WILMINGTON, MA – Wilmington School Superintendent Mary DeLai published her weekly blog post on Sunday, in which she offered condolences to the family of Erin Beal, who tragically passed away in a car crash late last week. DeLai also stressed the importance of children spending time with their family and friends. In that vein, DeLai has asked all teachers to not assign any long-term projects during the upcoming winter break. Read DeLai’s blog post, in its entirety, below:
This past week was a difficult one for our school community. Two of our little ones lost their mother on Friday morning in a tragic car accident. When such events happen so close to the holidays, it’s even harder to come to terms with the situation. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and we ask that everyone keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.
The news of the accident and the fatality came to me just moments before a regularly scheduled meeting with our district leadership team. Sharing the news with the team cast a somber mood over all. We dispensed with the heavier topics on our agenda and turned our attention to a discussion of how to support our students and staff during the upcoming winter break by encouraging all to find balance in their lives.
We know that our students and our staff lead very busy and often stress-filled lives. The expectations placed upon us by ourselves and others seem to multiply with each passing day and living up to those expectations consumes much of our physical and mental energy. Sometimes we forget to stop to remember and connect with those things we treasure most.
As we approach the height of the holiday season and head into our winter break, let’s try to slow down and take time to appreciate the gifts we already have. This year, my family has agreed to take a break from the holiday shopping and the gift giving craze. Instead we will spend our holiday just enjoying each other’s company. Whatever we would have spent on each other, we are giving to others in need. I’m not advocating that others make a similar decision; just acknowledging the importance of service above self and family above all else.
On Friday afternoon, I sent the message below to all of our staff here at Wilmington Public Schools.
As you know, part of the vision and mission of our school district is to create safe and supportive schools for our children. As we approach the winter break, I share with you my strong belief that part of creating supportive schools is allowing time for students to just enjoy the company of family and friends during this wonderful time of the year. Our students have so much going on in their lives – some exciting, some challenging. So for this upcoming break, I am making a personal plea to all staff to please be mindful of the importance of downtime and balance for our students. While we all agree that high expectations and academic excellence are important, so too are sleeping, relaxing, playing, and socializing. Who doesn’t need a little more fun in their lives!
With that in mind, I ask that we all agree that we will not assign long term projects or lengthy reports or reading assignments during the winter break. Let’s not put students in a position of having to turn in projects the week we return from break, nor give any exams upon the first few days of our return. Instead, let’s encourage our students and families to read just for pleasure’s sake, spend time with family and friends, get some rest, and have fun. Honestly, let’s heed our own advice and do the same ourselves!
One of the most vital lessons that we can share with our students is the importance of family and friends. No matter how urgent they may think it is to have the latest and greatest video game, the stylish and trendy new clothes, or the coolest techno-gadgets on the market, none of those things will support them the way that family and friends will. Family and friends truly are the greatest gifts that we have in this world. The pain and suffering that comes with losing a family member or close friend is the most compelling evidence of this fact. Please cherish the time you have together in the weeks ahead and find a way to let those close to you know just how important they are.
I wish you all a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season and peace to all in the New Year.
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Well said Ms. Delai. Thank you for taking the time to lend your support where and when it is needed. Merry Christmas to you and yours and Cheers to a happy and healthy New Year.