At this time of year, I most appreciate the juxtaposition of the parting of the PAST (2013) and the promise of the FUTURE (2014)…all the while being certain not to lose focus on the PRESENT (today).

In reflecting back on the last 4 ½ months, I feel remarkably blessed to have arrived in this amazing community.  Every member of our Almond family (staff, parents, students) is centered on doing what is best for our children.  This is so very evident in the daily interactions between our educators and our Eagles, as well as in the tender farewells at drop off and excited greetings at pickup between parent and child.  In addition to this every day magic, the community events (Ice Cream Social, Halloween Carnival, Walkabout, New Family Orientation) and celebrations (LASD Music, CSMA, Starting Arts, and Almond Chorus) thus far, are ones that I will treasure while savoring past moments.

The new year will be upon us before we know it and with it will come reinvigorated learning focused on the principles that we most value in Los Altos:  courage, creativity, perseverance, passion…all aimed at supporting innovation in taking flight at Almond.  Students will apply these fundamentals through the Science Expo/Fair, Junior Olympics, Walden West Camp, Colonial Day and through the drama production and various other music performances.  Our children don’t get to have all the fun though…as parents and staff, we have the opportunity to come together and enjoy each other’s company at the Spring Gala!  The future months are destined for greatness.

And yet, amidst what came before and what lies ahead, is the present – the miraculous gift of today.  One of the reasons why I am so transfixed by children is their ever-present focus on the current moment.  They forgive and forget easily and don’t perseverate on what might happen down the road.  May your next two weeks be filled with blessings that center you on relishing the present moment - whether it is the unbridled laughter of a child, the warm embrace of a loved one, the song of a bird, a beautiful sunset or a delicious meal.  Thank you for filling my life with present moments that I have tucked away into my best memories and will gather as fuel in preparing for the adventures around the corner.

See you in 2014!