January was an interesting month in our schools and the world in general.

The earthquake in Haiti has touched the lives of many people in Waltham. The Haitian population is the third largest in the Waltham Public Schools and as a result many of our staff, students and community members have suffered great losses. Our students, staff, and administrators have once again risen to the occasion in response to this tragedy. Fundraisers of all sorts have been conducted throughout the district with thousands of dollars being earmarked for Haitian relief. I would like to thank everyone in the school system for their efforts to help their friends, neighbors, classmates, and co-workers.

January was also a month in which we have seen the worst case scenarios that result from bullying. The news media is filled with stories about the impact bullying has on students with one case resulting in suicide. These public examples of bullying are added reasons it is important why you should continue to be diligent with your children about any bullying they are subjected to or they are aware of. Anything you can do to establish or maintain good communication with your children is to their benefit. To demonstrate the importance we place on anti-bullying efforts; Kennedy Middle School has identified bullying as a theme this month. This anti-bullying effort includes a series of activities that help students deal with bullies. In addition, the middle schools have as a component of their curriculum, a focus on bullying and how children might engage adults when they are being bullied. All elementary schools are involved in an Open Circle program which focuses in on bullying and sharing information with adults when they need support.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly congratulate Jennifer Hacker, our newly appointed principal at Stanley Elementary School. Mrs. Hacker will begin this position in the 2010-11 school year. I would also like to thank the staff, parents, and School Committee members who served on the two committees that resulted in finding a new principal.