Letter From The Principal

Mona Passman, Principal
December 13, 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Greetings during this season of Advent. These weeks before Christmas are meant to be a time of hope, peace, and prayerful reflection as we await the coming of Jesus. Somehow, we do just the opposite.  We hurry about to prepare rather than slow down to prepare. I am left wondering how we as adults can model a more simple and peaceful approach to the holidays.

Earlier in the year, I wrote about our decision to eliminate cell phones in the classrooms and hallways during the school day. I asked the adults to model mindful behavior by putting away our own electronics. I suggest we make a renewed effort to do this during the Christmas season. Rather than turn to texting, social media and email, let’s engage in personal interactions. Send good old-fashioned Christmas cards instead of just posting a picture and “Merry Christmas” on Facebook. Spend time with family members or others who are important in your lives. Watch a movie, play games, or play in the snow together. Bake cookies with your kids. Pick up the phone and call those you can’t be with at Christmas. (Okay, Skype or FaceTime might be a better option here). Ask your family to share a “device-free” Christmas with you as a gift. It’s meaningful, free and better for the environment.

Of course, don’t forget that the teenagers in our lives need support. CDH offers many student-centered activities during the Advent and Christmas season. Attend the Children’s Play this week or the combined Band and Choir Christmas Concert next week. Cheer on the Raiders at one of our many sporting events or holiday tournaments. Help them with their homework.

My wish for all of you is that you receive the gift of time for loved ones and also find time for quiet solitude. Pray. Sleep. Read. Look at the lights. Do nothing at all.

May you find true peace and joy this season.  Have a very blessed Christmas.