Welcome to a wonderful and exciting, shiny and special, brand new school year! We trust your summer was a terrific one. We all enjoyed some free time too, but we were also very busy making plans and organizing our new space. As you may have been aware, New Vistas has taken over the space between the primary and intermediate areas that formerly housed Chandler Community Services. Mrs. Bland's/Mrs. Shipley's class and Mrs. Bernardi's class will be located in the new area, along with Mrs. Labun's Science Lab and additional space for reading and testing. 

As we think about and plan for our new year, we like to 'begin with the end in mind' as Dr. Covey says in his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.  To that end, we'd like to share some wise words with you, taken from the speech given by Mrs. Fawcett to the graduating New Vistas' 6th graders in 2006: 

We've been studying ecosystems in science and we've learned how many different organisms make up a community. In an ecosystem, survival is based on interdependence. Organisms need other organisms that are different from them to be in balance. That's the way it is in life. We need diversity. You need diverse teachers. Some teachers you are going to instantly connect with, others will grow on you after awhile, and some you may work to appreciate. But you can learn to appreciate all of them, because they are creating balance at your school and in your life. There is much that you will learn from each of them because they will be as diverse and different as you. Appreciate them for who they are. You are also going to find diversity among your friends and classmates. It's going to be important for you to make good friends and appreciate the fact that while they are different, they will be as unique and special as you. Take from your friends those things which are their strengths, and learn from each of them. So as you head off to Junior High, I hope that you remember that you can learn something from everybody, no matter how different they are. Your teachers love you and we are so proud of you.

As we begin our 2006-2007 year may we all remember the gifts of diversity, as we forge new relationships with the teachers, adults and students in our lives.  May we do so with grace and enthusiasm knowing that as we learn and grow together, our shared unique talents will make us stronger, smarter and more compassionate.

As we look towards a new year, you child will have the opportunity to learn from new teachers, and develop new friendships with students.

Welcome to our New Vistas family,  

Carol Elias, Eleanor Jordan, LoisJune Holmes and Staff

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