The start of a new school year is always one of my favorite times. The excitement of seeing familiar faces, the joy of welcoming new students and families, and the opportunities that lie ahead all come together to remind us of why we are here: to create the best possible learning experiences for the students of Hinckley-Big Rock.
This year, we enter the school year with a renewed focus on teaching and learning. Our teachers and staff are energized and ready to support students in every classroom, every grade level, and every building. We know that each day brings new challenges and opportunities, and we are committed to ensuring that every student grows academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the year.
One of the themes we are carrying into this year is something we call the Marigold Effect. In gardening, marigolds are known as companion plants—they help the plants around them thrive. In our schools, the same is true of people. When we surround ourselves with positive, encouraging, and supportive colleagues, students, and families, we create the conditions for growth.
Of course, every garden also has its challenges. Just like walnut trees in a field can harm the plants around them, negativity in a school community can weigh people down. That’s why our staff is focused on being marigolds for one another and for our students—lifting each other up, celebrating successes, and encouraging perseverance when things get tough. This mindset is more than just a metaphor; it is a commitment to creating a culture where our students feel supported, safe, and ready to learn.
This year, you may notice the presence of marigolds in our buildings. Our staff were each given a marigold pin and sticker as a small reminder of the big role positivity plays in a successful school culture. It’s also a symbol of the dedication our staff brings each day to our classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, buses, and athletic fields. We are here for your children, and we are here for one another.
To our students and families: thank you for being an essential part of our HBR community. Your encouragement, partnership, and support fuel the important work we do each day. Together, we will make this school year one filled with growth, achievement, and memorable experiences. You can help us cultivate our future by being marigolds too! When you enter the building, buses, athletic fields, or interact with our staff, remember that kindness and positivity create an environment of growth, whereas negativity poisons the garden.
So, welcome back to another incredible school year. Let’s make it our best yet—let’s cultivate our future as marigolds.
—Jessica Sonntag
Superintendent, Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD 429