Last Friday at lunch, I had this mini-epiphany which further confirmed the teamwork we, as the Springer community, do in order to give our kids the best.

I decided to play soccer with the 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at lunch.  As a former player and coach, I like to get out there and kick the ball around with the kids- plus I haven’t been able to get to the gym as much as I’d like so I figured the exercise would do me some good!   While engrossed in the game, I was able to look up and scan the playground.  My quick view provided me with a warm feeling.

Over on the baseball diamond, Mr. Heeb was leading a marathon kickball game.  Further out on the field was the Friday volleyball clinic, run by some parents, and assisted by upper grade students.  Assisting at the volleyball court was Ms. Mort, herself a former collegiate player, spending her lunch time with the kids and her passion.  Meanwhile, around the field, was a flock of students running/walking laps in order to compile school mileage for our Run For Your Life program- again facilitated by a group of caring parents.  There were no less than 10 dedicated adults working with our students, during their lunchtime!  How could our students not feel the support from all of us?   Combine this one snapshot in time with the countless hours volunteers spend in our classrooms- like helping out with math centers in first grade, or leading book club discussions in fifth grade- and my mini-epiphany was crystallized.   Parents, teachers, and students really are a team.

The recess bell rang and I went over to Laurie Pasmooij, who coordinates so many of these lunchtime events for our students.  Almost simultaneously, we said to each other, “Isn’t this great?!”   Yes, it was, and it continues to be one of the great strengths of our Springer community.    

Have a great weekend.

Wade