A couple weeks ago I went to a meeting where I met the new superintendent, Dr. Murphy and he asked what we all liked most about the Arlington County Public Schools. Almost without
exception, everyone answered that they liked having the flexibility to choose the school in which to send our children.Well, you can call me the odd guy out on this one – because I’m here to tell you that having a choice stressed me out! Now some of you have heard this story – so bare with me. Choosing an elementary school for Brendan, in my mind was more difficult than choosing a college for myself. I mean, let’s put this into perspective – I would only spend four years in college. But Brendan would be in elementary school for 6 six years. And if you add Brendan’s brothers, the Novak’s would spend eleven years at any one school. We finally narrowed it down to two schools, Claremont and our neighborhood school, which is within walking distance from our house. Now, as we like to say in Arlington: “there are no bad choices” when it comes to schools. But at the time, Claremont was a new and untested school. This was a difficult and important decision. So to make our final decision we did what any good parent would do. We left the decision to Brendan. And when he said he wanted to go to the Spanish school, we did up all the paperwork and signed him up. It wasn’t until a month later that one of our friends asked Brendan why he chose Claremont and he answered very matter of factly, “I want to ride the bus to school.”
In the end, I’m glad Brendan chose Claremont regardless of his reasoning. I’ve enjoyed watching many of you grow up together. It happened so fast. Birthday parties, play dates and sleepovers. But I particularly enjoyed going to the Outdoor Lab with you a couple weeks ago. I was most impressed with a group of girls who came together to help their friend through some adversity.
When Julia’s clothes and sleeping bag became soaked when they fell outside the tent, her friends came to her side. They gave her some of their dry clothing and then tried to figure out how to keep her warm through the night. The most impressive thing – is that this all happened without drama. No one got upset, no one blamed someone else. It was a very mature reaction to a difficult situation and I suspect it is reflective how you have all grown to who you are today.Here is the cool thing about elementary school – you guys have become good friends with your classmates. In some cases – best friends. Many you will continue to be friends in middle school, through high school and college. Many of you will stay friends even if you go to different schools next year, or in high school. Some of your friends – will be your friends for the rest of your life.
But here is what I as a parent did not expect. I too have made friends – with your parents, your teachers and the school staff. We met and hung out at the bus stop or in the lobby after dropping you off. We bonded while working together on school parties or attending class trips. And we stressed a bit while working on PTA fund raisers. And finally – we called each other when your backpacks were such a mess that all hopes of locating the Tuesday packet were lost. I will stay in touch with many of your parents for years after you graduate 5th grade – and some I will stay friends with well after you have graduated from college.
Much has and will be made of the fact that you are the first class to go through Claremont - Kindergarten through 5th grade. This celebration is well deserved. You have had a lot to do with how this school has shaped itself and personality it has taken on. But you should also recognize
the other people who were also key to the development of Claremont – namely my friends: your teachers, the staff and your parents.Fifth graders – while this evening is about you, I think it is also appropriate to thank those who helped you get here. So kids - please stand and lets say a great big thank you on the count of 3.
So now I reflect back on Brendan’s very first day of school when Brendan’s dad and I walked him to the bus stop where we met the first of many parents with whom we would become friends. As you sit here tonight I suggest that you too reflect back on your years here at Claremont as you anticipate your exciting future.
Congratulations and GOOD LUCK!
