Hope Is a Powerful Thing

Head's Message by Dr. Jenn Milam

I find the start of a new school year to be energizing, wildly exciting, and a place where new beginnings lead to new friendships and great adventures that build into lasting memories. I also find the new year a time of overflowing HOPE! Quite literally defined as a noun, hope is “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” Hope is an emotion, a feeling, a propelling force of awesomeness that keeps our human brains focused on the future. 

Many of you have found your way to Winston, with your young people, from places of struggle, an unexpected result in an educational evaluation, or the need for a new environment because the last one didn’t fit just right. At the core of that seeking, of searching for a place where your family would be welcome and supported, was/is HOPE. Hope for a place that really “sees” your student, hope for a place where you might connect with others who are sharing a similar journey of parenting, and most likely, a hope for a return of the joy and love of learning in your home. Like most schools, Winston is, inherently, a place of hope - raising and educating children is an act of hope. At Winston, hope is a verb. 

The leadership team and I have spent the summer working through various processes, procedures, policies, and practices to ensure that our school “works” for all members of our community. We have done this together, intentionally and with an unwavering commitment to asset-based, servant leadership, that holds at the center the promise of young people who have strengths, talents, and potential to share with the world. Working from a hope-full and asset-focused perspective with neurodivergent young people, enables positive problem-solving and creates a learning environment where innovative pedagogy and meaningful curriculum connection build confidence and success. Working with students who learn differently means the grown-ups have to teach differently, lead differently, and be differently. 

The first day of school this year was one of the most joyful and hope-filled days of my career. Watching your young people walk, skip, and, in some cases, dance their way down the red carpet, was just incredible! Let us, the grown-ups, continue to care for, support, and nurture from a place of hope - as a noun, but always, most importantly, as a verb - as the guiding and powerful act of doing, being, and giving hope. Hope is important - and it is powerful.