Brace yourselves!  This message is a bit longer than usual because after already having crafted my thoughts around one topic, I was inspired towards another after observing a lesson just a couple hours ago.

ONE BEAUTY OF TODAY’S GENERATION, thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.!

Each Friday we honor birthdays at our morning assembly.  The reason we do this is because this world would not be as magnificent as it is without the life of each of the special 553 students that come to Almond every day to learn.  Today is the actual birthday of a very influential American of African descent, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Many of our children today, especially those who attend Almond, live in a very different world than those who stood at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial when he addressed the nation with his “I have a dream” speech on August 28th, 1963.  The pervasive racism that prevented equal treatment of human beings based on the color of their skin has given way to value being placed on a person’s internal qualities rather than their outward appearance.  While there certainly still remain pockets in our country, and the world, where biases thwart this effort...much of Dr. King’s dream has been realized.  

In one of our 2nd grade classrooms today, students heard a portion of his speech, reflected on one direct quote and several others spoken over the years by Dr. King.

• “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
• “Faith is taking a step even when you do not see the whole staircase.”
• “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
• “We may have all come on different ships, but we are on the same boat now.”
• “The time is always right to do what is right.”

I share these with you because I was struck once again by this great orators’ eloquence, passion, and his unflappable dedication to all people.  We teach our children today about the past so that we don’t repeat these errors and so that we continue to advance as a community that values the worth in all human beings.

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.!  We are so fortunate you were born so many years ago on this day and are grateful for the sacrifices you made to make the world what it is today.

HEALTH - PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, & INTELLECTUAL

According to Google, “wellness” is defined as “the state or condition of being in good physical and mental health.”  I would further subdivide mental health into the categories of emotional and intellectual because both stem from brain function.  Regardless, all have equal importance.  Those who have ever experienced physical health challenges know that when your body is in peril, it affects how you feel and think.  And vice versa, if you’re struggling emotionally with something, that conflict can often seep into your body and lead to physical pain or discomfort.  Then there’s your intellectual health.  Our brains are our strongest muscle and they need constant exercise and stimulation.  When our brains are fully engaged, that contributes to an overall sense of well being.

To keep our bodies and brains in balance, we need to take an active role in caring for them.  At Almond, we not only focus on expanding the intellectual capacity of our children, but also in nurturing emotional and physical growth.  

In the classrooms, teachers take special care to create environments that are caring and safe where all students are valued.  This might take shape through morning meetings, classroom guidelines that honor each child’s voice, or even a manner of speaking to and addressing peers.  On our campus, we strive to remain solution oriented when solving conflicts, rather than functioning from a punitive standpoint.  We assume the best intentions in children and address them verbally the way we would want to be spoken to.  Our school wide Project Cornerstone initiative plays a crucial role in providing us with a common language to talk through sensitive topics that contribute to emotional well being.  This program also aims to increase the number of caring adults on campus who truly know our children.

Our children participate weekly in physical education with Ms. Alber (TK/K), Mrs. Marquis (Grades 1-6), and Mr. Core (Grade 3).   A significant focus this year has been on increasing the physical strength and endurance of our children.  While a component does focus on elevating our student’s heart rates and getting their muscles working, another is the goal is to heighten their self esteem and the belief that they can accomplish their personal best.  Classroom teachers have been working together to add minutes throughout the week to ensure students are getting adequate physical activity that their bodies need and crave.

Our children, and Almond School, need your support in one particular area.  As part of a state and national effort to curb childhood obesity, improve children’s health and enhance student learning, legislation has created stronger standards for food and beverages sold or provided at school. This impacts all districts.  LASD has a board policy (5030) that guides us as follows: “Schools should limit celebrations that involve food during the school day to no more than one party per class per month. Each party should include no more than one food or beverage that does not meet the nutritional guidelines.  Celebrations without food are encouraged.”

At the teachers’ discretion, classes may still hold a party during the month to celebrate a particular event.  However, the past practice of disseminating a sweet treat to the class on a student’s birthday is no longer a viable option.  This poses a challenge in that it is not in line with our efforts to provide a nutritionally healthy experience for children, along with the potential concern regarding the various types of allergies that students now face (nuts, gluten, dairy, etc…).  

While I am one who thoroughly enjoys some sinful pleasures like a saucy cheeseburger from In N Out or Five Guys, mint chocolate chip or cookie dough ice cream, and decadent chocolate morsel...I understand the call to allow you to make those decisions for your own children.  I thank you in advance for supporting us in safeguarding the physical health of our children by limiting foods at school that do not comply with the federal health guidelines*.

*Not more than 35% of total calories from fat.  Not more than 10% of total calories from saturated fat.  Not more than 35% of total weight is composed of sugar, including naturally occurring and added sugar.  Total calories should not exceed 175 calories per serving.