An End of Summer Boardwalk Upper Elementary Welcome!

As I packed my suitcase with damp bathing suits, sunscreen, and a fistful of fudge to satisfy my sweet tooth, I was getting ready to head home from a wonderful, quick vacation with family friends in Cape Cod. It was right around late July and early August when it hit me—that familiar mid-summer melancholy. My mind immediately started racing about "all the things." It’s that time of year when my wife, Susan, asks, "Why are you angry?" or "What's with the attitude?" and my only answer is the harsh reality I’ve worked so hard to deny since June 25th! Okay, that’s a bit of exaggeration, but the August scaries are real! I am passionate about this work, but when the sheer amount and timing of it all hits you, it can be overwhelming. :-)

If you’re like me, you’ve likely experienced your own version of this feeling. It’s completely understandable, especially this year, with so many lingering questions: Who will my teammates be? Who are my students? What will the staff dynamic be like? What will our new school look like? What about the administration and their expectations? The list goes on.

The Cape was just one of a few quick trips we took this summer, alongside a weekend in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and a week off dedicated to never-ending home projects. This was a summer we all desperately wanted and needed—and though it flew by, it was incredibly restoring. 

I hope you were able to enjoy your break to the fullest, whatever you found yourself doing. I savored every minute of mine: making homemade ice cream cakes for BBQs, catching summer concerts on the waterfront and at Tanglewood, cheering on the Red Sox at Fenway, relaxing at the beach, eating lobster rolls, watching the Boston Fourth of July fireworks and drone show, playing Canasta, watching Ted Lasso, and simply spending quality time with family and friends.

This summer also marked a bit of a milestone for our family. My twin daughters, Sarah and Mia, turned 21 in late May and are entering their senior year of college. Sarah spent her summer working at a hospital in the University of Virginia health system as a certified nursing assistant, gaining valuable clinical experience toward her goal of becoming a physician assistant. Mia, an education major at Connecticut College, spent her summer at home, teaching inner-city students in grades 4–8 all about gardening. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her stories about student engagement—and, in some cases, the lack thereof! Meanwhile, my 19-year-old son, Jack, a sophomore at UMASS Amherst, traveled to Martha's Vineyard and Montreal with friends, all while working from his phone "clipping" and reposting influencer content. (a very unconventional occupation I don't quite understand)

All of this gave my family and me a much-needed season of rest and relaxation.

I returned to work this month sufficiently unplugged, leaving behind a long and tedious year with a renewed sense of purpose and perspective. Connecting with so many of you, hearing your stories, and learning what guides your work has been energizing. Yes, there are plenty of unknowns, but there is also so much working in our favor. We have an extraordinary staff, full of talent and experience, and our new school offers unbelievable opportunities.

In a recent conversation with a teacher, we talked about how we are essentially painting on a blank canvas. It won’t be perfect—in fact, it will likely be pretty messy at times—but what a privilege it is to collectively write the story of Boardwalk Upper Elementary starting this year. While I’ll admit to a little anticipatory anxiety about the unknown, I am mostly just excited to chart this course alongside you for our students and community. I hope you are as well. 

On a logistical note: Central Office is providing breakfast and lunch for staff on August 24th and 25th. If you happen to be in the building on either of those days setting up your space, please feel free to come down to the Learning Commons to eat. Please know there is zero expectation for you to come in before August 26th!

Enjoy these final days of summer, and I look forward to seeing everyone very soon!