Dear Capital Region ESD 113 community,
As we approach the end of another eventful academic year, I find myself reflecting on our shared work. This final contribution to our Spotlight Newsletter marks a significant chapter in my life after 23 years of service to our community. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for making this experience so meaningful and rewarding.
In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his memorable “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he envisioned a world where people would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. His message still issues a call for us to pursue a brighter future. Similarly, our collective mission to empower, educate, and inspire the next generation of leaders is deeply rooted in the belief that we are stronger together.
The spirit of belonging is at the heart of our work, and it is this sense of shared purpose that drives us to create a collective impact. When we come together as a community, we are able to harness our individual strengths to achieve far more than we ever could alone.
Over the years, we have witnessed countless examples of the transformative power of community in our schools, from the dedicated teachers working tirelessly to shape the minds of our students to the parent volunteers supporting events, and the students themselves, who never cease to amaze us with their creativity and determination. Each of these groups has played a crucial role in shaping the world around us.
I am filled with optimism for what lies ahead. Our region is a tapestry of diverse individuals, each with their own unique strengths and talents, and it is this rich tapestry that has allowed us to achieve so much together. While my time as superintendent may be ending, my belief in the power of community, belonging, and the purpose of our shared work is stronger than ever.
My final thought for you to ponder is a quote from Helen Keller that embodies my feelings as I look back on our time together: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” May you continue to cherish and cultivate the power of unity and the spirit of belonging, and may our collective efforts pave the way for a better tomorrow.
With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for the future,
Dana
