To start with, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our families for the incredible generosity of donations and homemade goodies during Teacher Appreciation Week. You truly stepped to help us make our teachers feel valued and celebrated. Many teachers said that this was the best Teacher Appreciation Week ever! Thank you for partnering with us to make our teachers feel so supported.

May has some special 'wonky-donkey' schedules in it, so if you are shared with other campuses, you especially will want to take note!

Finally, I want to take a moment in honor of Mother’s Day, to recognize and celebrate the many people who nurture, support, encourage, and care for our students. Even if you don't go by the name of 'mom', this weekend is for you. For many, Mother's Day is an opportunity to honor moms, grandmothers, stepmothers, guardians, and other important caregivers in their life.

I also recognize that Mother’s Day can feel complicated or just painful for our students, as some have already lost a mother, have difficult relationships, or just may not have had a mother figure in their lives. Personally, my own mom passed away over 10 years ago and I still find myself wanting a hug from her - or to pick up the phone and call her. Or, to just sit quietly next to her and hold her hand.

So! No matter what this weekend feels for you, I hope it offers moments of connection, care, reflection, and support. Thank you to all of our "Mom's" who help our students feel seen, supported, and loved each day.

~Wendy Rae, School Mom -- although, I probably need to re-brand to School Bammie (which is what my granddaughter calls me!)

wrae@osd.wednet.edu

360.596.7010