It’s been quite a semester! Hurricane Harvey caused devastation throughout our area and delayed the opening of school until September 11, but thanks to everyone pulling together, we got things back on track. I know that some of you are still dealing with the effects of Harvey, so I hope the holiday gives you a chance to accomplish some things on your “to do” list.

 

This year, there is more need than ever before around us, but we have much for which to be thankful. We have strong community support from the Partner In Education program through the Baytown Chamber of Commerce at all our schools as well as from numerous partners who have reached out to our district students and staff affected by Harvey. For example, Covestro donated shoes to students in need at two elementary schools, and Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. donated, through the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation, money for mattresses and frames for students and employees who are parents of students in our district. Walmart donated bedding, and Baytown GMC helped with deliveries. We have received donations of Christmas presents, school supplies and gift cards from all across our great nation

 

Amidst all the chaos this semester, we received two somewhat unexpected gifts. The Houston Astros gave us something to cheer about by claiming the World Series Championship, and even more recently, we woke on a Friday morning to see everything blanketed in snow. The pure delight on the faces of children – and even adults – as they enjoyed this phenomenon that is almost foreign to our area, was yet another sign of good things to come.

 

With the Christmas season on the way, I hope you will reach out to those who need some holiday cheer in their lives. Many school clubs and organizations have sponsored families as have our staff members at the Administration Building. Several groups have visited nursing homes, spreading cheer with their songs and small gifts. I’m especially proud that Goose Creek CISD teamed up with Toys For Tots to “Pack the Bus” with heaps of toys for area children.

 

Holidays are about sharing time with family and friends and making memories that last a lifetime. Be sure to pause long enough to truly reflect and appreciate all the blessings in our lives. Articulate your love, gratitude, concern, sorrow or happiness with those within your circle of family and friends. Seek opportunities to share some of those same heartfelt sentiments with your neighbors and those we meet along the way!

 

I hope you have a restful holiday and that you come back energized and ready to take on the busy second semester. Thank you for everything you do every day for our students, our schools and our district. I am blessed to work in this district with a staff that truly cares about others.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Randal O’Brien