A Message from Dr. Tracey Gregory, MPE President

Hard to believe the fall semester, or the second term of the school year, is already here. I hope everyone has had a strong and purposeful start to the 2025–2026 school year. And if things haven’t gotten off to the best start, take heart. That’s okay. Each new day offers the opportunity to begin again with fresh intention. The beginning may have felt rushed, uncertain, or overwhelming, but it does not define the direction for the rest of the year.

One of my favorite reminders comes from C.S. Lewis, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” These words offer us a powerful truth, no matter how your year began, you still have the power to shape what comes next. As educators, we often face situations beyond our control, yet we continue to show up and give our best. This quote speaks directly to the spirit of hope, resilience, and perseverance, which are essential for sustaining ourselves in this work.

Hope reassures us that something better is possible. Even when challenges arise, hope keeps us believing that change and improvement are within reach. It allows us to approach each student, each lesson, and each responsibility with optimism and renewed energy. Hope reminds us that our impact, though sometimes unseen, is never wasted. It is the quiet force behind our commitment, helping us maintain perspective when the days feel long.

Resilience helps us bounce back when life gets hard. We all know that school years rarely go exactly as planned. Whether it’s a policy shift, a difficult parent meeting, or a personal hardship, resilience gives us the strength to respond rather than retreat. It teaches us to adjust without giving up. And when we model resilience, we show our students how to navigate life with courage and adaptability.

Perseverance gives us the grit to keep going. It is the steady force that drives us to keep showing up, even when the work or life itself feels heavy. Perseverance tells us that consistency matters, and that staying the course will pay off in ways we may not yet see. As educators, we don’t always get instant feedback, but the seeds we plant today grow into futures we may never fully witness. Still, we press on, trusting in the lasting value of our efforts.

This school year, I encourage you to reflect on how you embody hope, resilience, and perseverance. Celebrate the progress you’ve made so far, no matter how small it may seem. Extend grace to yourself when things don’t go as planned, and trust that your effort is enough. You don’t have to be perfect, just faithful and consistent. You are making a difference every single day, simply by showing up and giving your best.