Superintendent Corner Column

Attitude of Gratitude

November 2017

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation

is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

With a quarter of the school year behind us and in anticipation of the holiday season, we tend to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of work, school and all that life sends our way. Thanksgiving marks a holiday reserved for slowing down, enjoying time with the people that matter most to us, and appreciating all that we have been blessed with. It is also a time for expressing gratitude and giving back to our community and those around us.

In Verona, we are focused on fostering a healthy and respectful school culture consistent with our core values. We remain committed to always acting in the best interests of all students, while respecting their individuality, favoring action, and rejecting mediocrity.

I, like you, live in Verona because of our outstanding staff and schools, an incredibly strong community, and opportunities for our children that likely exceed our own experiences growing up.

I have the benefit of being in the community and around our students each and every day. Verona’s children are, by and large, thoughtful, honest, open-minded, and more empathetic than generations who came before them. We want our children to grow up engaged and fulfilled, knowing the value of discipline and hard work, while understanding what it means to be treated with respect and civility. Our children are watching, and they will learn from both our actions and inactions.

As a community, we have a responsibility to work together to meet our objectives, without sacrificing our principles and our core values. Above all else, the Verona Public Schools system is a powerful platform for students to build character, foster positive values and develop important life skills in an environment that is safe, positive and inclusive. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, coach, student, parent or interested resident of the community – you have a role to play.

And so it is most appropriate to express gratitude this time of year. Thank you for your support, for your engagement in our schools, and for entrusting us with your children, and their intellectual and personal development.

On behalf of our staff and Board of Education, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

All my best,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Rui Dionisio is the Superintendent of the Verona Public Schools. Dr. Dionisio encourages community members to contact him with questions or feedback at 973-571-2029 or via email at [email protected]