Dear Culver City Community,

 

Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year! Let’s extend a special greeting to those who are new to the Culver City Unified School District. They have joined an exceptional group of dedicated employees whose sincere commitment to quality education and service has led to high levels of student achievement and recognition. During the 2010-2011 school year, we will face some challenges, but if we work as a team, we can address these challenges in a thoughtful and proactive manner. To achieve this end, let us remember…

 

LESSONS FROM GEESE—Angeles Arrien

 

Geese flying a V-formation have always been a welcome sign of spring as well as a sign that heralds the coming of winter. Not only is this a marvelous sign, but there are some remarkable lessons that we can learn from the flight of the geese, because all that they do has significance.

 

1.  As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for others behind it. There is 71 percent more flying

     range in V-formation than in flying alone.

     Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of purpose can get there more quickly.

 

2.  Whenever a goose flies out of formation, it feels drag and tries to get back into position. 

     Lesson: It’s harder to do something alone than together.

 

3.  When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the head.

     Lesson: Shared leadership and interdependence give us each a chance to lead as well as an opportunity

     to rest.

 

4.  The geese flying in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

     Lesson: Encouragement is motivating. We need to make sure our “honking” is encouraging— 

     and not discouraging.

 

5.  When a goose gets sick or wounded and falls, two geese fall out and stay with it until it revives or dies.  

     Then they catch up or join another flock.

 

     Lesson: We may all need help from time to time. We should stand by our colleagues in difficult times.

 

As the school year progresses, we will be forming two new committees: the Environmental Sustainability Committee and the Measure EE Parcel Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee. More information regarding these committees will be posted in September/October, 2010. We will also be setting up budget workshops so that all members of the Culver City community are informed about the budget challenges that we are facing.

 

I look forward to working with all of you collaboratively as we continue to make the Culver City Unified School District the very best place for children to learn. Let us stand together to make this a successful school year.

 

Sincerely,

Patricia W. Jaffe

Interim Superintendent

 

August 2010