As we enter December and the holiday
season I am always reminded of my 6th grade math teacher Mr.
Ragland. Mr. Ragland was the type of teacher who could change your life with a
simple smile or word of encouragement. I remember leaving his class every day,
he would stand at the door and say the same thing to each student as they left
– have a good day and do good. On the last day of school Mr. Ragland asked the
class why he always said do good, not be good. He went on to explain that by
doing good you can impact the world in which you live, you can build someone
up, you can provide comfort to those in need, and that by doing good your
reward would be a tremendous amounts of joy. Mr. Ragland exemplified what it
meant to care about his students beyond the classroom environment, and taught
all of his students the invaluable lesson of kindness.
Throughout the days when I walk
through Hutchings I see so many people doing good, I see at our school so many
Mr. Ragland’s. I see teachers going above and beyond for their students, I see
parent volunteers working in classrooms and the hallways. I see students
welcoming other students and adults to the building; as well as, helping each
other out with the problems they encounter during the day. Our lunch staff,
custodial staff, office staff, and para professional staff work diligently to
create and support students throughout the day so that the students know
everyone at Hutchings cares for them deeply.
At Hutchings I try to root all of my
decisions into doing good for the students. Our staff models doing going for
the students and create environments that allow for students to do good for
others. Part of the Hutchings vision is to extend what is learned inside the
classroom to the outside world so I challenge families to have the conversation
about how, as a family, they can do good in the world and impact their home or
community.
I hope this time of the year is a
pleasant time for you and your family, I know at Hutchings teachers and
students alike truly enjoy the community aspects that come with this time of
the year and look forward to celebrating all that we have learned so far this
year.
All the best,
Mr. Moore
