Dear RCS Families,
In his First Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln spoke of "the mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land." That word—hearthstone—captures something essential. The hearthstone was the foundation of the fireplace, the literal and symbolic center of home. It was where families gathered, where warmth radiated outward, where the most important lessons were learned.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm thinking about that word and all it represents. Home is where children learn their first lessons about kindness, resilience, and character. It's where values take root long before they ever reach our classrooms. In these first five months at RCS, I've come to understand something important: our schools can only be as strong as the homes we serve.
You are an essential piece of what makes this district work. When you read with your child at bedtime, you're building literacy. When you ask about their day and really listen, you're teaching them their voice matters. When you help them navigate disappointment or celebrate their growth, you're shaping who they're becoming. These aren't small things. They're the foundation of everything we try to accomplish together.
Education has always been a partnership, and I'm grateful for the trust you place in us. I see it when you send your children through our doors each morning. I feel it in your emails, your questions, and your presence at events. You care deeply, and that matters more than you might realize.
This Thanksgiving, I want to offer you the same challenge I've given our staff: make gratitude visible. Thank someone who has influenced your child's growth: a teacher, a coach, a bus driver, a friend's parent. Help your children identify what they're grateful for and encourage them to express it. Write a note. Say it out loud. Gratitude isn't just something we feel; it becomes real when we share it.
Our district is a puzzle, and your family is a vital piece. Thank you for the grace you extend to us, for the partnership you offer, and for the privilege of serving your children. They are the reason we're here, and watching them grow is the greatest blessing of this work.
Wishing your family a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, rest, and meaningful connection.
With gratitude,
Craig P. Chandler
Superintendent
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District
