December 9, 2019

Dear Families,

Recently I was interviewed for an article about women who embrace their age. When I was asked a simple question about what I advise my daughters about their careers, I have to say I paused and thoughts zoomed through my head. “Did I give them good advice? How do I make myself sound smart? Have the girls even listened to me?” And then I told the reporter the truth:

I tell my daughters that any job they have should give them stories to share, if there are no stories, the job will be boring.

Let’s not even go into the missing part about growth, futures, benefits, doing good in this world, etc. In my defense, I grew up with a mother who taught for over 55 years and am married to a principal, so clearly I connect a worthy career to great stories! And I have to say that an educator’s life is filled with stories - funny and sad, tragic and beautiful, and all meaningful.

Your children are the heart and soul of these stories and they teach us something every day. Your children keep all of us (and you too): humble, motivated, frustrated, inspired, laughing, concerned, and always reaching for ways to do better for them as educators,  role models and mentors.

Their stories, the stories of their actions, and the stories they help us see are what make us the educators we are at 75 Morton.

And speaking of stories, last week the PTA (that's you) provided our first annual 8th Grade Breakfast celebrating our first graduating class. There was a delectable buffet, bouquets of flowers on every table, and an abundance of balloons! The students were wonderful and appreciative, and we watched them with tears in our eyes, astounded by their growth and heartfelt camaraderie. These stories that we share, and so much more that we do, cannot happen without you. Many thanks to the 8th grade families who contributed and volunteered. And many thanks to those of you who have already donated to our Direct Appeal drive. To those of you who haven't yet, please, contribute what you can before the holidays.

With Respect,

Jacqui