A Year of Resilience, Gratitude, and Looking Forward

Dear Creative Minds Community,

As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared in 2024. There were certainly some challenges during 2024, both at Creative Minds and in the world.  However, remembering our purpose and working together, we have faced our challenges with resilience and accomplished much.  In the end, we have renewed our commitment to our mission to cultivate within ALL of our students the mindset, skills, creativity, and commitment to equity essential in becoming globally aware and independently minded citizens.

Our community’s resilience and love reminds me of when my mom, a single mother raising two children on a nurse’s salary, would take us to midnight mass on Christmas Eve. She would make us stop on the way to church at the Woolworth’s Five and Dime (like a Dollar General store), and we’d spend whatever money we had (knowing there would be fewer presents under the tree) to buy blankets that she would make us give to people sleeping in the doorways on the street corners.  She showed such humanity and resilience in her life that she inspired all of my life choices – that level of empathy, charity, and kindness is something we should aspire to, whatever our challenges may be. I know each of us has a story of personal or professional resilience and kindness that we should stop and reflect on this time of year and use that energy to refuel our relationships and work.

This year, we faced moments that tested our strength and adaptability, such as discovering lead dust issues. We acted as fast as we could and focused on safety above all. I am thankful you trusted us in this process and for your flexibility as we addressed the situation.

Additionally, I am happy to share just a few of the many highlights from the year:

• We received recognition from the International Curriculum Association, making us the only charter school nationwide with this accreditation. The International Curriculum is integral to who we are and how we educate our students. We are proud to have received this acknowledgment.

• We set a vision for our community and spelled out the values we hold dear. I look forward to realizing our vision of creating equitable learning opportunities for all students to become creative thinkers equipped to make a global impact.

• Several of our middle school students participated in the One World competition. All of our students did well. Two students took top awards, placing 1st and 3rd in the essay contest.

• The Creative Minds Debate Team does well in local and regional competitions.

• We have really ramped up our communication and engagement efforts through regular updates and more opportunities for families to participate in their student’s learning.

As we turn the page to a new year, we will carry forward the lessons learned and our renewed sense of purpose. In 2025, we will continue building a school community where every student is known, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

To our students: Thank you for your curiosity, effort, and determination. You bring us joy and inspire us every single day.

To our families: Thank you for trusting us to be a part of your child’s journey and for your partnership in their education.

To our teachers and staff: Thank you for your tireless dedication and passion. You are the heart of our school.

Wishing you all a restful holiday season filled with joy, peace, and time with loved ones. May 2025 bring continued growth, connection, and success for our Creative Minds community.

With gratitude and hope,

Chuck