Special Message from Mr. Meloche

Dear Berkley High School community,

In what feels like the blink of an eye, we find ourselves at Thanksgiving break.  In past years, it seems like the lead-up to this time can feel, at times, interminable.  With regard to this year, however, I think I speak for a lot of us in saying that simply wasn’t the case.  For me, personally, this semester has been one of the fastest I can ever remember.  In fact, it seems like just yesterday we were gearing up for the senior sunrise and celebrating our homecoming week.  As we flash forward to the present time, however, we are looking at only five more weeks of school remaining in the first semester.  Truly, I can’t believe it.

Now, while the quick progression of a school year can often bring welcome relief for many students, I think it can also give many of them major “time is running out” vibes.  If that’s how you are feeling at this moment, please just take a deep breath and know that all will be well.  If your classes aren’t going exactly as planned, there’s still time to turn it around.  If you haven’t reached those goals you set forth at the beginning of the year, you can still get there.  We’ve got a lot of time left in the semester and I believe in each of your abilities to be the best version of yourself I know you want to be.

As you head into your first extended school break this year, I’m hoping that all of you can take time to pause, catch your breath, reflect and gear up for what’s ahead.  I also hope that your break is filled with an abundance of time with those you love most.  To me, being around those folks is the best reminder of the constant support we receive (both big and little) from everyone around us daily.  It’s also one of the reasons that Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays.

In the spirit of slowing down and appreciating those supports in our lives, I’d like to take a moment to give thanks to the people who help me be the best version of myself.

To the staff of BHS.  Thank you for working so incredibly hard to help our students attain their best form of success and achievement.

To the students of BHS.  Thank you for continuing to surprise me, even after 17 years, with your ingenuity, kindness, creativity and resourcefulness.

To the parents and guardians of BHS, thank you for your never ending support of your students and our staff so that we can accomplish great things.

To my family and friends, thank you for having my back every step of the way so that I can be myself and lead BHS into whatever lies ahead.

There is a Hausa proverb that states, “give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot.”  I love this proverb because it reminds me that it really is the little things that keep us going.  Those small, seemingly insignificant, acts of kindness and support we receive from others are, in my opinion, the most important.  I hope that you, too, can find time to hand out some thanks and show appreciation to those around you.  Truly, I believe that our “little thanks” will lead to us finding a lot more than we thought was there.

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Take care,

Andy Meloche

Principal