These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

One of my best-loved songs is from the musical The Sound of Music. The song, My Favorite Things is sung by Julie Andrews. In the musical she plays Maria, the young nanny to the Von Trapp children. Julie sings the melody to ward off unhappy times and thoughts. The song has been performed countless times by other artists as a centerpiece of their Christmas repertoire because it employs a sense of hopefulness, and winter imagery. The song begins with the stanza:

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,

Brown paper packages tied up with string,

These are a few of my favorite things!

During the winter break, I listened to the tune and repeated the familiar words. The song sparked thoughts of my own favorite things, and soon I was listing special memories from LANK. Holidays are the perfect time to reflect on happy times and goodness, and I found many school favorites. Here are a few standouts:

The Perfect Goodbye – There is a LANK mom that walks her daughter to our front door each morning to say goodbye. Mom is dressed for work, and obviously in a bit of a hurry. She kneels down to her child’s level and says: “Have a great day, and remember, be kind.” I find this message completely endearing. Those two words,” be kind” are simple, yet powerful. I can’t think of a more perfect message or gift to give your child on departure.
The Ultimate in Volunteerism – If it takes a village to raise a child, then at LANK we have all the right ingredients. In my short tenure as director, I have been amazed, impressed, and grateful for the countless hours parent volunteers give to our school. Your commitment and convivial spirit make our school exceptional. Thank you for all your help!
Terms of Endearment – Several times a day I am able to get unsolicited hugs from classroom children. During the last week of school I enjoyed sharing Hanukah customs with various classrooms. The three and four day children surrounded me afterwards, in a circle of hugs. There is nothing better!
Banana Bread-Banana bread? It is just one of those simple pleasures like warm woolen mittens! One of our wonderful teachers bakes an exceptional banana bread and brings it in throughout the year for all of her colleagues to share and enjoy. We know when it has arrived, as the aroma fills the halls of LANK!