Greetings Almond Families and Staff,

If it doesn't shine through in my actions - you need to know that in my heart I feel incredible gratitude for the opportunity to serve each and every one of you.  This has been a tremendous year.  Together, we have accomplished a great deal.  This could not have been possible without the hard work that our students have put into growing themselves, the commitment of every staff member, and the support of our wonderful parent community.

I'm always looking for ways to celebrate our awesomeness and here's a way to do that this year.  THIS photo album holds pictures of our sixth grade "promoting" class and an end of year (taken today) picture of each classroom.

Here is the address made today to our 6th grade class.  It is my sincere hope that they carry this belief in themselves with them each day ahead.

Sixth Grade Class of 2016

So - we’ve done some “power poses” this year. Yes?!?!?  Well, I’d like to share with you a little bit more about why.

Each and every one of you has a story.  

It started from the moment you began as embryo and continued with your first breath of air on this planet.  It evolved through your years of toddlerhood and has reshaped with each passing day of elementary school.  Your story has had twists and turns.  Some of those have probably lead to moments of joy.  Others may have involved a bit of heartache.  Some might have been downright hilarious.  

No two of you have the same story, and THAT is so very beautiful.

While it may be very hard to comprehend at this point in your life, your story has only just begun. If your life story were divided into chapters the length of a decade, you’re only in chapter two of a novel that will hopefully span at least 10 chapters.

To get through the journey ahead, there is one single thing that you will need most of all.  A belief in yourself.  You will need to trust in your abilities, in your values, in your potential.  With this power of presence, you will be free to clearly see your beauty.  But more importantly, you will see the beauty in others.  This belief in yourself will allow you to better hear the stories of those at your sides, those in front of you, and those behind you. And because of your poise, your confidence...you will create value for yourself, for others, and for this world.

So - when you have a tough moment, because there will be some...I want you to find a space somewhere where you can hold your head up high, perhaps put your fists on your hips, or throw your arms up in the air, and most of all...take a deep breath...puff up your chest with confidence and say to yourself - I am awesome.  I have what it takes to get through what is around the corner.  I was born perfectly.  I have a great life story.  I believe in ME.  Now let’s show the world what I have to offer.

It has been my true pleasure and honor to know each and every one of you.

I look forward to hearing about your future chapters and know deep in my heart that each page of your story will be magnificent...because...I believe in you.  Thank you for allowing for me to be part of your story.  

Now - let’s do one last “power pose” together.

I hope each and every one of you has a marvelous summer.  See you on Wednesday, August 17th - our first day of the 2016-17 school year.

Best,

Erika Benadom, Your Principal