Slow Down, Speed Limit, Watch Your Step, Stop, Slow, Caution.

Written By Mrs. Beth Azar, Principal

     As I drive into Nixon Elementary School each morning, there are signs all around.  Everywhere I turn, there are words telling me to slow down.  Most of the time, when we read these signs, we think it refers to driving. However, the other morning as I was driving through Roxbury, it occurred to me that maybe these signs were not only speaking to us as we drive, but maybe these signs are meant to help us as busy human beings.  We are so scheduled with our many tasks that we sometimes forget to slow down and enjoy what is around us.  We forget the simple things we may be missing because we are in such a hurry.      As a new-comer to the Roxbury Township School District, I thought, slowing down and perhaps rebelling against very busy schedules, moving in slow motion would enable me to experience all the wonderful things that are happening in Roxbury and in particular at Nixon Elementary School.

    To that end, I slowed down just enough to take a look at Lake Hopatcong in the winter.  The trees barely shielded my view, as I drove along Mount Arlington Blvd.  While the water is frozen, I watched little feet sliding across the ice, and heard laughter echoing through the treetops. I saw children on the edges of the water making snow piles for igloos and snowballs for throwing. I thought about the fun, I once had as child in the snow.

    As I continued on my slow drive, I saw workers carefully clearing streets and sidewalks, sprinkling salt so everyone would be safe.

    Have you slowed down in your busy day, to see children getting ready for school - all bundled up, with hats and mittens, boots and backpacks, anxiously awaiting the bus trip into school? I wondered what they must be thinking.  What was their morning like?  Would this be a wonderful day at school?

     I settled into my parking space, and entered into a warm building, greeted by so many.  The custodians had checked and rechecked the utilities throughout the building to make sure students would be warm and classrooms were ready. They had cleared the ice and snow so we could all walk into the building safely.

     I stood with a group of teachers to greet each student by name as they came into school with a heartfelt and cheery, “Good Morning!”  Many students looked up surprised and smiled; many gave hugs to each of us.  Many students wanted to share their latest news!  Some even came with letters or notes!

         After all students had entered the building and settled into their classrooms, I made my routine rounds.  I slowly, watched my steps as I passed each classroom door.  I saw students and teachers interacting in every classroom.  I peeked into the window boxes to see the faces on the children as they were working and learning.  Children were busy writing and others were reading. I observed teachers using technology in the form of a Smart board where students were actively engaged in the lessons.  Even the littlest learners were able to experience something new. The sound and the feeling of excitement arose inside of me, as I realized all that was taking place at Nixon Elementary School. 

  I wandered through the kindergarten classrooms, where students stopped to be respectful and say good morning.  I continued down the hall and noticed all the materials and work created by the students.  I read stories written, tried to solve math problems and enjoyed looking at the art work that lined the hallways.  I stopped to take a look at the Nature Center, where parents and students had so generously given of their time to provide this beautiful place for children to learn about nature. I continued through other classrooms, listening to students and watching the developed rapport between teachers and students.  School counselors were working with students to not only build character, but to help them learn to cope with difficulties at home or school.  Speech teachers and ESL teachers were working with students to help them become confident communicators.  Special Education teachers were celebrating the smallest and largest of successes.

     I slowly entered the new beautiful gym, where teachers were helping students learn to slow down. These students were learning to work together to learn to square dance!  Encouragement for students was witnessed, as some shy students, began to feel the energy and try!

     I left with a feeling of happiness that our children are being exposed to so many wonderful opportunities.  I then entered the computer lab, where students were busy exploring new ways of learning, then into the library where the love of reading is abounding!  Books, books, books!  Everywhere!  New titles and old titles, mysteries, fiction, and nonfiction books to name a few, were arranged neatly on the shelves.

     I ventured into the lunchroom where lunch was being carefully prepared.  Smells of delicious foods filled the air.  Every detail was being addressed down to the last grain of sugar.

     I made it back into the office where the office assistants were busy answering calls, registering students, preparing paperwork, and helping students. The nurse was very calmly speaking to a student to assess symptoms, while administering insulin to a student with diabetes.

    I came full circle.  The signs that inspired me in the morning to slow down,

had encouraged me to reflect, redirect and slow down.  I settled into my office to tackle the mounds of paperwork that easily accumulates on my desk.  As I began to be immersed in my task at hand, I hear foot steps pass my office and stop.  I look up to see two little eyes peering around the doorway.  I hear a tiny voice say, “Mrs. Azar, I like your pink office!”  I smile and she smiles.  I respond with a thank you knowing that the “thank you” meant a whole lot more!

Life is what's happening when you're too busy to notice."
-Wayne Muller