This summer I had the privilege of attending the Broadway hit musical, Come from Away. Not one of my normal endeavors (if I’m being honest, I’d much prefer a sports arena to a stage), and I initially balked at the idea of spending an evening “out of my comfort zone.”

However, my attending this particular show was no accident. As I prepared myself for the new school year, I decided that I would speak to the staff about being teammates, not just team members; emphasizing that we don’t just “play” on the same team, but we actually care about and support one another. That, in turn, transfers to the students we teach and interact with every day.

To my surprise, this gem of a show reiterated my sentiments. The show was based on a true story about 9/11, and how when U.S. airspace closed, many planes had to make an emergency landing in the small town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada—a town roughly the size of our Sandy Valley area. Most passengers stayed on their planes for 24 hours or more, waiting for security and customs to mobilize.

When the townspeople heard that they had over 7,000 guests (their total population was 9,000; ours is about 8,100), they quickly came together to provide food, shelter, and supplies at no cost to their guests. Many people stayed up all night making the necessary preparations for the people who had “come from away.” As the president and CEO of Playhouse Square, Gina Vernacci, suggested, just try to imagine the needs of this many international visitors – physically, medically and spiritually.

To see this story unfold on the stage reinforced my continued faith in humanity; and although it wasn’t my “typical” ballgame, it beautifully displayed the idea I wanted my staff to understand. Being a teammate and not merely a team member grants us significance which perpetuates success.

I think Ms. Vernacci summed it up best: “Come From Away fills me with the blissful conviction that when we see what strangers can do in times of trouble, the sky should be the limit for people who know each other - to work amicably to identify and advance our common goals. Then, perhaps, we could all take flight in the expansive sky of great possibilities.”

I have seen our community demonstrate the same heart these Newfoundlanders had; I am very proud to serve here, and I cannot wait to experience the future possibilities.

David J. Fischer, Superintendent

Go Cards!!