“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.

Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”               

                                                                                        Helen Keller

It is hard to believe that the end of the 2008-2009 school year is almost here. This is supposed to be a letter of reflection, reflecting on the years past and focusing on the achievements that were accomplished as well as looking toward the future.

Our year at Renaissance Learning Center started off with pride and celebration.  We were celebrating our 10 year anniversary as a charter school, a feat only met by one other charter school in Palm Beach County.  But soon into the year we would be faced with the first of many challenges that would test our mettle; the passing of our dear Kaitlin Bacile.  We came together as a school family to offer support to her family and each other.  Her feisty spirit has been with us throughout the school year.  We have dedicated this year’s yearbook to Kaitlin.  She and her family will be in our hearts forever.

The school year continued.  We celebrated with family and friends at our fourth annual Fall Festival…the best one yet! We then were faced with another challenge – the beginning of the FLDOE’s first of three budget cuts for the year, over $100,000 in total.  How would we manage??  We again faced this challenge as a school family, with everyone committed to find solutions so that the quality of our staff and educational program would not suffer.  If you walk in the front door and continue down the hallways you will see the result of everyone’s efforts.  You will see and feel laughter (and tears), music and dance, learning, playing, communicating (verbal and nonverbal), and LOVE.  Isn’t that what it is all about?   

Our staff has made many sacrifices during the year, but continued to provide the quality education that the students deserve.  For that I am forever grateful and in awe of you every day.  Our Board, and parents, led by our tireless SAC/PTO, and our partner the APPBC have and continue to look for ways to get us through these difficult financial times.  We could not continue without your support.  Our students never cease to amaze me with their courage and strength while trying to overcome so many obstacles in their lives.  It is a privilege to be part of their journey.

We have been blessed with the support of many hardworking volunteers throughout the year.  Your unsung efforts are an inspiration.  Thank you for giving your time and talent to RLC.

Let’s end with a recap of the memorable times at RLC this year….  The 4^th Annual Fall Festival, the Barnes and Noble Book Fair, the Young brothers violin concerts, Gingerbread Shop and awesome Holiday Music Program, our great staff holiday party, our beautiful Butterfly Garden Dedication, our Team Kaitlin,“Sea of Pink” at the Walk, Gymnastics, Music, Art, VSA, Muffin, hair cuts, Cookies, and Lollipop Sales, Explorers Club activities, field trips, fund raisers (Bloomingdales, Yankee Candle, CPK, Comedy Night, Wine and Food Festival, etc.), and so much more that weaves the rich tapestry that makes Renaissance Learning Center a truly extraordinary place.

I say we relish our challenges, learn from them, grow because of them, and move onto the next one with positive anticipation and gratitude and continue to keep faithful to the mission and vision that began 10 years ago.

                                                                                   Debi