Dear Parents,

Much pressure is put on our children today to excel or succeed. Measures are in place to monitor their yearly progression in school including progress reports, report cards and scholastic achievement tests. Newspapers chronicle the athletic abilities of our teens marketing all star talents on the playing fields and courts. With more and more emphasis put on test scores, student performance, and athletic prowess it is no wonder that children often feel pressured to not only do good but to be the best.

How are we doing as parents? Who is checking on our ability to relate to today ’s youth in a positive, consistent manner? How do we rate as the caretakers of our own sons and daughters? Who is watching over the adults, watching the children?

Our children are not a clear reflection of our parenting skills but we are their first teachers. They are their own beings whose actions and behaviors may be influenced by outside sources much to our dismay. It is our responsibility as the adults in their life to guide, nurture and model the behavior we would like them to emulate.

As we celebrate the beginning of Lent, a forty day journey of renewal and rebirth, God calls us to rise up to the challenge to be God-like. The most important way we educate our children about our faith in God is by setting an example. Do our children see that our faith is at the center of who we are? This Lent may we ask Jesus to be with us not only on our spiritual journey but as we travel the uncharted path of parenthood. With His help we will all excel and succeed!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Anne Reap

Lower School Director