December - Giving "the goods" this holiday season...

I seems that as time goes on, the holiday season begins earlier and earlier. I don’t know about you, but I often see Christmas decorations popping up in pharmacies and home centers not long after the first frost has appeared on the pumpkins of Halloween, sometimes sooner. Thanksgiving gets gobbled up in the rush to the “next” holiday and then, in the blink of an eye, Hanukkah is actually here.

While I understand the needs of retailers—after all, the holiday season is their make-it-or-break-it time of year—I still find this extreme commercialization disconcerting, to say the least. Even some radio stations start playing holiday songs non stop once the first of December arrives! While I love the smells and sounds of the season and my children visiting, the emphasis on the consumption of “goods” still leaves me cold.

On the “other” side of all of this—thank goodness—we have the PDS community. Every year, our teachers, students and parents throw themselves into all kinds of “goods”— community projects that truly reflect the spirit of the season. In doing so, they give generously to others in meaningful ways. I draw your attention in this issue of The Compass to all of the volunteer activities in which our PDS folks are currently participating (page 3) and ask for your support. The school’s longstanding commitment to community service is more clear than ever at this time of the year and I am delighted that our kids are often leaders in these endeavors.

Schools are complex organizations. We strive to educate the whole child: mind, body and soul. We also work closely with you, their parents, so that all of us can come to a greater understanding of each child’s specific needs. At a school like PDS, where traditionally we have done our utmost to listen to all voices, it is equally important that another “good” be valued: the common good of the larger community. Achieving that balance—hearing but not necessarily agreeing with all of the various opinions expressed on any number of issues—is an ongoing goal and a challenge, to be sure. For our community to continue to thrive, it is essential that all of us demonstrate respect for one another. That means our speech, our demeanor, our behavior all need to reflect our commitment to living and learning in a community where everyone matters. When someone is rubbing us the wrong way—as inevitably happens—we must step back, take a deep breath and remember the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

In this holiday season, and as we prepare for a well-deserved winter break, let us reflect on that rule and return to PDS in January refreshed, renewed and ready to move forward into the new year. And, I do hope you experience the true meaning of the season through “the goods:” good thoughts, good works and, of course, good cheer with those near and dear.

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Mary Jane