In January 1961, in his inaugural address to our nation, John F. Kennedy called the country to service: “And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for country.”

Many may not know that this eloquent call was modeled after the comments of the headmaster of Kennedy’s former school, Choate.

“As has often been said, the youth who loves his alma matter will always ask not ‘What can she do for me?’ but, ‘What can I do for her?”

More than five decades after Kennedy thought about his school and inspired the world with his words, we should continue to follow his advice right here at Fenton High School.

In the 2014-15 school year, we students, staff and administrators must continue not only to create the best possible environment for teaching and learning, but also we must continue to dedicate ourselves to the difficult, creative work of teaching and learning.

This means that teachers and staff will be expected to stretch ourselves and increase our capacity for providing relevant, engaging instruction, using the new technologies our recent successful bond campaign will provide. And this will not be easy. We will have to demonstrate our patience as we grow as educators. We will have to ensure that all students thrive. All of us who have been involved in education, some for just a few years, others for many, will have to examine our practices and use technology to enhance and improve our efforts on behalf of students. It will be an exciting year to be teaching and supporting the learning of students at Fenton High School.

Dedicating ourselves to the difficult, creative work of teaching and learning means students will also be expected to stretch themselves and increase their capacity for using new technologies to increase their skills. Students will required to approach problems with open mindedness and increase their inquiry into course content and the ever shrinking, ever-flattening world around them. Students will be asked to take risks to challenge themselves with difficult academic coursework, athletic competition and extracurricular activities. Students will continue to be asked to care for the well being of others. Students must answer the call to contribute to their school and community, and in doing so, build themselves into knowledgeable and caring citizens.

I am confident that as a learning community, all of us at FHS will find success in our efforts in the days and weeks ahead. With careful reflection on all the success we have achieved, and the reflection on our work in the coming year as we progress, we will become more knowledgeable and continue to find success.