Chosen by the Sixth Graders, this year’s theme connected a little more personally to me. A little back story first. My younger daughter, Carly, was born in January 1998. When I nursed her at night, I would listen to the radio. During these early months, I would often hear the song “You Gotta Be” co-written and sung by the British artist, Des’ree. It seemed to me to be an anthem for my baby girl. As I look back at the lyrics now, I see that it could be the same for our students as well.

Listen as your day unfolds,
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears,
Stand up and be counted
Don’t be ashamed to cry

Refrain:
You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

As I think about our students, here are some lessons I hope they take from this song. I want them to “challenge what the future holds” and “stand up and be counted.” I encourage them to “solve the puzzles in (their) own sweet time.” I hope they will be bold, wise, tough, strong, cool, calm. Finally, I hope they remember that “love will save the day.” Not the syrupy, flowery kind of love, but the love that demands we fight for the rights of others and to be there for those in need, the kind of love that dispels the darkness and that can (and will) defeat evil. The love that is, well, … BOLD. May all our students leave Trinity with that bold love and spirit.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”
― Helen Keller

I love my teams. I am a part of several at Trinity – my beloved 6th Grade team, the caring and supportive 6th Grade values/outdoor ed team, the inspiring math curriculum team. These teams all perform valuable tasks at Trinity. Without these teams functioning at high levels, the students at our school would not have the grand experiences that they currently have.

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
― Phil Jackson

Depending on the day and the team, I contribute differently. I may offer my organizational abilities or my peacemaking skills or my nurturing disposition. I hope my teams appreciate my contributions even a fraction of what I learn and value from working with them. From Javonne, purpose; from Kailynn, creativity; from Kate, enthusiasm; from Brian, encouragement; from Sarah Morgan, sensitivity; from Becky H, introspection; from Kerry, poise. These single characteristics are just the tip of the iceberg. I am always amazed at the wealth of talents on my teams.

“None of us is as smart as all of us.”
― Ken Blanchard

I feel fortunate that with all my teams there are common threads. First, we have a definite sense of camaraderie and support. Second, we share common goals and are committed to reaching them. Next, we all bring our best selves to the table. Also, we are professionals who enjoy collaboration. Finally, for the most part, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. (You will often hear the 6th Grade team laughing with each other, sometimes at each other, but always with love.)

“Unity is strength. . . when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”
― Mattie Stepanek

This last quote capsulizes the spirit and truth that I experience every day with my teams at Trinity. How lucky am I?

Learner, Thinker, Writer: Kristi Story serves the Trinity School community as the 6th Grade math teacher.