Nov. 25-29

by Melanie Sylvester · Published November 22, 2019 · Updated November 25, 2019

Dear ES Team,

This morning, I woke up compelled to share this personal story:

In November 2012, a culture of complaining was beginning to develop at the Community School of Naples (where I was working)– and minor inconveniences were escalating the emotions of faculty, staff, and parents.

During that time, Shea Maurer was a Grade 5 student—she was Maddie’s good friend, and Kate’s best friend’s sister. Shea’s family life was a bit complicated, but her joy was simple. She was a free spirit and loved singing and dancing—often on top of the picnic tables! Her smile was contagious and she loved the color purple!

On Thanksgiving Day 2012, just before we were sitting down to dinner, Shea’s family called us from their farm in Ohio and told us that Shea was in a tragic ATV accident and had passed away. In an instant, life recalibrated. I was completely overwhelmed and felt ashamed to have complained about life being tough just a week before– the burdens and inconveniences that were consuming my energy before this tragedy were now so insignificant. Navigating heartache and supporting Shea’s family and our school community through the grieving process changed my life. It was the memories of Shea’s carefree nature, love of life, and perpetually positive attitude that helped us through this difficult time. During those days of darkness, her spirit gave us the light we needed to see the world through a different lens.

Just weeks after her death—we celebrated Shea’s 11th birthday in true Shea spirit by wearing purple and organizing a talent show in her honor. That year, Shea’s family built a beautiful amphitheater on our campus and now The Shea Day Talent Show is held there on her birthday each year!

Shea still shines on in my heart and is my gentle and perpetual reminder to be grateful for each day, to find joy in simplicity, and to always put life’s burdens and inconveniences into perspective. I hope that during this stressful, deadline driven time of year, the joy of Shea can help us all shine on!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Donna

Reminder:

Please remember to sign up for the SSIS Holiday Party

Useful Information:

Our yearbook theme this year is Building our Future– framed in a construction site theme. As we think about grade level photos, we’d like to collect (borrow) some costumes and props. Please bring any items to Minh.
Please remember to book our school photographer if you have a special event.
SSIS Wellness Blog: Wellness@SSIS

Weekly Snapshot:

Sunday, November 24