This summer has been full of unexpected events – including a wedding during a pandemic! My now husband works in health care and our lives became incredibly busy and topsy-turvy in the spring during the start of the pandemic, just like many of you experienced, and the plans we had for a summer wedding were put on hold. Then at the end of June things began to open up and we decided that what the world needs now is more love! On the 4th of July, we finally tied the knot and eloped at Dillon Falls in Bend, Oregon. Please let your kids know I have a new last name – Ms. Dodson 😊
I hope you were able to find time these summer days to spend with those you love doing things that bring you joy and fill your bucket. This year is going to be like no other – with challenges and opportunities. Our first day of school is Wednesday, September 10th, now that the State has approved our waiver request for extra time to finalize preparations due to the pandemic. Our theme this year is, “Choose Hope.” In a time when much seems to be out of our control, and challenging, we can always choose Hope. I love the quote by Christopher Reeves, “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” Let’s rise to the challenges we face by choosing hope and see the amazing possibilities this year brings!
In this newsletter there will be some initial information about the upcoming school year. There are many steps being put in place to ensure everyone’s health and safety, as well as providing your student with an engaging educational experience this year. We are working in close partnership with our Community Health Officer, our ESD, and OSPI to develop health protocols and create a solid plan for our district. If you would like more information about this, please check out the letter to the community from our superintendent, Ingrid Colvard, on our website under Recent News. There will be more information in the days and weeks ahead as we finalize these plans and get them approved by the State.
Great things happen when we rise to meet challenges we are faced with. This year, we are presented with some of the most incredible opportunities of our lifetime to make change out of the challenges that are presented to us. I am excited to start THIS new school year with you! We will learn, grow and find new ways to succeed together. I’m ready to Choose Hope! this year and continue work at making Carson Elementary a special place to learn, be that in the building or by distance!
Sarah (Marino) Dodson
Principal, Carson Elementary