Happy Friday from Gill Elementary

It has been great to see you all during conferences. Thank you all for making the time to be an integral part of your child’s education. When we work together, magic happens! 

Please remember that Monday is Veterans’ Day, and there will be no school. Next Friday, 11/15, is our All-School-Sing. 

Below, is a message I shared with our students this morning. As we celebrate Veterans’ Day, I would encourage everyone to take some time and reflect upon the day’s meaning. 

Good Morning. 

As you hopefully know, we do not have school on Monday. As you’re enjoying your long weekend, I think it’s important to reflect on the reason we celebrate this holiday. 

Monday is Veterans’ Day. 

We are fortunate enough to live in a place of trust and responsibility. As the next generation of voters, our entire country places its trust in you. We trust you to do everything you can to learn everything you can about the world. We trust you to try to understand things that you may not agree with, so you can value other people’s opinions and voice. We trust you to assert your own voice when you see something that is not right, and to do everything you can to make it right. We trust you to disagree and to debate. And we trust you to care for each other. 

We trust you because as you get older, in this country, you have a responsibility that comes from that trust. You have a responsibility to decide. You will choose what our country does and looks like. You will choose how we show the values that we hold close, and the choices you make will affect not just your life, but the lives of everyone around you. In our country, we’re fortunate because no matter what, we always have a choice. With that choice comes the responsibility to do the right thing. 

Monday, on Veterans’ Day, we honor the heroes that protect that trust and responsibility. Throughout the history of our country, those who have chosen to serve in our armed forces have made the decision to put the values we hold in front of their own personal comfort and security. They do so because they believe in you. They trust you to do your part to continue to make our country and our world a better place for everyone. 

So on Monday please remember that it’s not just a day off from school. It’s a chance to thank a veteran for their service. It’s a chance for you to say, “Thank you for trusting me and giving me the responsibility to decide what our future will look like.” 

Thank you and enjoy your long weekend

Thank you, 

Conor Driscoll

Principal, Gill Elementary School