“Action expresses priorities.” Mahatma Gandhi
As 2026 begins, I have been reflecting on the importance of intention. Instead of making resolutions that often fade quickly, I am focusing on the daily choices that shape our character.
At Warren Point Elementary, Principal Gons read Jon Gordon’s “One Word for Kids” to students and asked them to choose a word to guide their year. Classes created large “word bracelets” from pool noodles, and now they hang in the gym. These bracelets show how our students are thinking about their futures. We can all take something from this idea. What word would you choose for 2026?
Intention takes courage. On January 8th, we started Revolution 250 at Fair Lawn High School to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey. Seeing our students connect with this history reminded me that the founders acted with strong purpose. Ordinary people made bold choices and changed history. The town crier and Captain Cutter added some humor to the night. The event showed us that real change starts with taking action on purpose.
Intention also means sticking with it. A Memorial Middle School wrestler finished fifth at the Tulsa Nationals, considered the toughest youth wrestling tournament in the country. He is the first Fair Lawn wrestler to place there in more than twenty years. This achievement shows dedication and competitive spirit. He earned his spot by working hard at every practice.
Intention grows when we share it. Our FLHS girls foil squad won division championships two years in a row at the Santelli Tournament at Drew University. Their 77-4 record is the best in the state. Their coach praised their resilience and how “credit constantly gets spread around.” When each person brings intention, the whole team succeeds.
Intention extends to the systems we build. Last week, NJ Department of Education officials toured our computer science, coding, engineering, and design thinking programs and left calling it the “highlight of their week”. That’s intentional design at work.
Looking at these stories from our district, I notice a common theme. Our students are not just letting the year happen—they are shaping it with purpose.
Let’s bring that same sense of purpose to 2026. Let’s choose our words, act with courage, keep going through challenges, and support each other along the way.
With gratitude,
