Japhet School

Reflecting on Graduation with Gratitude: 6/15/20

Even though the school year has come to an end, it’s important that we stay connected. So with that in mind, I’ll be writing to you every Monday with thoughts and information that will do just that ~ keep the Japhet Community connected and informed. 

First, a few things you should know as we shift into summer. Access to the school building will be by appointment only, with those entering wearing masks. The administration team continues to fulfill its responsibilities both onsite and remotely. Should you need to reach us, you may continue to do so through email or by calling Japhet School. 

My focus now is on preparing for the opening of our 2020-2021 school year. The top priority for all is the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Beginning this fall, I’m hopefully optimistic that instruction and classes will be held in our school building.  Japhet School will abide by all guidelines set forth by the Michigan Department of Health. We are already taking steps to prepare for the increased requirements for sanitizing and cleaning throughout the school day. I will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Stay tuned!

Perhaps you were able to join us for our first-ever virtual Graduation Ceremony. If you missed it or would like to experience it again, you may visit Japhet School’s website. I’m proud that we were able to honor our graduates and that their individual accomplishments were recognized. The following are quotes from our two speakers that are particularly relevant today. 

From Ryan Hoyle, Japhet parent: “The opportunity that is most encouraging to me is the opportunity to come together and make our community…our global community…a better place. A place more like Japhet School where all community members can walk freely and with joy knowing they are safe and secure. A community where all members have equal access to the things they need to succeed. A community where justice means the same thing for everyone and respect for others enables peace in spite of our differences. A community where patriotism and humility come together so we can all share in the benefits of innovation and industry from around the globe.” 

From Kelly Mazurkiewicz, Japhet alum and member of the Japhet Board of Trustees:  “…being a graduate of Japhet School, I know that the character qualities you have learned are what have helped you to persevere during these tough times. They are what you will use to overcome any obstacle in your path…The foundation I have to work from comes from Japhet School. The character that I express through my thoughts, words, and actions every day are, in my opinion, what gets noticed by others that I work with. The initiative I take to start a new project or make a decision. The humility I have for those on my team as I learn new things. The respect I have for others ~ their ideas, their differences, their experiences.”

How fortunate we are to have both Kelly and Ryan as members of the Japhet Community! Together they acknowledge and recognize the absolute importance of Japhet School ~ a nationally recognized School of Character ~ to remain vigilant in its mission to nurture and prepare each child for life by integrating character education with a strong academic program.I promise that I will remain vigilant at my post and continue to keep you informed  ~ let’s stay connected! 

In closing, I share words from Martin Luther King Jr.: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character ~ that is the goal of true education.”

Kerri G. Vizena
Head of School