Dear Bammel Families,
We are at a very special time of the year. In schools throughout the land students grow excited at the prospect of what is to come. Stores are jammed with shoppers, streets explode with light, and messages of good will are all around. Even when people say hello to each other, there is a special feeling in it; a bright and warm feeling that spreads across our days. Yes, we are at a very special time, indeed.
What is it that takes the dark and cold days of winter and fills them with light and warmth? It is the anticipation of some special holidays, which we will soon be celebrating. For some of us it is Christmas, Kwanza, or Chanukah. Whatever the holiday, the feeling it engenders transcends any boundaries of religion and unites us all in a common feeling of affection for each other.
This is as it should be. Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, who has been called the Prince of Love. Kwanza is neither political nor religious – yet, it is centered around seven principles; unity of family, self-determination, responsibility, cooperation, purpose, creativity, and faith. All seven principles are reaffirmations that contribute to a positive self-image. Chanukah is so named for the Festival of Lights. A candle lit each night for seven nights to commemorate a miracle of light.
So what do we have? We have a combination of love, guiding principles, and lights. All are qualities that fill the world at this special time, and the world becomes a better place for it.
Each day we read in the papers or see on our televisions the tragedies that hate and fear bring about. However, we can all hope that with the presence of love, guiding principles, and the miracle of light kindness would be the rule, where concern for each other would be a part of daily life, where each individual would grow and thrive and contribute and find happiness and compassion. This is our goal at Bammel. We are working to build a community of learners who are respectful, who are concerned for each other, who contribute to community needs, who grow and thrive, and who are compassionate.
What a school THAT would be!
At this special season, let us have the courage to believe that this is not a dream; not a fantasy. Let us believe that it is a possibility within our grasp.
If, for this one season of the year, our lives can be filled with happiness and warmth and a spirit of giving – a spirit of light, guiding principles, and love – then surely we can work at making that feeling last throughout the rest of the year as well. Yes, it would take work and cooperation and compassion, but would it not be worth it if the warmth that came from within lasted the whole year through?
Then the world and Bammel Middle School would truly be illuminated and warmed by light, would be united, would be cooperative, would be purposeful, would be creative, would be responsible, and affectionate.
Whether you will celebrate Kwanza, Chanukah or Christmas let me leave you with the same wish: May Light, Guiding Principles, and Love be yours forever.
Happy Holidays,
Dr. Cassandra Barker-Carr
Principal
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