goals they aspire to achieve. I have no doubt that if they remain motivated in the classroom, they will achieve these goals. Their education is sound, creative and innovative and, together with their parents, the West Park community and the students themselves, all will help to make this a reality.
HELP! Four letters that can mean so much. Four letters that can be seen as a dynamic, action – or as a plea!
The teachers will take action and help students to achieve academic, sporting, cultural and life-long learning. May I take this opportunity to thank the teachers of West Park children for their continued professionalism, excellence and dedication. It is your teacher motivation and enthusiasm in the classroom that help to create a year that is bright with exciting opportunities.
Parents, you play a vital role in the success of your children. Please pay close attention to the information your child brings home for review. Complete and sign all forms that ask for a parent’s signature and promptly return them to the school. Schools will reach out to you throughout the year for your valuable input and involvement. Get involved with your child’s education by attending parent meetings; that’s where schools share critical important information about the progress of the school and listen to you about what you want for your children.
My request to the community is to first, ensure every student’s regular attendance and second, be supportive of our schools. Become involved in the education of our students throughout the school year. However, even more importantly, the students themselves will have to take action to further their education. Our young ladies and gentlemen too are beginning to realize that they cannot merely sit back and expect their parents, school and community to do everything for them – they are realizing the importance of self-motivation and are prepared to help themselves.
My appeal to West Park students today is: HELP YOURSELVES! We expect that you will attend school on a daily basis. It is vital that you are in school and on time so that we can deliver the highest quality educational experiences. We expect that you will respect the rules of your school, teachers, and the rights of other students. Realize that you cannot learn in an atmosphere that accepts bullying, harassment and intimidation.
Students, I urge you to take advantage of the wisdom and experience that your teachers have to offer you. They have committed themselves to your academic success, and they want nothing more than to see you accomplish your goals – whatever they may be. Make the most of the fantastic educational opportunities that you have. Throw as much paint as you can on to the canvas of your education this year. If you can do that, then one day, you will be in a position to respond to the pleas of others who may need your help! HELP! Four letters that mean so much. You must help yourselves so that ultimately you can help others. Each West Park student, in their own way, will need to help. You will need to help your family. You will need to help the community. You will need to make sense of the world when sense and reason go missing. You will need to help solve problems through innovation and invention. And, you will need to help turn indifference into motivated, helpful action. This is our goal as the year commences! Let’s continue to work together to help each other to be our best for the world! Education is the single constant theme that runs through what our city does.
Together we can make a huge change in education and the focus on it. If we all work together, we can make this a successful year of learning, further helping us to ensure that every child in every school is successful. Together, let’s create a VISION for our schools, our community, and even for every individual student. This VISION does not need to be a grandiose achievement. Small steps can dramatically enhance a student’s learning experience. And when we do this, we will be doing all that we can to make a positive difference. I urge all of you to take action. HELP THE VISION. Let’s take the steps needed to make our school and our community an even better place to learn, to work, and to thrive.
I wish every student, school and parent representing West Park all a most enjoyable and successful school year. I look forward to another exciting year of watching our fine students learn, achieve and grow! Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 889-4164 or via email at fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org
