August 22, 2018
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Greetings from ECHO Charter School on our first day of school! The students convened this morning for our 2018 Convocation to talk about traditions that have come to be hallmarks here: kindness, consideration, inclusion, and striving. We also talked about the “10,000-hour” rule, in which we’ve seen again and again that individuals who are considered to be experts in their field have exercised considerable dedication and work ethic that enabled them to “reach the top.” Ten thousand hours is the point of demarcation that separates the experts from the novices!
An Old Tradition Returns:
We are reinstating a former family favorite here this year: our multi-age groups—now called “ROCKETS GROUPS”—will meet each morning for ten minutes so that older students can mentor younger students. We will work on service projects, have contests, and have fun! Studies show that students who have one adult—and now one older mentor—to rely upon feel safer, more secure, and do better in school.
Most students cheerfully complied with our new cell policy and brought their phones for safekeeping in my office. When I leave the office, the door is locked so there is no danger of theft—and much potential for added focus in classrooms!
Parents, guardians, and community members are invited to attend the Zuzu African Acrobats performance on Wednesday, August 29, in the morning. (Time will be announced.) This troupe appeared on “America’s Got Talent” and they have performed all over the country. It should be an exciting morning!
Please feel free to call me with any questions and as always, my door is always open!
Sincerely,
Helen Blue-Redner, Director
Ed.S./Principal Licensure Candidate, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Ed.M., Harvard University