A Fond Farewell to my Family at F.L.I.C.S
Hello FLICS Family:
As many of you know, my family, the Gray family, has not returned to FLICS this year. I want to take this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone of you have made the last 4 years wonderful for us. Although I am no longer going to be there on a daily basis, please know that I am a long-term advocate and supporter of a school that gave my children the best start possible.
There were many factors that impacted our move, and the primary factor for us was proximity. We live on the FAR east-side of the city and the rising cost of gas was wreaking havoc on our pocketbook. Can I get an amen?!
My children are adjusting well to their new environment, but you know, there’s nothing like family. The Parent Room at FLICS after school was a place my children could go to feel grounded, to see safe adults collaborating together towards the betterment of the school. It’s a place they saw parents laugh, disagree, and come back to the table. Sometimes they might even get a snack there while they waited for me to pick them up after school.
I’m not trying to get all mushy or anything, but FLICS kept me grounded too. It was a place where I saw great ideas come into form with the will and support of the parents and families there. Everytime I walked in the building, I reminded myself that it was the determination of parents, staff, administration, teachers and community that had moved us from our old building to our new home. It is my hope that everyone at FLICS continues to work with our students in mind. Our kids are depending on you!
As we go through some interesting change in the city and in the country, I am proud that I can leave my post as FLICS-LSCO President with my head held high, knowing that I was a part of great work at FLICS. As the LSCO moves forward, make sure that you make a commitment to staying involved. Remember: the NUMBER ONE predictor of student success is family involvement.
You can find me at my Internet home at www.ourchildrencount.com, a site where you can find great information and links to other informative sites. Or please, leave a comment on this or any other blog post so that we can continue to share great ideas together. It has been a blast!
Keep Loving–Keep Loving,
Kija Gray
Tags: education parents children schools changes
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September 25, 2008 at 10:47 am
Hi Kija, sorry to see you leave. Even though we never really had a chance to talk your presence was felt. My children also left FLICS to go to a school closer by and yes they miss the experience. I am glad your family is adjusting and we too miss the experiences of FLICS. It was like a family, or as I used to call it a lil Noah’s Ark. Good Luck to you and yours.
September 25, 2008 at 12:41 pm
You will be missed. Keep in touch. I am looking for another tea party!
September 25, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Kija,
I’m so saddened to hear that you haven’t returned to FLICS. As you know Jayla and Zwena were fast friends and I wish you and your family nothing but continued success in all your endeavors. I’m sure, as always, I’ll see you downtown on Noel Night this year!
Peace and Blessings
Jayla Dyer and Jennifer Thomas
September 26, 2008 at 2:19 am
Kija,
I was shocked when I read your farewell letter. I’m going to miss seeing you, and especially Kafele and Zwena. However, I do understand the reason for not being able to return to FLICS. It was always a pleasure discussing various topics with you; so keep in touch. God bless you and your family in this new chapter in your lives.
Hugs those “precious pearls” for me.
Cynthia Edwards
September 26, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Dear Kija,
) will definitely be missed. I wish you and your family the best in all the ventures upon which you choose to embark. You may have physically moved on, but y’all are still a part of the the FLICS family. We won’t forget you. Take care and be blessed.
I was not surprised, but somewhat disappointed to find out that your family was not returning to FLICS. You all (y’all
-LaNae
April 8, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I was looking at one of the kids spelling bee shirts and was put into rememberance of soo many great memories and experiences. One thing, and there are quite a few, that I love and appreciate about you and soo many others of the F.L.I.C.S. family is that you rarely encountered who were solely concerned for only their children. We looked and do look out for all of the F.L.I.C.S. KIDS.
Personal Note: I really appreciate how you reaffirmed the strenghs of the children when you were made aware of their abilities not just mine but many. This is something that we as parents need to see in a system that puts the aducation of our children last. Keep on doin it!!!
With much love
Mrs.Harlan and “THE HARLAN 5″
LAUGHS LOVE HUGS AND PRAYERS
October 1, 2010 at 2:56 pm
This is an interesting site!
You are doing a good work for your community keep up the good work.