Principal's Message

Dear Students,

We are now into the holiday season and ultimately to the beginning of the New Year. We have much to be thankful for. The support of family and friends, the opportunity to get a wonderful education, and hopefully good health for everyone are reason for all of us to reflect and appreciate what we have. During this time of the year I hope everyone can think of giving rather than just receiving.

During the holiday season we are fortunate that many things are done at Memorial to help those in need. The student council has been very active in sponsoring many activities such as candy sales, bake sales, and other things to raise money to help those in need. To date, the council has raised almost $200 dollars to purchase toys for those children who do not have them. For Thanksgiving the Center for Food Action in Elmwood Park was able to distribute a Thanksgiving Dinner and all of the trimmings to 121 needy families consisting of 353 people. This could not have been done without your generous support. I am very proud of everyone for supporting these activities. I am also proud of Mrs. Costa and Mrs. Levine for all of the work they have done to make the student council as effective as it is. They have done an enormous amount of work this year.

I would also like to commend Mrs. Appel for organizing a program to collect software for computers which will be given to those in need. Last year Mrs. Appel organized a most successful "Coats From Kids" program. Mrs. Appel is also asking Fair Lawn merchants to donate software. Homerooms donating the most "holiday gifts" will receive awards and a gift certificate.

The types of activities mentioned above make Memorial a wonderful school. I cannot emphasize enough how proud I am of our school. We have teachers who care a great deal about you and want to help in every way possible. It does not just end wiTh teachers, because we have secretaries who work hard to do all of the tasks to make the school run effectively, and a custodial staff that keeps our school very clean. The school, however, is only as effective as you make it. We can provide you with every opportunity but if you choose not to use these opportunities, you are making an enormous mistake.

While I don’t generally encourage new year resolutions I would ask that everyone make one which is to do the best that you can all of the time. As we begin the new millennium, the best gift that you can give yourself and to your parents is to always do your best. When you do your best no one can criticize you.

My best wishes to you and to your families for a great holiday and a happy 2000.