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Dear Edison Community,

My desk these days is filled with calendars, lists, agendas, new files and binders…somehow attempting to give form to the enthusiasm and the anticipation of all a new school year will bring. To say it has been fun so far is a grand understatement…it has been unbelievable!

Three weeks ago I received a letter from my fourth grade teacher congratulating me on my arrival at Edison. It was amazing to me that she remembered me…35 years later! I read her letter a bit teary eyed, as she described a blond messy-haired, fairly reserved yet friendly student who loved to read. She even remembered my sister, three years younger than myself, who was not even in her class. To me, as a principal and as a parent, teachers like this are a national treasure. I remember her class very well and it makes me smile.

Teaching, in general, is pretty serious stuff. It is a profession that nurtures our children as academics and as good citizens. At Edison, students are actively encouraged to cultivate their personal identity as a global citizen who can contribute to a positive future. As teachers, we are responsible for creating the culture that fosters this idea.

I think about this reality as I organize my own life as a principal and as I observe the inner workings of the world of teaching and learning at Edison. As I continue to observe classrooms and engage with teachers and students, I am in awe of the “art of teaching”. Teaching, truly, is one of the most complex human endeavors imaginable.

My focus this year, as I enter each classroom, will be to look at and provide feedback to teachers regarding the following five specific school-wide themes.

I. Curriculum and pedagogy
II. Assessment for student learning
III. Classroom environment and culture
IV. Purpose
V. Student engagement

These themes help to guide us in the work we do at Edison and provide us with a framework for deeper pedagogical discussions, which can lead to deeper understanding and a wonderfully rigorous, yet nurturing experience for our children. Please feel free to stop by the office for a conversation if you have questions regarding teaching and learning at Edison.

On a side note, I want to update the Edison community regarding a number of things that have changed this year:

~At Edison, we welcome parents who wish to visit their child on the playground. We feel that this makes for a safer environment for all students. If you do visit Edison during the day, please follow Eugene 4J district policy by signing in at the front office, checking in with Rose, our office manager, and connecting with the educational assistant or teacher on duty. This ensures the safety of all children by ensuring that we know who is on campus at all times.

~At Edison, we welcome and encourage students to ride their bikes to school. Please advise your child that the bike cage is not an area for play. We do typically have a parent volunteer helping and observing in the morning.

I want to thank you for helping to make Edison a wonderful school and a wonderful community!

One final thought. If you feel so inclined, track down an old teacher that meant a lot to you, write them a letter, and tell them just that.

Warm regards,

Tom