#Be Kind

​Welcome back! 

For those of you who have heard me speak at other Superintendent’s Conference Days, you know I find writing these opening day remarks difficult.  However, this year, I found it difficult not to write as I feel there is a great importance in us coming together, in unity, as we embark on the difficult task of educating kids.  I feel that breakfast alone is not enough to begin a school year.  I feel we need more than just that. 

I hope you all had a great summer.  Mine was pretty amazing.  I’d like to start today by thanking all of you because WE did it!  My daughter, your student, has begun the next leg of her educational journey at Florida Atlantic University (which I am hoping will not be hit by Hurricane Dorian – which right now looks like it will be a direct hit).  I know that the human she has become is a result of the wonderful work you all do every day.  Well, I guess I deserve some credit here too.  But, this is not about me!  Anyway, taking the time to know our students.  Building relationships.  Being supportive.  Being KIND.  I have learned from my daughter that those experiences she had with you, when she felt cared for and supported and received your kindness – that’s when she blossomed, and that’s when she learned.  That is when she worked harder, tried a little more (I don’t want to get to crazy here).  Let’s be honest, she didn’t always remember what you taught but I assure you, she always remembered when you were kind.

The inspiration for my remarks today come not only from Lainey but from Twitter and our colleagues Colette Hardy and her amazing KIND artwork and Jenny Taggert’s tweet to the SPARK committee – all about Kindness. 
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In an article, Why Teaching Kindness in Schools Is Essential to Reduce Bullying, the work by Patty O'Grady, an expert in neuroscience and education, outlined how kindness is a critical component to student success in school.  She highlights things we already know – but are certainly worth repeating.

• Being kind increases our ability to form meaningful connections with others.
• Kind actions trigger a release of hormones which can significantly increase a person's level of happiness and reduce levels of stress. (Now you’ve got my attention!  – anything to reduce stress!)
• Kindness helps others to appreciate what they have, makes them feel useful, and fosters empathy.
• Kindness increases ones attention span, willingness to learn and creative thinking.
• And check this out, a boost in happiness occurs not only in the giver and receiver of kindness, but also in anyone who witnesses it.

We all know that kindness matters.  It matters for our students and it matters to each of us.  A good education is more than simply academics.  A good education also includes helping kids to have a positive sense of self.  Let’s remember first, to be kind to one another and then, of course, to be kind to our students.  I wish you all a KIND year.