Dear Scott Families,
A few years ago, I watched a Tedx Talk by Dewitt Jones titled “Celebrate What’s Right with the World.” Dewitt Jones was a National Geographic photographer for several years. I’ve been following his blog since then and often return back to it when I need some inspiration and a refocus on the positive. His general philosophy, as indicated on his website (www.celebratewhatsright.com), is as follows:
Every time they [National Geographic] sent me out, they would ask me to Celebrate What's Right with the World. I did, and it changed my life. Every day I see images that make me want to celebrate, and have discovered that there is far more right with the world than there is wrong with it. Celebrate What’s Right with the World… It's a simple yet powerful idea that encourages us look at our world through a more positive lens.
Earlier this month, we hosted “GiftMart” for the first time in District 203. This was an opportunity for some of our families to purchase donated but new toys for their children at a drastically reduced price. Words cannot describe how beautiful this was. It was beautiful for those that participated and equally as beautiful for those that volunteered. It also generated over $600 that will go directly back to our school “scholarship fund” to support others in need. I sat in my office yesterday, long after the last volunteer left, in awe of what I just experienced. Looking at a couple of Dewitt Jones’ photos hanging in my office reminded me to “Celebrate What’s Right in the World.”
We have a lot of great things happening at Scott School and in partnership with our community. A few weeks ago, our community collected over 800 pounds of food and associated items as part of our Fall Food Drive. That’s double what we usually collected. Families in our community directly benefitted from this food drive. A couple weeks ago, the Scott SUCCESS group made 150 holiday cards for an assisted living facility in the area. Between the Naperville Education Fund (NEF), our Home and School, HURRAH, Kids Hope, and our community partnerships, I could write pages of “behind the scenes” ways these organizations support our students and our community.
We must certainly continue to identify areas for growth and challenges to overcome. However, I was reminded yesterday to also “Celebrate What’s Right in the World.” In my opinion, we have a lot to celebrate right here in our Scott community.
Thank you for all you do to support Scott School and our community.
Sincerely,
Hugh Boger
Principal
