Superintendent's Office

Dear Remsen Community,

Last week I was joking with our son while we were talking about preparing for Thanksgiving.  I asked him what he thought would happen if we placed only a clementine orange on each person’s plate and informed them that the small orange was Thanksgiving dinner this year.  He smiled and replied without hesitation, “No one would be bothered by it dad as long as we are all here together.”

The holiday season can be a time filled with joy, gratitude, love, and fun.  It may also be a time of great challenge and emotional strife for those experiencing less than fortunate circumstances, memories of a lost loved one, illness, or family members that are unable to be home for the holidays.  What matters most, whether it be the best of times or the worst of times, is that we are present for one another.

Being present includes selflessly giving of our time to others and sharing empathy, grace, and understanding when someone is in need. Our Remsen community absolutely rises to the occasion any time we have a family in need and it is extraordinary to see such thoughtful generosity and kindness.   

Being present in the moment also means sharing good things with good people and letting individuals know why we appreciate them.  I was talking with someone the other day that had just been at a funeral where people were sharing many wonderful things about the individual that had passed.  He shared with me that he wished the individual would have been able to hear all those great things before they passed.  We should not wait until someone dies before we share everything that is good about them or to thank them for the difference they made in the world, in our lives, or others.  We should be sharing those thoughts while we are present with them in the moment.    

As we enter the Holiday season, let us all work mindfully to be there for others and remind ourselves that it is not about a fancy feast, parties, or big gifts; a tiny orange will do just fine.  Being present is the most significant gift of all.  

On behalf of everyone at Remsen Central School, we wish all of our students, families, and community members a wonderful Holiday season and a healthy, happy New Year.  
 

Sincerely, 

 

 

Superintendent