For most of us autumn is a favorite time of year as it unfolds an array of spectacular colors. With over 170 million acres of land in the twenty Northeastern states a unique multicolor rainbow is found in October and November. Each color is defined by its leaf and type of tree - conifers (cone-bearing trees as pine, spruce, and hemlock) and deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves each year such as maple, oak, birch, and aspen). Oaks turn red, brown, or russet; Hickories turn golden bronze; Dogwood turns purplish red; Beech turns light tan; Red maple turns brilliant scarlet’ Sugar maple turns orange-red; Black maple turns glowing yellow; Sourwood and black tupelo turn crimson; Aspen, birch, and yellow-popular turn golden yellow.
Like nature, we too, change every year. With anywhere from 6,000 to 12,000 thoughts a day, we are older and wiser from more knowledge and insight. New ideas begin to develop from life experiences and different perspectives challenge our opinions. We welcome new family members, friends, and pets. But what is most wonderful? The rich diversity we bring to each new experience. As a result, we grow as individuals because of change and this is what we formally refer to as learning.
Entering another season of change, I am excited about the opportunity to learn from each and every one of you. Students, teachers, and parents (alike) every experience we encounter together teaches us valuable lessons. These lessons are sometimes simple and other times difficult. The choices made or not made define one’s ability to be flexible and open to change our personal foliage. I look forward to our development as a community of spectacular colors.
~Dr. Rodriguez
